[Greek] ἀπαλλοτριόω (apallotrioō), [Latin] alienare: to alienate, to estrange, to exclude, to be a foreigner; Eph.2:12, Eph.4:18, Col.1:21
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to estrange, to alienate, to separate, to alter, and to remove. Polybius’ Histories 1.79.6 states “Thus was Sardinia lost to the Carthaginians, an island of great extent, most thickly populated and most fertile.” Isocrates’ Letters 7.12 states “When Clearchus visited us, all who met him agreed at the time the most liked, kindly and humane. But when he gained power, he seemed to change in disposition so greatly. For these reasons I was estranged from him.” Hippocrates’ De Articulus 58 states “By carrying up a resting and injured limb upon a staff, the secured leg will gain strength. This cannot be separated from the knowledge of medicine.”
Old Testament: This term means to be a foreigner, to estrange, to be strange, to wander, to console, to scorn, to separate, to dedicate (consecrate), to scrutinize, to disregard, and to dispute. Being a stranger can refer to an alien, barbarian, Gentile, prostitute, Gentile nation, and idols. Moving and wandering can mean nodding, consoling (shaking the head in sympathy or anger), and fleeing. Separating can involve dedicating, devoting, and consecrating. Scrutinizing can involve recognizing, acknowledging, respecting, discerning, and regarding. On this altar you shall not offer any profane incense (Exo.30:9). Whoever prepares a perfume like this, or whoever puts any of this an unauthorized person, shall be cut off (Exo.30:33). They made Him jealous with strange gods (Deu.32:16). And I shall be a fugitive and vagabond in the earth (Gen.4:14). Let no the hand of the wicked remove (Psa.36:11). When men or women solemnly take the Nazirite vow to dedicate themselves to the Lord (Num.6:2). Joseph recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him (Gen.42:8).
New Testament: This term means alienated. Gentiles, before the introduction of Christ, were alienated from the community of Israel and were strangers to the covenants without hope and God. Paul refers to the Gentiles, alienated from God, darkened in understanding. Paul makes reference to those alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds. Jesus’ death provides reconciliation and redemption for them.
Scripture:
“Were at that time without Christ, alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.” Eph.2:12
The Gentiles lack Israel’s messianic expectations. Christ transcends and removes these barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
“Darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart.” Eph.4:18
Paul contrasts the Gentiles’ old ways without God (old self) with the Gentiles with God (new self).
“And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds.” Col.1:21
Jesus’ cross (death) provides redemption and reconciliation for these people.
Conclusion:
Alien, alienation, alienated
This term obviously can be applicable in any time in history. Being abandoned or lost becomes a more nuanced meaning of this term.
In the Old Testament, this term is used extensively, having a variety of meanings. What is considered foreign (strange) is often defined by one’s relationship with God. Such examples include Gentiles, Gentile nations, barbarians, pagan idols, prostitutes, and idols. Wandering can involve being a fugitive, moving to and fro (heads and fingers). These actions can illustrate scorn or compassion, depending on the context. (Image someone wagging their finger at you). Separating, also defined by one’s relationship with God, can mean turning away from God or consecrating oneself in service to God.
In the New Testament, a stranger is one who is alienated from God in darkness, ignorance, isolation, evil deeds, and lack of hope. I don’t think one can become more estranged than that!