People & groups
Samaritan
A member of the community centered in Samaria that worshiped Israel’s God.
Also called · Samaritans
What it means
Samaritans shared Israelite traditions but recognized Mount Gerizim as the proper holy place. Relations with Judeans were often strained.
Jesus’ conversations and parables use this social boundary significantly, yet the New Testament also shows Samaritans receiving the gospel.
How it appears in the Bible
Biblical accounts connect Samaritan identity with the northern kingdom’s land, population changes, and a distinct worshiping community.