Bible Dictionary
OUTCAST
An outcast is one thrust out of society or driven into exile. Scripture uses the term for degraded or rejected people and for displaced Israelites whom God promises to gather.
Definition
An outcast is one who has been thrust out, rejected, degraded, or driven into exile. The word may describe exclusion from society or displacement from one’s country.
Biblical Usage
In Jeremiah 30:17, “outcast” describes a person thrust out of society and degraded. Elsewhere it refers to exiles, including those mentioned in the Psalms, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.
Historical Background
The term represents Hebrew roots meaning “thrust out.” Its biblical uses therefore range from social rejection to national or personal exile.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>out'-kast: Represents some form of dachah, or nadhach, both meaning "thrust out." In Jer 30:17 "outcast" means "thrust out of society," "degraded person"; elsewhere it means "exile" (Ps 147:2; Isa 16:3 f; Jer 49:36).</p>