New International Version The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. New Living Translation Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. English Standard Version You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Berean Standard Bible You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Berean Literal Bible As a native from among you⁺ shall be to you⁺ the sojourner who is sojourning with you⁺, and you shall love him as yourself, for you⁺ were sojourners in the land of Egypt. I am YHWH your⁺ God. King James Bible But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. New King James Version The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. New American Standard Bible The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. NASB 1995 ‘The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. NASB 1977 ‘The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Legacy Standard Bible The sojourner who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God. Amplified Bible But the stranger who resides with you shall be to you like someone native-born among you; and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. Berean Annotated Bible You⁺ must treat the foreigner living among you⁺ as native-born and love him as yourself, for you⁺ were foreigners in the land of Egypt (land of bondage). I am the LORD your⁺ God {YHWH Eloheikem}. Christian Standard Bible You will regard the alien who resides with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. Holman Christian Standard Bible You must regard the foreigner who lives with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God.” American Standard Version The stranger that sojourneth with you shall be unto you as the home-born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt: I am Jehovah your God. Contemporary English Version Instead, treat them as well as you treat your own people and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. English Revised Version The stranger that sojourneth with you shall be unto you as the homeborn among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. GOD'S WORD® Translation Foreigners living among you will be like your own people. Love them as you love yourself, because you were foreigners living in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Good News Translation Treat them as you would an Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. International Standard Version You are to treat the resident alien the same way you treat the native born among you—love him like yourself, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. NET Bible The foreigner who resides with you must be to you like a native citizen among you; so you must love him as yourself, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. New Heart English Bible The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Webster's Bible Translation But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be to you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. World English Bible The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe sojourner who is sojourning with you is to you as a native among you, and you have had love for him as for yourself, for you have been sojourners in the land of Egypt; I [am] your God YHWH. Berean Literal Bible As a native from among you⁺ shall be to you⁺ the sojourner who is sojourning with you⁺, and you shall love him as yourself, for you⁺ were sojourners in the land of Egypt. I am YHWH your⁺ God. Young's Literal Translation as a native among you is the sojourner to you who is sojourning with you, and thou hast had love to him as to thyself, for sojourners ye have been in the land of Egypt; I am Jehovah your God. Smith's Literal Translation As the native among you shall be to you the stranger sojourning with you; thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I Jehovah your God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut let him be among you as one of the same country: and you shall love him as yourselves: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Catholic Public Domain Version but let him be among you like one native born. And you shall love him as yourselves. For you were also newcomers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. New American Bible You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt. I, the LORD, am your God. New Revised Standard Version The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut let him be among you as one of you; and the proselytes who sojourn among you, you must love them as yourselves; for you also were sojourners in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But he shall be equal to you and shall be one of you, and those who are converted to me who dwell with you love them as yourselves because you also were inhabitants in the land of Egypt; I AM LORD JEHOVAH your God. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The stranger that sojourneth with you shall be unto you as the home-born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Brenton Septuagint Translation The stranger that comes to you shall be among you as the native, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Keep My Decrees…33When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. 34You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. 35You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.… Cross References You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born Exodus 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Numbers 15:15-16 The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. / The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.” Leviticus 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” and love him as yourself, Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Exodus 22:21 You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9 Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Exodus 20:2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Deuteronomy 5:6 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Leviticus 18:2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God. Exodus 22:21 You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9 Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Treasury of Scripture But the stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Exodus 12:48,49 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof… Deuteronomy 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Jump to Previous Alien Aliens Born Countrymen Dwelleth Egypt Foreigner Foreigners Home-Born Love Native Native-Born Resides Sojourners Sojourneth Sojourns Strangers ThyselfJump to Next Alien Aliens Born Countrymen Dwelleth Egypt Foreigner Foreigners Home-Born Love Native Native-Born Resides Sojourners Sojourneth Sojourns Strangers ThyselfLeviticus 19 1. A repetition of various lawsYou must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born God required Israel to receive the resident foreigner with the dignity, protection, and neighborly concern owed to an Israelite. Foreigners were often exposed to poverty, abuse, and exclusion in the ancient world. Israel’s life under God’s covenant was to display His justice by refusing exploitation and partiality. Exo 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native… and love him as yourself, Love was not limited to family, tribe, or national identity. God joined care for the foreigner to the same standard given for one’s neighbor in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus upheld that command as central to obedience, and the Good Samaritan showed that genuine love crosses inherited hostilities and social boundaries. Mat 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Israel’s own oppression in Egypt removed every excuse for hardness toward vulnerable outsiders. The people whom God rescued from slavery were to remember His mercy and reflect it in their treatment of others. Their deliverance taught that God sees the afflicted and judges those who misuse power. Exo 22:21 You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident,… I am the LORD your God. The command rested on the character and authority of the covenant God. Israel was to love as God had loved them, not merely from social obligation but from grateful obedience to the One who redeemed them. God’s people still bear witness to Him by showing impartial justice, mercy, and welcome to those in need. Exo 20:2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out… Persons / Places / Events 1. Foreigners (Gerim)Refers to non-Israelites residing among the Israelites. In the Hebrew context, "ger" implies a sojourner or temporary resident who is not native-born. 2. Native-born Israelites The original inhabitants of the land, who are commanded to treat foreigners with love and equality. