Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
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; Dt. 10:19). They might be naturalized and permitted to enter into the congregation of the Lord by submitting to circumcision and abandoning idolatry (Dt. 23:3-8).
This term is used (Eph. 2:12) to denote persons who have no interest in Christ.