ἑτερόγλωσσος
heteróglōssos
G2084 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Speaking another language; having a different native tongue or speaking in a language foreign to the group in question. The term primarily denotes someone who speaks a different language, usually in contrast to a normative or majority group language. In context, can refer to one who is of foreign linguistic background or who speaks in 'other' languages.
Semantic Range
one of another language, foreign-speaking person, speaker of a different tongue; foreigner in terms of language, linguistically distinct person
Root / Etymology
From ἕτερος ('other, different') + γλῶσσα ('tongue, language'). The combination directly signifies one whose speech or language is 'other' or different from a reference group.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested rarely in Greek literature; in Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term is especially found in contexts contrasting populations or assemblies by language rather than ethnicity or geographic origin. In the Septuagint (Isaiah 28:11), ἑτερόγλωσσος is used to render Hebrew 'לְעֵלֵי שָׂפָה' ('with stammering/lips')—i.e., those who speak in unintelligible or foreign language, emphasizing incomprehensibility to the Israelite (Judean) audience. In New Testament Greek, does not occur in extant manuscripts, but remains relevant in describing ethnic or cultural outsiders in terms of speech. English Bible translations have often rendered the referents as 'men of strange tongues' or 'foreigners,' though the core meaning is linguistic rather than ethnic. Distinct from βάρβαρος (barbaros, 'foreigner, non-Greek speaker') in that ἑτερόγλωσσος does not imply lack of civilization or negative connotation, but simply difference of language.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἕτερος and γλῶσσα; other- tongued, i.e. a foreigner:--man of other tongue.
Root Family
ἑτερόγλωσσος (heteroglōssos) — other, different; tongue, language
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2084-01 |
ἑτερογλώσσοις | eteroglossois | ADJ.S DAT M PL |
men of strange tongues | to other-tongued ones | other-tongued ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2084-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:21 | ἑτερογλώσσοις | eteroglossois | ADJ.S DAT M PL |
men of strange tongues | to other-tongued ones | other-tongued ones |