Pronunciation Guide: al-log-en-ACE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G241: ἀλλογενής (allogenes) refers to a person of another race or nationality, specifically someone who is foreign-born or from another ethnic group. The term literally means “of another race” and was used in biblical times to distinguish non-Jews from the Jewish people. In the New Testament, it appears in a pivotal moment that highlights God’s heart for all nations.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word formed from ἄλλος (allos, “other”) and γένος (genos, “race, family, descent”)
• Adjective used as a substantive (functions as a noun)
• Found in Hellenistic Greek literature and the Septuagint
• Primary usage in narrative and legal contexts
• Common in Jewish boundary markers and temple inscriptions

ἀλλογενής Morphology:

• ἀλλογενής (nominative singular) – foreigner, one of another race
• ἀλλογενοῦς (genitive singular) – of a foreigner
• ἀλλογενεῖς (nominative plural) – foreigners

Origin & History

The term ἀλλογενής emerged from the Hellenistic period as Jews sought to define their identity amid diverse populations. In classical Greek literature, while the component parts (ἄλλος and γένος) were common, the compound form gained particular significance in Jewish contexts. Josephus uses the term frequently in his works, particularly in “Against Apion” when discussing the distinctions between Jews and non-Jews.

The word gained notable prominence through its use on the Jerusalem Temple’s barrier wall, where inscriptions in Greek and Latin warned non-Jews (ἀλλογενεῖς) against entering the inner courts under penalty of death. Archaeological evidence of these warning inscriptions has been found, providing tangible historical context for the term’s gravity in Second Temple Judaism.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who is of another race or ethnic group
• A foreigner in relation to the covenant people
• An outsider to the Jewish community
• One who is not of Israelite descent

ἀλλογενής Translation Options:

• “Foreigner” – Emphasizes the person’s origin outside the Jewish community
• “Person of another race” – Highlights the ethnic distinction implied in the compound word
• “Non-Jew” – Specifically in religious contexts where Jewish identity is central
• “Outsider” – Captures the social and religious implications in temple contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλλογενής appears only once, in Luke 17:18, where Jesus notes that only the Samaritan leper returned to give thanks, calling him “this foreigner.” This usage is particularly significant as it occurs in a healing narrative that challenges religious and ethnic boundaries. The term’s singular New Testament appearance in this context serves to highlight the irony that the one considered an outsider demonstrated true faith and gratitude.

In the Septuagint, the term appears multiple times, particularly in contexts dealing with Israel’s distinctiveness and the treatment of non-Israelites:

• “Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner [ἀλλογενής]?” Luke 17:18
• “No foreigner [ἀλλογενής] uncircumcised in heart shall enter My sanctuary” Ezekiel 44:9
• “The foreigner [ἀλλογενής] shall not eat of it” Exodus 12:43

Cultural Insights

The term ἀλλογενής carried significant weight in first-century Judaism, where it was used on warning inscriptions at the Jerusalem Temple’s soreg (barrier wall). These inscriptions, written in Greek and Latin, warned that any non-Jew who passed beyond this point would be responsible for their own death. This physical barrier and its warning exemplified the sharp distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Second Temple Judaism.

The fact that Jesus specifically highlights the ἀλλογενής status of the grateful Samaritan leper is particularly poignant given the historical tensions between Jews and Samaritans. Samaritans occupied a unique position – neither fully Jewish nor completely foreign – making the use of this term even more striking in highlighting the external status of the one who showed true faith.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλλογενής in Luke 17:18 serves as a powerful theological statement about God’s heart for all peoples. That Jesus specifically notes the outsider status of the one who returned to give thanks challenges the ethnic and religious boundaries of His day. This usage foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile that would characterize the early Messianic community.

The term’s appearance in this context also highlights a recurring biblical theme: those considered outsiders often demonstrate exemplary faith, while those within the covenant community sometimes fail to recognize God’s work. This paradox serves to emphasize that true faith transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, pointing to the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan.

Personal Application

The story of the grateful ἀλλογενής challenges us to examine our own response to God’s grace and our attitudes toward those we might consider “outsiders.” Just as the Samaritan leper’s gratitude transcended social and religious barriers, we are called to recognize that genuine faith and thankfulness can come from unexpected sources.

This word study reminds us to guard against allowing religious or cultural identity to become a barrier to seeing God’s work in others’ lives. It calls us to celebrate when those considered “outsiders” demonstrate authentic faith, recognizing that God’s grace knows no boundaries.

Related Words

• ξένος (xenos) – stranger, foreigner, alien – emphasizes the status of being unknown or unfamiliar See G3581
• ἀλλότριος (allotrios) – belonging to another, foreign, strange – focuses on ownership or belonging See G245
• πάροικος (paroikos) – resident alien, sojourner – emphasizes temporary residence status See G3941
• ἔθνος (ethnos) – nation, people group, Gentiles – broader term for non-Jewish peoples See G1484

Did you Know?

• Archaeological discoveries have found actual temple warning inscriptions using ἀλλογενής, providing tangible evidence of the term’s historical significance in maintaining temple boundaries.
• The Theodotian Greek version of Daniel uses ἀλλογενής to describe those of foreign descent who married Jewish returnees from exile, highlighting the term’s role in discussions of Jewish identity and intermarriage.
• Modern Greek still uses the term ἀλλογενής in legal and social contexts to refer to people of non-Greek ethnic origin, showing the word’s enduring relevance in discussions of ethnicity and nationality.

Remember This

ἀλλογενής stands as a powerful reminder that in God’s kingdom, the true measure of faith is not ethnic identity but a grateful, responsive heart that recognizes and returns to give glory to Him.