### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλλόφυλος (allóphylos), transliterated as "allóphylos" and assigned Strong's `{{G246}}`, is a compound term formed from ἄλλος (allos - other, another) and φυλή (phylē - tribe, race, nation). Its literal meaning is "of another tribe" or "belonging to another nation." This etymological root clearly indicates a sense of otherness, distinguishing one group from another based on ethnic or national origin. In its semantic range, ἀλλόφυλος denotes a foreigner, an outsider, or someone not belonging to one's own people or nation. While it shares some conceptual overlap with terms like ξένος (xenos - stranger, guest), ἀλλόφυλος specifically emphasizes a difference in inherent national or tribal identity, rather than merely a temporary status as a visitor. In biblical contexts, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, it carries the specialized meaning of "Gentile" or "non-Israelite," reflecting the distinct identity of the Jewish people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While ἀλλόφυλος (allóphylos) appears frequently in the Septuagint (LXX) to refer to non-Israelite peoples—most notably the Philistines, who are consistently called "the ἀλλόφυλοι" (e.g., [[Judges 10:6]], [[1 Samuel 17:26]])—its occurrence in the New Testament is singular yet profoundly significant. It is found exclusively in [[Acts 10:28]], where Peter states, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation (ἀλλοφύλου)."
This solitary New Testament usage is crucial for understanding the word's contextual implications. Peter's statement reflects the deeply ingrained Jewish custom and understanding of separation from Gentiles. The term ἀλλόφυλος here underscores the perceived ethnic and religious boundary that traditionally existed between Jews and non-Jews. The context of [[Acts 10]] is a pivotal moment in the early church, as Peter, a devout Jew, is called by God to visit Cornelius, a Roman centurion and Gentile. Peter's initial reluctance, rooted in the very "unlawfulness" of associating with an ἀλλόφυλος, sets the stage for God's radical revelation that "God shows no partiality" [[Acts 10:34]] and has cleansed those previously considered unclean. Thus, in this unique New Testament occurrence, ἀλλόφυλος serves as a linguistic marker for the traditional barriers that are about to be dismantled by divine initiative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀλλόφυλος (allóphylos) intersects with several other Greek terms that denote national or ethnic distinctions:
* **ἄλλος (allos)**: The root word, meaning "other" or "another," highlighting the fundamental concept of difference.
* **φυλή (phylē)**: The other root, meaning "tribe" or "race," emphasizing the basis of this distinction.
* **ἔθνος (ethnos)**: This is the most common New Testament term for "nation" or "Gentile" (often in the plural, ἔθνη). While ἔθνος can simply mean "people group," when contrasted with Israel, it specifically refers to non-Jews. ἀλλόφυλος offers a more specific nuance, emphasizing the "otherness" from a particular (usually Jewish) perspective.
* **ξένος (xenos)**: Meaning "stranger" or "foreigner." While a ξένος is an outsider, ἀλλόφυλος implies a more fundamental difference in origin and identity. A ξένος might be a temporary visitor, but an ἀλλόφυλος is inherently of a different stock.
* **περιτομή (peritomē)** and **ἀκροβυστία (akrobystia)**: "Circumcision" and "uncircumcision" are theological markers that often delineate the Jew/Gentile distinction, reflecting the covenantal status of Israel versus the uncircumcised nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλλόφυλος (allóphylos) is deeply intertwined with the biblical narrative of salvation history and the breaking down of barriers in Christ.
1. **Old Testament Separation:** In the Old Testament, the concept conveyed by ἀλλόφυλος underscores the divinely ordained distinctiveness of Israel. God chose Israel to be a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding ἀλλόφυλοι, to be His special possession and a witness to the world. This separation was crucial for maintaining their unique identity and preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
2. **New Testament Inclusivity:** The New Testament's use of ἀλλόφυλος in [[Acts 10:28]] serves as a dramatic theological pivot point. Peter's initial adherence to the Jewish custom of separation from the ἀλλόφυλοι is immediately challenged by God's vision and subsequent command. The encounter with Cornelius demonstrates that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to include all nations. This event marks the definitive opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles, signaling the end of the strict ethnic segregation that characterized the Old Covenant.
3. **Unity in Christ:** The overcoming of the ἀλλόφυλος distinction is a central theme in Pauline theology. In Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down [[Ephesians 2:14]]. The theological implication is that in the Church, ethnic or national origin, once a source of division, becomes irrelevant for one's standing before God. Believers from all backgrounds, whether Jew or Gentile (ἀλλόφυλος), are united into one new humanity, where distinctions like "neither Jew nor Greek" [[Galatians 3:28]] and "neither barbarian, Scythian" [[Colossians 3:11]] are transcended. This signifies the universal scope of God's grace and the radical inclusivity of the Kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλλόφυλος (allóphylos, `{{G246}}`) fundamentally means "of another tribe or nation," signifying a foreigner or an outsider. Its usage in the Septuagint frequently refers to non-Israelite peoples, such as the Philistines. In the New Testament, its sole occurrence in [[Acts 10:28]] is highly significant, reflecting the traditional Jewish view of separation from Gentiles. Theologically, ἀλλόφυλος serves as a powerful backdrop for understanding the profound shift in God's redemptive plan. While it highlights the historical and religious distinctions between Israel and other nations, its context in Acts demonstrates the radical breaking down of these barriers through Christ. The inclusion of Gentiles into the body of believers signifies that in the New Covenant, the distinctions implied by "ἀλλόφυλος" are overcome, uniting all who believe into one new people of God.
TRV