Jews vs. Samaritans: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 8, 2023
Jews are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Samaritans are from the ancient Kingdom of Israel and have distinct religious practices.
Difference Between Jews and Samaritans
Jews, as a people, trace their lineage to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and have a rich history that spans thousands of years. They have their own religious, cultural, and historical identity, rooted in the teachings of the Hebrew Bible. Historically, the Jewish people have been divided into various tribes, and later into groups like Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi, each with unique traditions and histories.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Samaritans, on the other hand, are a distinct ethno-religious group originating from the ancient Kingdom of Israel. They claim descent from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (sons of Joseph) and Levi. The Samaritans have their own version of the Pentateuch, which is the only religious text they recognize, differing in some aspects from the Jewish Torah.
Muazma Batool
Dec 08, 2023
While Jews and Samaritans share some historical and religious roots, their paths diverged significantly after the split of the ancient united monarchy of Israel. Jews continued to develop a rich tapestry of religious traditions, rituals, and laws based on the Hebrew Bible, with Jerusalem as their spiritual center. Samaritans, however, maintained their religious practices centered around Mount Gerizim, considering it the holiest site.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Over time, tensions between Jews and Samaritans have arisen due to theological differences, historical conflicts, and competition over religious sites. By the time of Jesus, these tensions were well documented in the New Testament. Yet, today, both groups have a shared history in the region, each contributing to the complex tapestry of cultures in the Middle East.
Henry
Dec 08, 2023
Jews vs. Samaritans Comparison Chart
Origin
Descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
From the ancient Kingdom of Israel
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Historical Tribes
Twelve tribes of Israel
Primarily from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Levi
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Size of Population
Several million worldwide
A few hundred primarily in the West Bank
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Jews vs. Samaritans Definitions
◉Jews
People belonging to the ancient Hebrew nation.
The Jews have a rich history spanning millennia.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Samaritans
Descendants of certain Israelite tribes.
Samaritans claim lineage from Ephraim and Manasseh.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Jews
Persons born to a Jewish mother or converted to Judaism.
He became one of the Jews after a heartfelt conversion.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
◉Samaritans
People with a unique historical and cultural identity in the Levant.
Samaritans have lived in the region for centuries.
William
Sep 25, 2023
◉Jews
Descendants of the Hebrew patriarchs.
Jews trace their lineage to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Samaritans
Observers of a religion closely related to Judaism.
Samaritans perform rituals on Mount Gerizim.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Jews
Followers of Judaism.
Jews observe the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday night.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Samaritans
Ethno-religious group from the ancient Kingdom of Israel.
The Samaritans have a distinct version of the Pentateuch.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Jews
Those identifying with Jewish culture and traditions.
Many Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Samaritans
A member of a people inhabiting present-day Israel and the West Bank who trace their ancestry to the ancient Israelites and practice a religion related to pre-rabbinical Judaism.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Jews
A member of the widely dispersed people originally descended from the ancient Hebrews and sharing an ethnic heritage based on Judaism.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Samaritans
Community maintaining ancient Israelite practices.
The Samaritans still perform Passover sacrifices.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Jews vs. Samaritans Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Samaritans historically?
Samaritans are an ethno-religious group from the ancient Kingdom of Israel with distinct religious practices.
Muazma Batool
Dec 08, 2023
Why did tensions arise between Jews and Samaritans?
Tensions stemmed from theological differences, historical conflicts, and competition over religious sites.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Do Jews and Samaritans read the same Torah?
While both have versions of the Pentateuch, the Samaritan Pentateuch has differences from the Jewish Torah.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Who are the Jews in biblical terms?
Jews are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and follow the teachings of the Hebrew Bible.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
What is the holy site for Samaritans?
Mount Gerizim is considered the holiest site for Samaritans.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
How many Samaritans exist today?
Today, there are a few hundred Samaritans, primarily living in the West Bank.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 08, 2023
Is Hebrew the liturgical language for both groups?
Yes, both Jews and Samaritans use forms of Hebrew in their religious practices.
Leo
Dec 08, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
