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 Acts 28:2 Acts 28:4 ). They were originally a Carthaginian colony. This word nowhere in Scripture bears the meaning it does in modern times.
A non-Greek.And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the BARBARIANS 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. ( Acts 28:3-4 )
"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 )