When a foreigner resides with you in your land
This phrase acknowledges the presence of non-Israelites living among the Israelites. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to migrate due to trade, famine, or conflict. The term "foreigner" refers to those who were not native-born Israelites but chose to live within the community. This reflects God's inclusive nature and His concern for all humanity, not just Israel. The land is a significant theme in the Old Testament, representing God's promise to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). The presence of foreigners in the land highlights the universal scope of God's covenant, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant (Ephesians 2:11-13).

you must not oppress him
This command underscores the importance of justice and compassion in God's law. Oppression of foreigners was a common issue in ancient societies, where outsiders often had no legal rights or protection. By instructing the Israelites not to oppress foreigners, God emphasizes His desire for His people to reflect His character of love and justice (Micah 6:8). This command is rooted in Israel's own experience of oppression in Egypt (Exodus 22:21), reminding them of their past and encouraging empathy. It also points to the future ministry of Jesus Christ, who consistently reached out to marginalized groups and taught love for one's neighbor (Luke 10:25-37).

1. Foreigners (Gerim)
In the context of ancient Israel, these were non-Israelites who lived among the Israelites. The Hebrew word "ger" refers to a sojourner or temporary resident.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, to whom the laws of Leviticus were given. They were called to be a holy nation, set apart by God.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a place where God's laws were to be lived out.God's Heart for the Foreigner
God consistently shows concern for the marginalized, including foreigners. This reflects His character as compassionate and just.

Remembering Our Own Journey
Just as the Israelites were once foreigners in Egypt, Christians are reminded of their own spiritual journey from alienation to belonging in God's family.

Hospitality as a Christian Virtue
Welcoming and caring for strangers is a tangible expression of Christian love and hospitality, reflecting the love of Christ.

Justice and Fair Treatment
The command not to oppress foreigners underscores the biblical principle of justice and fair treatment for all, regardless of their background.

Living Out Our Faith
Our treatment of others, especially those who are different from us, is a testament to our faith and obedience to God's commands.Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19

How is ethnocentrism defined?

What does the Bible say about illegal immigration?

What is the Bible's stance on xenophobia?

What is the Bible's stance on asylum seekers?(33) And if a stranger sojourn with thee.--The stranger, for whose benefit the legislators enacted so many humane and benign laws, and with regard to whom the book of Leviticus has laid down so many precepts, is one of non-Jewish origin, but who had joined the Jewish faith. He had, therefore, to undergo the rite of circumcision; he had to fast on the great Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29); he had to submit to the regulations about sacrifices (Leviticus 17:8-9; Leviticus 22:18); he had to abstain from eating blood and the flesh of animals torn by wild beasts (Leviticus 22:10; Leviticus 22:15); he had to practise the laws of chastity (Leviticus 18:26); like the Israelite by birth, he had to refrain from blasphemy, and obey the moral precepts (Leviticus 24:16-22). These were some of the conditions of his sojourning in the land. . . . Verses 33, 34. - The command already given "neither to vex a stranger, nor oppress him" (Exodus 22:21), on the pathetic ground that "ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 23:9), is broadened in these verses to the positive law, thou shalt love him as thyself. "The royal law of verse 18 is expressly extended to the stranger, and notwithstanding the national narrowness necessary to preserve the true religion in the world, the general brotherhood of mankind is hereby taught as far as was possible under the circumstances" (Gardiner).

Parallel Commentaries ...


When
וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a foreigner
גֵּ֖ר (gêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner

resides
יָג֧וּר (yā·ḡūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility

with you
אִתְּךָ֛ (’it·tə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

in your land,
בְּאַרְצְכֶ֑ם (bə·’ar·ṣə·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land

you must not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

oppress
תוֹנ֖וּ (ṯō·w·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3238: To rage, be violent, to suppress, to maltreat

him.
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case


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OT Law: Leviticus 19:33 If a stranger lives as a foreigner (Le Lv Lev.)