Pronunciation Guide: al-LOF-oo-los

Basic Definition

Strong’s G246: ἀλλόφυλος (allophylos) refers to a foreigner or person of another race or tribe, specifically used in biblical contexts to designate non-Jewish people or Gentiles. The term carries cultural and theological significance, particularly in the context of God’s redemptive plan extending beyond Israel to all nations. In the New Testament, it appears at a crucial moment in the narrative of God breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word from ἄλλος (allos, “other”) and φυλή (phyle, “tribe, race”)
• Adjective used as a substantive noun
• Common in Hellenistic literature and Septuagint
• Primary usage in historical narrative and theological discourse
• Frequently used in contexts discussing cultural and religious boundaries

ἀλλόφυλος Morphology:

• ἀλλόφυλος (nominative singular) – a foreigner
• ἀλλοφύλου (genitive singular) – of a foreigner
• ἀλλοφύλῳ (dative singular) – to/for a foreigner
• ἀλλόφυλον (accusative singular) – a foreigner (direct object)
• ἀλλόφυλοι (nominative plural) – foreigners
• ἀλλοφύλων (genitive plural) – of foreigners
• ἀλλοφύλοις (dative plural) – to/for foreigners
• ἀλλοφύλους (accusative plural) – foreigners (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀλλόφυλος emerged in classical Greek literature as a neutral designation for people of different tribal or ethnic origins. Herodotus used it in his Histories when discussing interactions between different peoples and cultures of the ancient world. The word gained particular significance in the Septuagint, where it became the standard translation for the Hebrew term פְּלִשְׁתִּים (Pelishtim, “Philistines”), though its semantic range extended beyond just the Philistines to encompass all non-Jewish peoples.

In Hellenistic Jewish literature, particularly in the works of Josephus and Philo, the term maintained its broader application to non-Jews while carrying cultural and religious implications about the boundaries between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. This usage reflected the complex social and religious dynamics of the Second Temple period.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who belongs to another tribe or nation, emphasizing ethnic distinction
• A person outside the covenant community of Israel
• Someone of different cultural and religious practices
• A general term for non-Jewish peoples in biblical context

ἀλλόφυλος Translation Options:

• “Foreigner” – Emphasizes the ethnic and national distinction
• “Gentile” – Highlights the religious and covenant distinction
• “Person of another race” – Stresses the ethnic and cultural difference
• “Non-Jew” – Direct reference to the Jewish/non-Jewish distinction in biblical contexts
• “One of another nation” – Captures both the ethnic and political dimensions

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλλόφυλος appears most notably in Acts 10:28, where Peter acknowledges God’s revelation that he should not call any person profane or unclean. This usage marks a pivotal moment in early Christian history, signaling the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the Messiah’s community.

In the Septuagint, the term appears frequently, particularly in historical narratives concerning Israel’s interactions with surrounding nations. Its usage often carries theological implications about Israel’s distinct identity and mission among the nations.

Key appearances include:

• “It is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or visit an ἀλλόφυλος” Acts 10:28
• “Then the ἀλλόφυλοι gathered their armies for battle” 1 Samuel 28:1 (LXX)
• “The ἀλλόφυλοι came up against Israel” 1 Samuel 4:1 (LXX)
• “David struck down the ἀλλοφύλους” 2 Samuel 5:25 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, the concept of ἀλλόφυλος went beyond mere ethnic distinction. It carried deep religious and social implications, often determining everything from table fellowship to marriage possibilities. The term reflected the complex boundaries that separated Jews from Gentiles, including dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and circumcision.

The transformation of this term’s significance in Acts 10 represents a radical shift in early Messianic understanding. Peter’s vision and subsequent interaction with Cornelius demonstrated that in the Messiah, the traditional barriers signified by ἀλλόφυλος were being dramatically redefined. This shift was particularly significant given the location of this event in Caesarea, a city that represented the interface between Jewish and Roman culture.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλλόφυλος in Acts 10:28 marks a crucial theological turning point in salvation history. God’s declaration that Peter should not consider any person common or unclean represents the fulfillment of ancient promises that through Abraham’s seed, all nations would be blessed. This revelation challenged centuries of Jewish separation from Gentiles and opened the door for the gospel’s universal proclamation.

This theological shift didn’t negate Israel’s unique calling but rather fulfilled it in unexpected ways. The breaking down of the ἀλλόφυλος barrier demonstrated that in the Messiah, God was creating one new humanity while preserving the distinct identity and calling of both Jews and Gentiles in His redemptive plan.

The transformation of ἀλλόφυλος from a term of separation to one highlighting God’s inclusive love reveals the heart of the gospel – that in the Messiah, God was reconciling all peoples to Himself and to one another.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of ἀλλόφυλος challenges us to examine our own hearts for barriers we might erect between ourselves and those we consider “other.” Just as Peter had to overcome deeply ingrained cultural and religious prejudices, we too must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our perspective on those who differ from us culturally, ethnically, or religiously.

This word reminds us that in the Messiah, while our distinct identities remain, the walls of hostility that once separated us have been torn down. We are called to live out this reality by actively building bridges across cultural, ethnic, and social divides, demonstrating the unifying power of God’s love.

Related Words

• ξένος (xenos) – stranger, foreigner, guest; focuses more on the hospitality aspect of dealing with foreigners – See G3581
• ἔθνος (ethnos) – nation, people group; broader term for non-Jewish peoples or nations – See G1484
• βάρβαρος (barbaros) – barbarian, foreigner; emphasizes linguistic and cultural differences – See G915
• πάροικος (paroikos) – resident alien, sojourner; highlights temporary residence status – See G3941

Did you Know?

• The term ἀλλόφυλος became so closely associated with the Philistines in the Septuagint that later Jewish readers often understood it as a proper name for this people group rather than a general term for foreigners.
• In modern Greek, ἀλλόφυλος is still used today, particularly in academic and legal contexts, to refer to people of different ethnic backgrounds, showing the enduring relevance of this ancient concept.
• The dramatic shift in the meaning of ἀλλόφυλος in Acts 10 occurred in Caesarea, a city specifically built by Herod the Great to be a bridge between Jewish and Roman culture, making the location particularly significant for this transformation in understanding.

Remember This

ἀλλόφυλος marks the boundary that the Messiah came to transform – not to eliminate our distinctiveness, but to create unity in diversity through His redemptive love.