I was just wondering if referring to a Jewish person as a "Jew" was offensive to them? I've never done it, but i've heard others say it...even one of my Professors. So, I wasn't sure. I just assumed since it was so widely used, that Jewish people don't have a problem with it. However, the word "Jew" has never sat right with me...it just doesn't sound right. Also, I was wondering if Jesus really was called "The King of Jews" in the Bible? Is it offensive, or is that the right term? Just wondering.
2006-10-20 05:40:41 · 20 answers · asked by LibraT 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sheen, out of all the answers received, yours had to be the most ignorant. Stop being so close minded, and inflammatory.
2006-10-20 05:53:33 · update #1
No, it is not an offensive term. The term 'Jew/Jews' is used hundreds of times in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. It is only how it is used (the context) that can be offensive.
{But realize, it is not synonymous with Israelite. The Jews are only a small fraction of the Israelites.}
When Pilot called (and wrote) that Jesus was the King of the Jews, it was not at the term 'Jews' that they took offense, but at the term 'king'.
2006-10-20 06:07:33 · answer #1 · answered by BC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Jews" is not an offensive term necessairly. It probably doesn't sit right with you because of the words abuse by the ancient Romans and WWII Germans. Yes Jesus was the King of the Jews. Though when on the cross, the words above his head were meant as an insult. But He is not only the King of the Jews, He is the King of all men and women. Jew or otherwise. That you must know.
2006-10-20 05:48:56 · answer #2 · answered by whymachine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the term "Jews" is used repeatedly in the bible. Both old and new testaments. But that doesn't mean it's a proper term. Just means that it's a common term.
In Jerusalem, there is a headboard, thought to be the plaque that went over Jesus's head during the crucifixion. It's called the Titulus.
It says Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews in three languages, Greek, Roman and Hebrew.
But again, that doesn't make it proper. I'd say stick with your instincts. It's always better to be as polite as we can.
2006-10-20 05:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, this is not offensive, it is the same as calling someone a catholic or a baptist. They are Jewish. in singular, a Jew. As long as it isn't said with a tone of voice that is insulting or in a derogatory way it's fine.
2006-10-20 05:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by pickigirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That was what they called Him when they took Him to Pilate. He never called Himself anything but the Son of Man.
I think the PC term is "Jewish people". "Jew" has a connotation
of all the old stereotypes.
2006-10-20 05:46:19 · answer #5 · answered by freelancenut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically it is the correct term. You have a problem with it, as do I, because of the negative connotations now associated with that word. Modern usage now allows the word to be used as a verb, and much negative meaning is now inherent in the word "Jew".
2006-10-20 05:45:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always thought the term"Jew" was used to identify the person's religious affiliation, just like Catholic, or Muslim!
I guess it depends on what the speaker means, and the tone of voice they use!
2006-10-20 05:47:12 · answer #7 · answered by Windsor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not offensive at all. Jews refer to themselves as Jews.
2006-10-20 05:44:52 · answer #8 · answered by Ranto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dunno 'bout the first half of your question, but in each Gospel, some variant regarding "The King of the Jews" is written upon the title in three languages on the Cross.
In essence, it reads, "this is Jesus of Nazereth, King of the Jews" (Yeshua Ha'Nazarium Ve'melech Ha'Yehudaim in Hebrew, Iesous ho Nazoraious ho Basilious ton Ioudaious in Greek, IESUS NAZARENVS REX IVDAEORVM in Latin).
The reason they are called Jews is because they are (generally) descended from the tribe of Judah, son of Israel (AKA Jacob).
2006-10-20 05:53:55 · answer #9 · answered by seraphim_pwns_u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not Jewish myself--but I've never thought of that term as offensive in any way.
2006-10-20 05:43:02 · answer #10 · answered by MaryBeth 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