Abraham (Abram) was the first to be identified as being a Hebrew.
Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
The Bible does not specifically elucidate the origin of the term, but there are a few suppositions about it.
Joseph, and by extension, his brothers and all their families are the next to be known as Hebrews.
Genesis 39:17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
Exodus 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
It would have been all the sons of all the posterity of the twelve brothers that the midwives were instructed to kill.
The Bible does not identify anyone not descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as being Hebrew. Today the following are identified as Hebrew whether rightly or not according to AI Poe.
- Jewish People: The primary descendants of the ancient Hebrews, encompassing various ethnic groups such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews.
- Israeli Citizens: People living in Israel, including Jews, Arab citizens, Druze, and others who may identify culturally or ethnically with Hebrew heritage.
- Beta Israel: Ethiopian Jews who have ancient roots in the Hebrew tradition and have migrated to Israel.
- Samaritans: A small community that claims descent from the ancient Israelites and follows a distinct religious tradition based on the Torah.
- Hebraic Roots Movement: Some Christians and other groups who embrace elements of Hebrew culture, language, and practices while maintaining their own faith traditions.
Any determinations as to who is an Hebrew beyond this are supposition such as a descendent of Eber.