### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀλλότριος (allótrios, `{{G245}}`) derives from ἄλλος (allos, `{{G243}}`), meaning "other." Its core semantic range encompasses that which belongs to "another," is "not one's own," or is "foreign." This foundational meaning extends to several nuanced applications:
1. **Possession:** Referring to property or possessions that belong to someone else, not the speaker or subject.
2. **Relationship/Kinship:** Describing someone who is not kin, a stranger, or an outsider.
3. **Origin/Nature:** Indicating something that is foreign, alien, or of a different kind or nature. This can imply an inherent dissimilarity or even antagonism.
4. **Hostility:** In some contexts, the sense of "otherness" can escalate to imply an adversarial or hostile relationship, where the "other" is an opponent or enemy.
The word therefore carries a spectrum of meaning from simple non-possession to profound alienation and enmity, always rooted in the concept of distinct otherness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλλότριος appears in the New Testament with various shades of its core meaning:
* **Possession/Stewardship:** In [[Luke 16:12]], Jesus speaks of faithfulness with "another's" (ἀλλότριος) property: "And if you have not been faithful in what is another’s, who will give you what is your own?" Here, ἀλλότριος refers to earthly wealth, which ultimately belongs to God, contrasting it with true spiritual riches. This highlights the principle of stewardship and accountability before God.
* **Stranger/Foreigner (in a spiritual sense):** Perhaps one of the most significant uses is in [[John 10:5]], where Jesus, the Good Shepherd, states: "But a stranger (ἀλλότριος) they will by no means follow, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." Here, ἀλλότριος denotes someone who is not the true shepherd, a false spiritual leader whose voice is unfamiliar and untrustworthy to the genuine sheep of Christ. This emphasizes discernment and the unique bond between Christ and His followers.
* **Foreign Land/People:** The term is used in a more literal sense of "foreign" or "alien" in the context of sojourning. In [[Acts 7:6]], Stephen recounts God's promise to Abraham: "that his descendants would be sojourners in a foreign (ἀλλότριος) land." Similarly, [[Hebrews 11:9]] describes Abraham "sojourning in the land of promise as in a foreign (ἀλλότριος) country." In these instances, ἀλλότριος simply denotes a place or people not native or belonging to the sojourner.
* **Alienation/Estrangement:** A profound theological use is found in [[Ephesians 2:12]], where Paul reminds the Gentile believers that they were "at that time separate from Christ, alienated (ἀλλότριος) from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." Here, ἀλλότριος powerfully conveys a state of spiritual estrangement and exclusion from God's covenant people and promises prior to their conversion. It emphasizes their former status as outsiders.
* **Not one's own sphere/foundation:** In [[Romans 15:20]], Paul expresses his ambition "to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, lest I build on another’s (ἀλλότριος) foundation." This usage reflects a principle of ministerial ethics and respect for the work of other apostles, avoiding encroachment on established ministries.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀλλότριος is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonym:** The most direct antonym is ἴδιος (idios, `{{G2398}}`), meaning "one's own," "peculiar," or "private." The contrast between ἀλλότριος (another's) and ἴδιος (one's own) is particularly evident in the context of possession and identity.
* **Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* ξένος (xenos, `{{G3581}}`): "stranger," "foreigner," "guest." While often overlapping with ἀλλότριος, ξένος can simply refer to someone from another place without necessarily implying hostility or non-belonging in the same deep sense. ἀλλότριος emphasizes the *otherness* or *belonging to another*, whereas ξένος can denote a temporary visitor.
* ἀλλογενής (allogenēs, `{{G241}}`): "foreign-born," "of another race/nation." This term is more specific to ethnic or national origin, whereas ἀλλότριος has a broader application.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Alienation from God:** The concept of humanity's fallen state, separated from God due to sin, finds resonance in the "alienated" aspect of ἀλλότριος.
* **Reconciliation:** The New Testament narrative of salvation often involves moving from a state of being ἀλλότριος (estranged, foreign) to being reconciled and brought near through Christ.
* **Discernment:** The contrast between the voice of the true Shepherd and the ἀλλότριος underscores the critical need for spiritual discernment among believers.
* **Stewardship:** The use of ἀλλότριος for "another's property" highlights the biblical principle that all earthly possessions are ultimately God's, and humans are merely stewards.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλλότριος is profound, touching upon core doctrines of salvation, identity, and the nature of God's kingdom:
* **The State of Humanity Apart from Christ:** [[Ephesians 2:12]] powerfully articulates the pre-conversion state of Gentiles as being ἀλλότριος—alienated from God's covenant, people, and promises. This highlights the desperate spiritual condition of humanity apart from divine intervention, emphasizing the necessity and grace of salvation. It underscores that without Christ, humanity is inherently outside of God's household and family.
* **The Work of Reconciliation:** The Gospel message is precisely about overcoming this state of being ἀλλότριος. Through Christ's sacrifice, those who were "far off" (ἀλλότριος) are "brought near" [[Ephesians 2:13]]. This signifies a radical transformation from alienation to inclusion, from stranger to fellow citizen and member of God's household [[Ephesians 2:19]]. This reconciliation is not only vertical (with God) but also horizontal (between Jew and Gentile), breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" [[Ephesians 2:14]].
* **Christ as the Exclusive Shepherd:** The use of ἀλλότριος in [[John 10:5]] is foundational to understanding Christ's unique identity as the Good Shepherd. His sheep, knowing His voice, will never follow the voice of an ἀλλότριος. This establishes an exclusive and intimate relationship between Christ and His true followers, warning against false teachers and spiritual imposters who seek to lead the flock astray. It speaks to the authenticity of Christ's claim and the spiritual discernment required of His people.
* **Divine Ownership and Human Stewardship:** The concept of earthly possessions being ἀλλότριος in [[Luke 16:12]] is a critical theological principle. It reminds believers that nothing truly belongs to them in an ultimate sense; all possessions are entrusted by God. Faithfulness in managing these "other's" resources is a test of one's readiness for true spiritual riches, emphasizing that stewardship is a reflection of one's heart and devotion to God.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀλλότριος (allótrios, `{{G245}}`) fundamentally signifies "belonging to another," "foreign," or "alien." Its biblical usage spans literal meanings of foreign lands and possessions to profound theological concepts of spiritual estrangement and reconciliation. It illuminates the pre-conversion state of humanity as alienated from God's covenant and people [[Ephesians 2:12]]. Crucially, it highlights Christ's role as the exclusive Good Shepherd, whose voice alone is recognized by His sheep, in contrast to the deceptive voice of the ἀλλότριος [[John 10:5]]. Furthermore, it underscores the principle of divine ownership and human stewardship, portraying earthly wealth as "another's" property entrusted to believers [[Luke 16:12]]. Ultimately, the theological narrative of the New Testament often moves from a state of being ἀλλότριος—estranged and outside—to being brought near and incorporated into God's family through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
TRV