Lexical Summary barbaros: Barbarian, foreigner Original Word: βάρβαρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance barbarian. Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (i.e. Non-Greek) -- barbarian(-rous). HELPS Word-studies 915 bárbaros – properly, a barbarian; generically, anyone "lacking culture" (an "uncivilized" person, cf. Ro 1:14). 915 (bárbaros) is specifically used for all non-Greeks (non-Hellenists), i.e. anyone not adopting the Greek language (culture); a non-Hellēn. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin, but probably onomatop. for unintelligible sounds Definition barbarous, barbarian NASB Translation barbarian (3), barbarians (1), natives (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 915: βάρβαροςβάρβαρος, βαρβαρον; 1. properly, one whose speech is rude, rough, harsh, as if repeating the syllables βαρβαρ (cf. Strabo 14, 2, 28, p. 662; ὠνοματοπεποίηται ἡ λέξις, Etym. Magn. (188, 11 (but Gaisf. reads βραγχός for βάρβαρος); cf. Curtius, § 394; Vanicek, p. 561)); hence, 2. one who speaks a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another (Herodotus 2, 158 βαρβάρους πάντας οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι καλεουσι τούς μή σφισι ὁμογλωσσους, Ovid. trist. 5, 10, 37barbarushicegosum,quianonintelligorulli); so 1 Corinthians 14:11. 3. The Greeks used βάρβαρος of any foreigner ignorant of the Greek language and the Greek culture, whether mental or moral, with the added notion, after the Persian war, of rudeness and brutality. Hence, the word is applied in the N. T., but not reproachfully, in Acts 28:2, 4, to the inhabitants of Malta (i. e. Μελίτη, which see), who were of Phoenician or Punic origin; and to those nations that had, indeed, some refinement of manners, but not the opportunity of becoming Christians, as the Scythians, Colossians 3:11 (but cf. Lightfoot at the passage). But the phrase Ἕλληνες τέ καί βάρβαροι forms also a periphrasis for all peoples, or indicates their diversity yet without reproach to foreigners (Plato, Theact., p. 175{a}; Isocrates, Euag c. 17, p. 192b.; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 2, 1 and in other writings); so in Romans 1:14. (In Philo de Abr. § 45 under the end of all nations not Jews. Josephus, b. j. prooem. I reckons the Jews among barbarians.) Cf. Grimm on 2 Macc. 2:21, p. 61; (Lightfoot on Col. as above; B. D. under the word In classical Greek society βάρβαρος designated anyone whose speech sounded unintelligible to Greek ears—originally a neutral description of linguistic difference that later absorbed connotations of foreignness and cultural distance. By the first century A.D. the term could range from respectful acknowledgment of “non-Greeks” to a mild stereotype of the uncultured outsider. New Testament writers inherit this spectrum of meaning, yet consistently place every “barbarian” inside God’s redemptive horizon, challenging ethnic pride and underscoring the universality of the gospel. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 28:2, 4; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 14:11 (twice); Colossians 3:11. Acts 28 – Hospitable Islanders and Common Grace After the shipwreck on Malta, Luke writes, “The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold” (Acts 28:2). The same “islanders” later conclude that Paul must be a murderer when a viper bites him (Acts 28:4). Luke’s choice of βάρβαρος highlights people outside of the Greco-Roman world who nevertheless display both genuine kindness and superstitious fear. Their reaction to Paul’s subsequent healing ministry reveals the Spirit’s ability to bridge cultural divides and to turn initial misconceptions into receptivity to the gospel. The narrative supplies a vivid case study in cross-cultural evangelism: divine providence calls Paul to witness not in a synagogue or forum but around a seaside fire among so-called barbarians. Romans 1:14 – Paul’s Evangelistic Obligation “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish” (Romans 1:14). βάρβαρος here pairs with “Greek” to form an all-inclusive antithesis. Paul confesses a debt of love toward every ethnicity and cultural stratum. His missionary strategy, therefore, cannot be limited to the urbane centers of the empire; it must also penetrate the margins where “barbarians” dwell. This verse undergirds the church’s mandate to make disciples of all nations without discrimination. 1 Corinthians 14:11 – Language, Intelligibility, and Edification “If, then, I do not understand the meaning of someone’s language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and he will be a foreigner to me” (1 Corinthians 14:11). Paul invokes βάρβαρος to warn that uninterpreted tongues create the very estrangement the Corinthian assembly is called to overcome. The gospel’s barrier-breaking power must not be undermined inside corporate worship by speech that alienates rather than edifies. Spiritual gifts are to serve mutual understanding, not exhibit spiritual elitism. The example shows that “barbarian” can be a situational reality even within a single congregation when communication fails. Colossians 3:11 – The New Humanity in Christ “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). The term appears in a catalogue of earthly distinctions nullified in the body of Christ. Notably, “barbarian” and the more remote “Scythian” represent the farthest cultural extremes known to Paul’s readers. Their inclusion signals the collapse of every man-made hierarchy at the Cross and the formation of a single, Spirit-indwelt people. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Universality of Sin and Grace. βάρβαρος reminds readers that humanity shares the same need for the gospel regardless of language or culture (Romans 3:23). Practical Applications • Pursue language learning and contextualization in missionary endeavors. βάρβαρος thus serves Scripture’s larger narrative: God gathers a redeemed community from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation, turning erstwhile “barbarians” into brothers and sisters in Christ. Englishman's Concordance Acts 28:2 Adj-NMPGRK: οἵ τε βάρβαροι παρεῖχον οὐ NAS: The natives showed us extraordinary KJV: And the barbarous people shewed us INT: and [the] natives showed not [just] Acts 28:4 Adj-NMP Romans 1:14 Adj-DMP 1 Corinthians 14:11 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 14:11 Adj-NMS Colossians 3:11 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 915 |
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