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were once enslaved, serving as a reminder of their own experience as foreigners. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who commands His people to reflect His character in their treatment of others. 5. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who are given laws to live by that reflect God's holiness and justice. Teaching Points Love as a Reflection of God's CharacterGod's command to love the foreigner is rooted in His own nature. As believers, we are called to reflect God's love and justice in our interactions with others. Remembering Our Own Journey Just as the Israelites were reminded of their time in Egypt, Christians are called to remember their own spiritual journey and extend grace and love to others. Equality and Justice The command to treat foreigners as native-born emphasizes the importance of equality and justice in God's kingdom. Believers are to advocate for fair treatment of all people. Hospitality as a Witness Showing hospitality to strangers can be a powerful witness of God's love and can open doors for sharing the Gospel. Practical Love in Action Loving others as ourselves requires practical actions, such as providing for needs, offering friendship, and standing against injustice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:34?2. How does Leviticus 19:34 instruct us to treat foreigners among us today? 3. What does "love him as yourself" reveal about God's view on equality? 4. How does Leviticus 19:34 connect to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:39? 5. In what ways can we implement Leviticus 19:34 in our local communities? 6. How does remembering being "foreigners in Egypt" shape our empathy towards others? 7. How does Leviticus 19:34 challenge our treatment of immigrants and strangers today? 8. What historical context influenced the command in Leviticus 19:34? 9. How does Leviticus 19:34 reflect God's character and expectations for His people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19? What Does Leviticus 19:34 Mean You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born- God commands Israel to give outsiders full social acceptance, not a second-class status. This is not a suggestion but a covenant expectation, echoing Exodus 22:21 where the Lord says, “You must not mistreat or oppress a foreigner.” - The phrase “as native-born” removes loopholes. Foreigners were to enjoy the same protections and opportunities as Israelites, just as Numbers 15:15 stipulates, “The assembly is to have the same statute for you and for the foreigner residing with you.” - By instituting equal treatment, God models His own impartiality (Romans 2:11) and safeguards community holiness (Leviticus 18:26), proving that righteousness reaches beyond ethnic lines. and love him as yourself - This repeats the earlier standard of Leviticus 19:18, extending the great commandment to every neighbor, including the immigrant. Jesus later fuses these two commands in Matthew 22:39, confirming their enduring authority. - Loving “as yourself” means: • Providing material support when needed (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). • Defending legal rights (Deuteronomy 1:16). • Welcoming into fellowship and worship (Isaiah 56:6-7). - The call is active, not sentimental, mirroring the Samaritan’s compassion in Luke 10:33-37. for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt - Memory fuels mercy. Exodus 23:9 reminds Israel, “You yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Personal history becomes moral leverage; having tasted oppression, they must not replicate it. - God embeds humility in national identity, preventing ethnocentric pride (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). - This backward glance also reassures: the same God who delivered them will care for today’s sojourner (Psalm 146:9). I am the LORD your God - The command rests on God’s character. He alone sets the standard and possesses authority to enforce it, just as He punctuates other holiness laws (Leviticus 20:7-8). - “LORD” (YHWH) recalls covenant faithfulness first revealed in Exodus 3:14, guaranteeing that obedience is never pointless but aligned with a real, present, personal God. - By linking ethical duty to His name, the Lord makes hospitality an act of worship (Hebrews 13:1-2) and disobedience a personal affront (Malachi 3:5). summary Leviticus 19:34 binds God’s people to treat immigrants with the same rights, care, and affection they grant themselves, rooting this ethic in their own redemption story and in the holy, unchanging character of the Lord. What was true for Israel remains a timeless standard: God’s covenant people must reflect His impartial love in practical, tangible ways toward every outsider. (34)But the stranger that dwelleth.—Better, The stranger that sojourneth. The word “but” is not in the original, and its insertion mars the flow of the passage, whilst the expression rendered in the Authorised Version by “dwelleth” is the same which is translated “sojourn in the preceding verse. This stranger is in every respect to be treated as any other member of the commonwealth, and as a native.Shalt love him as thyself.—He is not simply to be treated with consideration and courtesy because he is a foreigner, and enjoy the rights and receive the justice due to every human being, but he is to be put on a perfect equality with the ordinary Israelite. Hence the precept laid down in Leviticus 19:18, “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” is here enacted with regard to the stranger. It was this humane law which attracted so many strangers to Palestine. Hence we find that in the days of Solomon there were 153,600 strangers in the Holy Land. For ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.—To enforce these kindly sentiments towards strangers, which was so contrary to the practice of the surrounding nations, who had an inveterate hatred of all foreigners, the lawgiver appeals to their own bitter experience. They knew with what inhumanity they were treated in Egypt because they were strangers, how they had been humiliated and reduced to slavery. The very thought of this will not only soften their hearts, but will enable them to see that the safety of all classes consists in basing our legislation upon the principle of equal rights to all inhabitants. This pathetic appeal is to be found three times more in the Pentateuch to enforce this precept (Exodus 22:20; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:19). Hebrew You must treatיִהְיֶ֨ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the foreigner הַגֵּ֣ר ׀ (hag·gêr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner living הַגָּ֣ר (hag·gār) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility among you אִתְּכֶ֗ם (’it·tə·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among as native-born כְּאֶזְרָ֣ח (kə·’ez·rāḥ) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 249: A spontaneous growth, native and love וְאָהַבְתָּ֥ (wə·’ā·haḇ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f him לוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew as yourself, כָּמ֔וֹךָ (kā·mō·w·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 3644: Like, as, when for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you were הֱיִיתֶ֖ם (hĕ·yî·ṯem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be foreigners גֵרִ֥ים (ḡê·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner in the land בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Egypt. מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa I אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God. אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Additonal Resources Leviticus 19:34 Blue Letter BibleLeviticus 19:34 Bible Gateway Leviticus 19:34 Bible.com Leviticus 19:34 NIV |
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