Topical Encyclopedia The term "barbarous" in the Bible is used to describe people or languages that were foreign or unfamiliar to the Greeks and Romans. It is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," which was used to denote those who did not speak Greek and were considered uncivilized by Greek and Roman standards. In the context of the Bible, "barbarous" does not necessarily carry the negative connotations it might in modern usage but rather signifies cultural and linguistic differences.Biblical References: 1. Acts 28:2 : "The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold." In this passage, the term "islanders" is translated from the Greek "barbaroi," referring to the inhabitants of Malta. Despite being labeled as "barbarous," these people demonstrated great hospitality and kindness to the Apostle Paul and his companions after their shipwreck. 2. 1 Corinthians 14:11 : "If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and he will be a foreigner to me." Here, the Apostle Paul uses the term "barbaros" to illustrate the confusion and lack of understanding that arises when people speak different languages. The emphasis is on the importance of clear communication within the church, particularly in the use of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues. Cultural Context: In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans often viewed those who did not share their language and culture as "barbarous." This term was not necessarily derogatory but was used to distinguish between those who were part of the Greco-Roman world and those who were not. The Bible reflects this cultural understanding, using "barbarous" to describe people who were outside the cultural and linguistic norms of the time. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the use of "barbarous" in the Bible underscores the universality of the Gospel message. The kindness of the Maltese islanders in Acts 28 demonstrates that God's love and grace extend beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries. The Apostle Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 14 highlights the importance of unity and understanding within the body of Christ, regardless of cultural differences. Historical Significance: The term "barbarous" also reflects the historical context of the early church, which was expanding beyond Jewish and Greek communities to include a diverse range of peoples. This expansion required the early Christians to navigate cultural differences and communicate the Gospel effectively across linguistic barriers. The use of "barbarous" in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the early church's mission to reach all nations and peoples with the message of Christ. In summary, the term "barbarous" in the Bible is a reflection of cultural and linguistic diversity in the ancient world. It highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the early church in spreading the Gospel and emphasizes the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Being in the state of a barbarian; uncivilized; rude; peopled with barbarians; as, a barbarous people; a barbarous country.2. (a.) Foreign; adapted to a barbaric taste. 3. (a.) Cruel; ferocious; inhuman; merciless. 4. (a.) Contrary to the pure idioms of a language. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BARBARIAN; BARBAROUSbar-ba'-ri-an, bar'-ba-rus (barbaros): A word probably formed by imitation of the unintelligible sounds of foreign speech, and hence, in the mouth of a Greek it meant anything that was not Greek, language, people or customs. With the spread of Greek language and culture, it came to be used generally for all that was non-Greek. Philo and Josephus sometimes called their own nation "barbarians," and so did Roman writers up to the Augustan age, when they adopted Greek culture, and reckoned themselves with the Greeks as the only cultured people in the world. Therefore Greek and barbarian meant the whole human race (Romans 1:14). Greek 915. barbaros -- barbarous, barbarian ... barbarous, barbarian. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: barbaros Phonetic Spelling: (bar'-bar-os) Short Definition: a foreigner who speaks neither ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/915.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3267. yaaz -- perhaps barbarous... perhaps barbarous. Transliteration: yaaz Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-az') Short Definition: fierce. ... root Definition perhaps barbarous NASB Word Usage fierce (1). ... /hebrew/3267.htm - 5k 4031. Magog -- perhaps "land of Gog," a son of Japheth, also his ... Library "You Knew the Too Barbarous And, Beyond Measure, Bloody Ferocity ... Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations Receive Presents from ... You Would not Think How These Barbarous Inventions Spoil Your ... By this You May See who are the Rude and Barbarous Indians: for ... After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ... Preface. Reason for a New Work Our Forefathers have Handed Down to us the Tradition, That, after ... Deified and Stoned Trials to be Met. And Now the Time is Come for us to Consider the Works of Our ... Thesaurus Barbarous (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Being in the state of a barbarian; uncivilized; rude; peopled with barbarians; as, a barbarous people; a barbarous country. ... BARBARIAN; BARBAROUS. ... /b/barbarous.htm - 9k Barbarian (2 Occurrences) Savage (3 Occurrences) Phoenicians Phoenicia (6 Occurrences) Nero Outlandish (1 Occurrence) Gothic Inhuman (1 Occurrence) Fell (331 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.orgBarbarous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Barbarous (1 Occurrence)Acts 28:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |