The term “Children of Israel” is and can be used to refer simply to Jacob’s (or Israel’s) direct children (see Genesis 45:21 and Jacob, Children of), but is more commonly used to refer to the posterity of Israel as a whole, such as in the story of the Exodus. Similarly, “Israel” can be used to refer to the man formerly known as Jacob, the nation of Israel, or the descendants of Israel. The posterity of Israel are also referred to as Israelites.

For the literal children of Israel (i.e. Reuben, Simeon, Dinah, etc.), see their individual entries. For one of the twelve tribes of Israel, see their individual entries (e.g. Reuben, Tribe of).