ἀλλότριος (allotrios)
allotrios
another’s
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective allotrios describes something that belongs to another or is foreign to one’s own sphere. Derived from the word for "other," it stands in direct contrast to idiōs, meaning one’s own. In practical terms, it marks a clear boundary between what is personal and what is external, whether referring to property, family ties, or national identity.
Its usage varies by context but consistently highlights alienation. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe outsiders who do not recognize his voice (John 10:5) or strangers in a tax dispute (Matthew 17:26). Paul employs it to discuss jurisdiction and ownership, noting that God judges those outside one’s own circle (Romans 14:4), while Hebrews contrasts the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly reality, where Christ serves as a priest not of a foreign, man-made sanctuary but of a true, divine one (Hebrews 9:25).
This word carries significant theological weight by defining limits. It clarifies that certain authorities or relationships do not extend to everyone equally. By distinguishing the "other’s" from the "own," it helps readers understand the specific scope of responsibility and belonging in biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word allotrios draws a clear line between what belongs to us and what belongs to someone else. In daily life, this distinction helps us respect boundaries. We might feel pressured to fix problems that are not ours to solve or judge decisions made by others. Recognizing that some things are 'another’s' frees us from unnecessary burdens and anxiety.
Jesus used this concept to show that God’s authority has specific limits. In Matthew 17, He noted that children are exempt from certain taxes because they belong to a different sphere. This reminds us that we do not need to carry the weight of every situation or person’s choices. Trusting God with what is outside our control brings peace.
Paul also used this idea to encourage humility in ministry. He refused to boast in work he did not start, acknowledging the foundations laid by others. This perspective fosters unity. When we respect the boundaries of others’ roles and responsibilities, we create space for God’s grace to work through every person involved.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- another’s3×
- strangers?1×
- strangers,1×
- strange1×
- others’1×
- of strangers1×
- of others,1×
- of foreigners.1×
- of another;1×
- of another1×
- a foreign [country]1×
- After a stranger1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλλοτρίῳ3×
- ἀλλότριον2×
- ἀλλοτρίῳ·1×
- ἀλλοτρίᾳ1×
- ἀλλοτρίων;1×
- ἀλλοτρίων.1×
- ἀλλοτρίων,1×
- ἀλλοτρίων1×
- ἀλλοτρίοις1×
- ἀλλοτρίαν1×
- ἀλλοτρίαις,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 17:26
Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
Jesus uses this term to argue that His disciples are exempt from the temple tax because they belong to God, not to the human system collecting it.
-
Romans 14:4
Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.
Paul warns against judging others by reminding readers that each person stands or falls before their own Lord, not before us.
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John 10:5
They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.”
Jesus contrasts His voice with that of strangers to show that His followers know Him intimately and will not follow those outside this relationship.
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Hebrews 9:25
nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own,
The author explains that Christ did not offer blood that was 'another’s' or foreign, but His own life, establishing a superior covenant.