Righteous Gentiles Have a Place in the World to Come

R. Eliezer says: None of the [gentile] nations has a place in the world to come, as it is said: Let the wicked return to Sheol, all the nations who have forgotten God (Psalm 9:18). Let the wicked return to Sheol—this means the wicked of Israel [who are consigned to Sheol with all the nations, all of whom have forgotten God].

R. Joshua said to him: If scripture said: Let the wicked return to Sheol, all the nations, and then fell silent [and said no more], I would accept your interpretation, but since scripture says: [All the nations] who have forgotten God, this means that there are righteous among the nations who have a place in the world to come [since only those among the nations who have forgotten God are consigned to Sheol].