Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)/Alien

Alien,

(1.) Those who were strangers generally, and who owned no landed property.

(2.) Strangers dwelling in another country without being naturalized (Leviticus 22:10; Psalms 39:12).

Both of these classes were to enjoy, under certain conditions, the same rights as other citizens (Leviticus 19:33,34; Deuteronomy 10:19). They might be naturalized and permitted to enter into the congregation of the Lord by submitting to circumcision and abandoning idolatry (Deuteronomy 23:3-8).

This term is used (Ephesians 2:12) to denote persons who have no interest in Christ.