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Barbarian (βἀρβαρος)

From: Concise Bible Dictionary: B By: George A. Morrish

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The word signifies “foreigner, alien”; it was used by the Romans for any people who did not understand Latin or Greek. In Rom. 1:14¹⁴I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. (Romans 1:14) they are in contrast to the Greeks. In 1 Cor. 15:11¹¹Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. (1 Corinthians 15:11), a person hearing another speak in a language he did not understand would account him and be accounted a foreigner. The inhabitants of Melita were so called by Luke. Acts 28:2-4²And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. ³And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ⁴And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. (Acts 28:2‑4). In Colossians 3:1¹If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)1 The “barbarian” is in contrast to the uncultivated Scythian.

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Concise Bible Dictionary: B

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