Definition: The term "alienees" in the Greek New Testament is a figure of speech that describes women who have been sold into slavery, often by their own husbands or other male relatives. This term originated in the Old Testament when Jesus said to his disciples, "Many of you will be like tares in the wilderness, and it is difficult for them to separate them from the wheat," meaning they are easily identified as those that have not been released from slavery. The word "alienees" comes from the Greek word "aliens," which means "foreigners." The context in the New Testament suggests that these women were foreign visitors to Jerusalem who had been sold into slavery by their own husbands or other relatives. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe someone who has not fully assimilated or embraced a culture and language, and may not have been taught basic religious concepts. The term was specifically used in the context of Jesus' parable in Matthew 25:31-46, where it suggests that even though some of his disciples would eventually be freed from slavery, others will remain slaves to their own families. The story highlights how difficult it is for people to escape slavery, and how they may choose not to do so, choosing instead to stay in their current family's bondage. The term "alienees" has been interpreted by various Christian denominations differently throughout history, with some interpreting it more metaphorically or as a direct reference to the biblical figure of Jesus who had been sold into slavery.

alienees