Original Word: ἀλλότριος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: allotrios
Pronunciation: al-lo'-tree-os
Phonetic Spelling: (al-lot'-ree-os)
KJV: alien, (an-)other (man's, men's), strange(-r)
NASB: foreign, strangers, another, another man's, another's, other men's, others
Word Origin: [from G243 (ἄλλος - another)]

1. another's, i.e. not one's own
2. (by extension) foreign, not akin, hostile

alien, another man's, stranger.

From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile -- alien, (an-)other (man's, men's), strange(-r).

see GREEK allos

Word Origin
from allos
Definition
belonging to another
NASB Translation
another (2), another man's (1), another's (1), foreign (3), other men's (1), others (1), own (1), stranger (1), strangers (3).

STRONGS NT 245: ἀλλότριος

ἀλλότριος, , ;

1. belonging to another (opposed to ἴδιος), not one's own: Hebrews 9:25; Romans 14:4; Romans 15:20; 2 Corinthians 10:15; 1 Timothy 5:22; John 10:5. in neuter, Luke 16:12 (opposed to τό ὑμέτερον).

2. foreign, strange: γῆ, Acts 7:6; Hebrews 11:9; not of one's own family, alien, Matthew 17:25f; an enemy, Hebrews 11:34 (Homer, Iliad 5, 214; Xenophon, an. 3, 5, 5).

Core Idea: Belonging to Another

Strong’s Greek 245 highlights the contrast between what is properly one’s own and what is “another’s,” foreign or alien. While it can denote literal property, Scripture extends it to realms of authority, covenant identity, ministry territory, and even the believer’s relationship to the present world.

Old Testament Background

Although the term appears only in the New Testament, Septuagint usage of cognate words associates “foreign” with life outside Yahweh’s covenant (Exodus 30:33; Deuteronomy 32:16). Hence the New Testament inherits a moral and relational weight: to be foreign is to lack rightful covenant standing.

Gospel Context

Jesus uses the word in Matthew 17:25-26 concerning the temple tax. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and tax—from their own sons or from others?”. By labeling the taxed as “others,” He asserts that kingdom children are exempt from burdens laid on foreigners, heralding the liberty of divine sonship.

In John 10:5 Jesus contrasts His flock with “a stranger.” “They will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers”. True shepherding rests on rightful ownership; alien voices, however religious, must be rejected.

Acts and the Early Church

Stephen recalls God’s word to Abraham: “Your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land” (Acts 7:6). The term frames Israel’s pilgrim identity and foreshadows the church’s call to live as sojourners until the consummation of the kingdom.

Pauline Instruction on Ministry Boundaries

Paul refuses to encroach on another’s God-given field: “We do not boast beyond measure in someone else’s labors” and he aims “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and not boast in another man’s territory” (2 Corinthians 10:15-16). Similarly, Romans 15:20 speaks of avoiding “another’s foundation.” The word shapes an ethic of honor and restraint among servants of Christ.

Pastoral Care and Personal Holiness

Timothy is warned, “Do not share in the sins of others” (1 Timothy 5:22). Association with alien sin defiles. Romans 14:4 cautions against judging the servant “of another,” for final accountability rests with the rightful Master who “is able to make him stand”.

Faith and Pilgrimage in Hebrews

Hebrews 9:25 contrasts the earthly high priest who enters with “blood that is not his own,” highlighting Christ’s once-for-all self-offering. In 11:9 Abraham “lived as a stranger in the land of promise,” and in 11:34 the faithful “escaped the edge of the sword” of foreign powers. The word underscores both pilgrim status and triumph over alien forces.

Warning Against False Shepherds

John 10:5 presents a perpetual safeguard: religious leaders who do not belong to the Lord are aliens. Discerning the Shepherd’s authentic voice is essential for congregational safety.

Eschatological and Covenant Implications

The alien/owner distinction anticipates final judgment. Those who remain outside are barred from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:15), while the redeemed belong to the Lamb. By His own blood Christ transfers believers from alien status to heirs (Ephesians 2:12-19).

Practical Applications for the Church Today

1. Stewardship: Luke 16:12 reminds believers that faithfulness with another’s property precedes entrustment with true riches.
2. Discernment: Churches must test teaching and practice, fleeing whatever is foreign to Christ.
3. Pilgrimage: Remembering alien status in this age nurtures holiness and hope.
4. Unity: Recognizing that every servant answers to his own Master fosters mutual honor and restrains rivalry.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 245 draws a sharp line between what is inside or outside covenant ownership—property, authority, sacrifice, or people. Through Christ, those once alien become heirs; until He returns, the church lives faithfully amid what is still foreign, stewarding the gospel without intrusion into another’s field and discerning the Shepherd’s voice above all strangers.

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