Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
A foreigner, or person born in another country, and therefore not entitled to the rights and privileges of the country where he resides. Among the Hebrews there were two classes of aliens. ) Those who were strangers generally, and who owned no landed property. ) Strangers dwelling in another country without being naturalized (Lev. 22:10; Ps. 39:12). Both of these classes were to enjoy, under certain conditions, the same rights as other citizens (Lev. 19:33, 34; Deut. 10:19).
They might be naturalized and permitted to enter into the congregation of the Lord by submitting to circumcision and abandoning idolatry (Deut. 23:3-8). This term is used (Eph. 2:12) to denote persons who have no interest in Christ.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
A'LIEN. See Stranger.
✦ Scripture References 7 references