What is difference of "Jews" and "Bani Israeel" in Quran?
In the Qur'an, the terms "Jews" and "Bani Israeel" (Children of Israel) refer to different concepts, although they overlap in some contexts. "Bani Israeel" is a broader term that encompasses all descendants of Jacob (Israel) and includes various tribes, while "Jews" specifically refers to those who follow Judaism, particularly after the time of Moses.
For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah commands the Children of Israel: O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
2:47 This verse highlights the special status and blessings bestowed upon all the Children of Israel.
Conversely, the term "Jews" often appears in contexts discussing specific behaviors or beliefs of certain factions within the broader community. In Surah Al-Nisaa, it is mentioned that some among the Jews distort words and engage in disobedience, as seen in the verse: Some of those who are Jews change words from their context and say: 'We hear and disobey; hear thou as one who heareth not'
4:46.
Thus, while "Bani Israeel" refers to the collective heritage and history of the Israelites, "Jews" denotes a specific religious identity that emerged within that lineage.
Sources
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2:47 · Al-Baqara
2:47 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتِىَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنِّى فَضَّلْتُكُمْ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
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4:46 · An-Nisaa
4:46 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ يُحَرِّفُونَ ٱلْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا وَٱسْمَعْ غَيْرَ مُسْمَعٍۢ وَرَٰعِنَا لَيًّۢا بِأَلْسِنَتِهِمْ وَطَعْنًۭا فِى ٱلدِّينِ ۚ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا وَٱسْمَعْ وَٱنظُرْنَا لَكَانَ خَيْرًۭا لَّهُمْ وَأَقْوَمَ وَلَٰكِن لَّعَنَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا
Some of those who are Jews change words from their context and say: "We hear and disobey; hear thou as one who heareth not" and "Listen to us!" distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. If they had said: "We hear and we obey: hear thou, and look at us" it had been better for them, and more upright. But Allah hath cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, save a few.
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