Bárbaros — G915

Definition

adjective

a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek)

1. properly, one whose speech is rude, rough, harsh, as if repeating the syllables βαρβαρ
2. one who speaks a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another
3. The Greeks used βάρβαρος of any foreigner ignorant of the Greek language and the Greek culture, whether mental or moral, with the added notion, after the Persian war, of rudeness and brutality. Hence, the word is applied in the N. T., but not reproachfully, in

Usually translated as

barbarian, barbarous

Origin

of uncertain derivation

Occurrences

Bárbaros occurs 6 times in 5 verses of the King James.

Distribution of the word across the Bible: Acts (2), Romans (1), 1 Corinthians (1), Colossians (1)

• Acts 28:2 — And the barbarous people (βάρβαροι) 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.
• Acts 28:4 — And when the barbarians (βάρβαροι) 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.
• Romans 1:14 — I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians (βαρβάροις); both to the wise, and to the unwise.
• 1 Corinthians 14:11 — Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian (βάρβαρος), and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
• 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 (βάρβαρος) unto me.
• Colossians 3:11 — Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian (βάρβαρος), Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.