The Hebrew noun/adjective Yehudi means a Jew, a Judean, Jewish — one belonging to the tribe or territory of Judah. The term derives from Yehudah (Judah), itself meaning "praise" or "let him be praised." In later usage, Yehudi came to denote any descendant of the covenant people Israel.
The identity marker Yehudi carries immense theological weight across Scripture and history. In Esther, Mordecai's identification as a Jew is the flashpoint for persecution. In Ezra-Nehemiah, being Yehudi meant bearing covenant obligations. Paul wrestles deeply with what it means to be truly Jewish — concluding that the true Jew is one whose heart has been circumcised by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). The term reminds us of both the privilege and responsibility of covenant identity.