By David Ettinger
Stubborn Reaction
Back in the 1990s, I approached the pastor of my church to communicate an objection I had with a sermon he had just delivered. The sermon itself was fine, but in describing ancient Israel he used the term “Palestine.” I made clear to him that this term is not biblical and, to make matters worse, is a term used to defile and degrade Israel.

My pastor did not appreciate this correction, but he was wrong, and I needed to correct him. I continued to do so whenever he uttered the word “Palestine” when referring to Israel. He didn’t like it, and I didn’t care.
The Term “Palestine”
The first thing to know about the term “Palestine” is that it is NOT biblical. It does appear in the King James Version, but this is a bad translation. The word in Hebrew, and the intended location of “Palestine” in the KJV, is “Philistia,” which just about every other translation gets right.
So, where does the term come from, and why is it wrong and defiling to use it today with regard to ancient Israel, the modern nation of Israel, and the land mass on which Israel exists?
The English word “Palestine” comes from the Latin Palestina, which is derived from “Philistia” or “Philistine.” The Philistines – from the Hebrew philisti, meaning “to wander” or “immigrants” – were a sea people which in ancient times traveled to the coast of Canaan. They were from the coastland of Caphtor, which is the ancient name for Crete. They settled in the coastal plain of ancient Israel. Their most famous citizen, of course, was the giant Goliath.

How Did Israel Become “Palestine”?
Because the term “Palestine” is commonly seen on Bible maps and resources, most people are surprised to learn that it is not biblical. The fact is that the term did not come into usage until A.D. 135.
This is how it happened. Three years earlier, the Jews of Israel, particularly Jerusalem, rose up in rebellion against the Roman Empire, which ruled over them. This is known as the Second Jewish Revolt. The uprising was led by Simon bar Kokhba, who many in Israel looked to as their long-awaited Messiah.
After three years, the Romans crushed the revolt. Wanting all nations to know just how foolish it was to mess with them, Rome made an example of Israel, doing so by implementing three major revisions.
The first was changing the name of the capital city from Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina (in honor of the Emperor Hadrian, whose family name was “Aeila”). The second revision was banning all Jews from the city on pain of death. The third revision was to change the name of Israel to Syria-Palestina, after the ancient Philistine coastal region.
Rome’s goal was to erase the names of “Israel” and “Judah” from the annals of history. Also, because the Philistines were a heathenness people, the name was intended to disgrace the covenant people of God.

Syria-Palestina (shortened to “Palestine”) became the official name for the country of Israel on maps, documents, and scholarly works handed down from the Romans to the Byzantines, through the Middle Ages, the Reformation and the Enlightenment eras, and straight into modern times.
So, though the term “Palestine” is never used in the Bible for the land of Israel (the KJV usage not withstanding), because the Romans established it and circulated it so pervasively, it became the common name for the nation, people, and land mass of Israel. Referring to Israel – past, present, or future – as “Palestine” is wrong, demeaning, and should never be done.
“Palestine” Today
To be clear, “Palestine” is a defiling term in reference to Israel. There is no “Palestine” today. Of course, there is a group of people residing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of Israel who refer to themselves as “Palestinians,” but this is a separate issue.
However, as Christians, no matter our theological, political, or social leanings, we need to be praying for this region of the world – and particularly Israel, where our Lord Jesus will soon be returning. We are to be praying for both Jew and Palestinian, that their eyes will be open to the true Messiah, and that they will come to the realization that only through Jesus – the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) – can true peace be had.
Blue Collar Theologian
September 14, 2020
Well written post, David. Amen to your last paragraph!!!!!
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dettinger47
September 14, 2020
Thank you, Mandy.
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Lisa Beth
September 14, 2020
Very informative! Thank you for the background – never knew the derogatory roots of “Palestine”. Press on brother!
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dettinger47
September 14, 2020
Thank you, Lisa.
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Tom
September 15, 2020
David, thanks for this excellent examination of the roots of the word, “Palestine.”
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dettinger47
September 15, 2020
Thank you, Tom.
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jarilissima
September 15, 2020
You said, “My pastor did not appreciate this correction, but he was wrong, and I needed to correct him. I continued to do so whenever he uttered the word “Palestine” when referring to Israel. He didn’t like it, and I didn’t care.”
I like this attitude, sir! So much wrong goes under the radar with Christians these days under the guise of “let’s not upset anyone.” Good for you for speaking up. Very interesting post, too 🙂
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dettinger47
September 15, 2020
Thanks, I appreciate it. I liked the pastor very much. In fact, being just 3 months apart in age, we were both alike, i.e., very, very stubborn. It certainly showed in that instance!
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jarilissima
September 15, 2020
Oh, of course 🙂 I would not assume that you didn’t like him. Correction is actually a very loving act, especially with important Biblical matters. Speaking up shows you care. It’s too bad that correction gets confused with criticism.
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dettinger47
September 15, 2020
Exactly! Well said.
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Dramsci
November 8, 2020
so let’s give Crete and some areas around it to Philistis (Palestinians today?)
Btw, if I don’t believe in a Lord of a sort or any god, would this whole story be erased and invalid?
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dettinger47
November 8, 2020
Whether you believe or not in a god, what I wrote about is history. So no, the whole story would not be erased or invalid. (I’m not sure I quite understand your question, but if so, this would be my reply.) Thanks.
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Joaquin Elias
May 15, 2021
Learn of the Parable: 10, And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
11, Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12, Those by the way side are they that hear; THEN COMETH THE DEVIL, and TAKETH THE WORD out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Palestine is a changed word from years back, the real word inserted here should be Uncircumsized Philestines was said that? David when he fought The Giant. 40 years before that was a Judge Samson who killed 1000’s of Philestines when he was alive and killed more at his death. When he was annointed of GOD the HOLY GHOST the Comforter was within him and was able to carry the Gate of Giza up a Mountain. He conquered Giza but he did have many faults. So why today are we debating Palestia? Gaza belongs to the Jews and we let Politicians or the devil take the WORD of GOD and change everything. Jews Gaza is yours don’t listen to the Presidents, ect. ect. ect. How great is it right now that they gave away your land and disrupted the homes of Jews who already cultivated there lands and made it prestine and they were all rounded up and kicked out to give the land to the Philstines for what? PEACE? GOD gave you that land, he marked the borders thereof. Listen to GOD and no one else. I agree with this gentleman who wrote this article. Don’t let the devil take the WORD. Baruch Ha Ba B’Shem Adoniah
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