### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀλλογενής (allogenḗs, `{{G241}}`) is a compound word formed from ἄλλος (allos, `{{G243}}`), meaning "other" or "different," and γένος (genos, `{{G1085}}`), meaning "race," "nation," "kind," or "family." Therefore, its core meaning is "of another race or kind," or "foreign." In the specific context of the New Testament, as indicated by its base definition, it carries the precise nuance of "not a Jew." This distinguishes it from a general "stranger" and imbues it with a significant ethnic and religious connotation, referring to someone who is a non-Israelite or Gentile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλλογενής (allogenḗs, `{{G241}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Luke 17:18]]. This singular occurrence is highly illustrative of its specific meaning:
* **[[Luke 17:18]]**: In the narrative of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, only one returns to give thanks. Jesus asks, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found to return and give glory to God except this *foreigner*?" The preceding verse, [[Luke 17:16]], explicitly identifies this grateful individual as a Samaritan. Samaritans, though sharing some religious and historical ties with Jews, were ethnically and religiously distinct and often viewed with animosity by the Jewish populace. Thus, the use of allogenḗs here perfectly encapsulates the meaning of "not a Jew," specifically highlighting someone from a different, often marginalized, ethnic and religious group in the eyes of the dominant Jewish society. The context underscores the unexpected faith and gratitude from an "outsider" compared to the lack of response from the "insiders."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἄλλος (allos, `{{G243}}`):** The foundational component signifying "otherness" or distinctiveness.
* **γένος (genos, `{{G1085}}`):** The root indicating "race," "nation," or "kind," emphasizing the ethnic or familial aspect.
* **ἔθνος (ethnos, `{{G1484}}`):** Often translated as "nation" or, in its plural form (ἔθνη), "Gentiles." While ethnos is the broader and more common term for non-Jews, allogenḗs specifically emphasizes the *otherness* from a particular (Jewish) perspective.
* **ξένος (xenos, `{{G3581}}`):** A more general term for "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest." While allogenḗs is translated "stranger" in [[Luke 17:18]], xenos lacks the specific ethno-religious nuance of allogenḗs and refers more to someone unfamiliar or from a different place.
* **Jew/Gentile Distinction:** The concept of allogenḗs is deeply embedded in the pervasive biblical distinction between the chosen people of Israel (Jews) and all other nations (Gentiles). It highlights the historical and theological boundaries that Christ's ministry began to dismantle.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of ἀλλογενής (allogenḗs, `{{G241}}`) in [[Luke 17:18]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Inclusion of Outsiders:** The most striking theological implication is the demonstration of God's grace extending beyond traditional ethnic and religious boundaries. The Samaritan, an allogenḗs, is the one who exhibits true gratitude and faith, contrasting sharply with the nine Jewish lepers who do not return to give thanks. This foreshadows the broader New Testament theme of the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through Christ.
* **Universal Scope of Salvation:** This incident serves as a microcosm of the universal scope of the Gospel. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan allogenḗs prefigures the Great Commission to make disciples of *all nations* ([[Matthew 28:19]]), illustrating that God's redemptive plan is not limited to a single ethnic group.
* **True Faith Transcends Ethnicity:** The Samaritan's response indicates that genuine faith and spiritual receptivity are not confined to a particular lineage or nationality. It challenges the ethnocentric assumptions of the time and points to a worship that is "in spirit and truth," accessible to all who believe, regardless of their background ([[John 4:21-24]]).
* **Breaking Down Dividing Walls:** The narrative implicitly critiques the prejudices of the day and anticipates the New Testament revelation that Christ has broken down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, making them one new humanity in Himself ([[Ephesians 2:14-16]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλλογενής (allogenḗs, `{{G241}}`) is a rare but significant term, meaning "of another race" or, more specifically in the New Testament, "not a Jew." Its sole appearance in [[Luke 17:18]] to describe the grateful Samaritan leper is highly illustrative. This allogenḗs stands in stark contrast to the nine Jewish lepers who failed to give thanks, thereby highlighting the unexpected spiritual receptivity of one considered an ethnic and religious outsider. Theologically, allogenḗs powerfully underscores the inclusive nature of God's grace, the universal scope of salvation, and the truth that genuine faith transcends all human-made ethnic and national distinctions, pointing toward the future inclusion of all nations into the family of God through Christ.
TRV