The meaning of “βάρβαρος”
Understanding bárbaros reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
of uncertain derivation barbarian(-rous). - a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek)
βάρβαρος
of uncertain derivation barbarian(-rous). - a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 28:2 | “And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.” Word: βάρβαρος (bárbaros) | |
| Acts 28:4 | “And 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.” Word: βάρβαρος (bárbaros) | |
| Romans 1:14 | “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Word: βάρβαρος (bárbaros) | |
| 1 Corinthians 14:11 | “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” Word: βάρβαρος (bárbaros) | |
| Colossians 3:11 | “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” Word: βάρβαρος (bárbaros) |