Strong's Lexicon barbaros: Barbarian, foreigner Original Word: βάρβαρος Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word βαρβαρίζω (barbarizō), which means "to speak like a foreigner." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "barbaros," as it is a concept rooted in Greek cultural distinctions. However, the idea of foreigners or non-Israelites can be seen in terms like "גּוֹי" (goy, Strong's H1471), meaning "nation" or "people." Usage: In the New Testament, "barbaros" is used to describe someone who is a foreigner or non-Greek, often implying someone who does not speak Greek or is outside the Greco-Roman cultural sphere. The term can carry a connotation of being uncivilized or culturally different, but it is not necessarily derogatory in all contexts. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "barbaros" was used to describe those who did not speak Greek and were considered outsiders to the Hellenistic world. The Greeks viewed their language and culture as superior, and those who did not share in it were often seen as "barbarians." This term was later adopted by the Romans to describe non-Roman peoples. In the New Testament context, it reflects the cultural divisions of the time, particularly between Jews, Greeks, and other ethnic groups. 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 Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (i.e. Non-Greek) -- barbarian(-rous). 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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