Bible Dictionary
GOIIM
Goiim is a Hebrew term meaning nations or peoples. In a few Old Testament passages it is retained as a proper name for a people or territory ruled by Tidal or associated with Joshua’s conquests.
Definition
Goiim is a Hebrew word ordinarily meaning nations, heathen, or Gentiles. In a few passages it is retained as a proper name.
Biblical Usage
In Genesis 14:1 it appears in the expression Tidal, king of Goiim, and it is similarly retained in Joshua 12:23.
Historical Background
Some have identified Goiim with Gutium, but the source presents this as an identification rather than a certainty.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>goi'-yim (goyim): This word, rendered in the King James Version "nations," "heathen," "Gentiles," is commonly translated simply "nations" in the Revised Version (British and American). In Ge 14:1 where the King James Version has "Tidal, king of nations," the Revised Version (British and American) retains in the text the Hebrew "Goiim" as a proper name. Some identify with Gutium. The Hebrew word is similarly retained in Jos 12:23.</p>