King James Bible Dictionary

A Greek word used in the New Testament (Romans 1:14) to denote one of another nation. In Colossians 3:11, the word more definitely designates those nations of the Roman empire that did not speak Greek. In 1 Corinthians 14:11, it simply refers to one speaking a different language. The inhabitants of Malta are so called (Acts 28:1, 2, 4). They were originally a Carthaginian colony. This word nowhere in Scripture bears the meaning it does in modern times.

A foreigner
Acts 28:2-4; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 14:11; Colossians 3:11
Strangers

"every one not a Greek is a barbarian" is the common Greek definition, and in this strict sense the word is sued in (Romans 1:14) It often retains this primitive meaning, as in (1 Corinthians 14:11; Acts 28:24)

BARBA'RIAN, noun [Latin barbarus; . The sense is, foreign, wild, fierce.]

1. A man in his rude, savage state; an uncivilized person.

2. A cruel, savage, brutal man; one destitute of pity or humanity.

3. A foreigner. The Greeks and Romans denominated most foreign nations barbarians; and many of these were less civilized than themselves, or unacquainted with their language, laws and manners. But with them, the word was less reproachful than with us.

BARBA'RIAN, adjective Belonging to savages; rude; uncivilized.

2. Cruel; inhuman.

34