Bible Dictionary
Vagabond
A vagabond is a wanderer or person without a settled home. Scripture uses the term for Cain’s condition and for traveling Jewish exorcists in Ephesus.
Definition
A vagabond is a wanderer or fugitive, a person without a settled place. The biblical term can also describe people who traveled from place to place.
Biblical Usage
Cain was condemned to be a wanderer. The Psalms use the term for unsettled persons, and the “strolling Jews” in Acts were traveling professional exorcists.
Historical Background
The English word comes from a Latin term meaning “a wanderer” or “a fugitive.” The Revised Version commonly renders the biblical expression as “wanderer” or “strolling.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
From Lat. vagabundus, “a wanderer,” “a fugitive;” not used opprobriously (Gen. 4:12, R.V., “wanderer;” Ps. 109:10; Acts 19:13, R.V., “strolling”).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>vag'-a-bond (nudh, "to wander"): The word is used in the curse pronounced on Cain (Ge 4:12,14). the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes in each case "wanderer," but in Ps 109:10 it retains "vagabonds." "Vagabond Jews" (perierchomai; the Revised Version (British and American) "strolling Jews") were persons who traveled about as professional exorcists (Ac 19:13).</p>