Definition: The Greek word "allochthon" in the Bible refers to a person who is not descended from a known or established family line; rather, he was born into a different society or culture than that which his ancestors had lived in. He might be an outsider or a fugitive seeking freedom or opportunity. In the NT, "allochthon" has been used metaphorically for those who are outside of their own time and place but still participate in something significant or significant happenstance occurring within it. This idea is found in the Book of Acts when Paul addresses the believers who were "all born into unclean spirits," yet had become Christians. The term was a figurative way to describe individuals from backgrounds that differed from the established, accepted culture.

allochthon

Definition: The word "allochthonous" in Hebrew is derived from the Greek, allochonas (alpha), which means "from the beginning," and -thonos (thorny) which means "beneath." The term means something that has a specific nature or quality without being an existing thing.

allochthonous