Leviticus 19:34
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.
Leviticus 19:34 (KJV)
Context
Leviticus 19 gathers ethical and moral laws given through Moses to guide Israel’s relationships with God and with one another. The surrounding verses (Leviticus 19:33-36) also command fair treatment of the stranger, honest weights and measures, and righteousness in judgment. Love for the stranger belongs to a broader call to justice and integrity. This chapter shows that true worship of God includes how we treat the vulnerable among us.
Meaning
The “stranger” is a foreigner or alien residing in Israel, not of Israelite descent, who has chosen to live among the people. The command is twofold: treat the stranger as one born among you, and love him as yourself. This is not mere tolerance but full acceptance and equal standing. The stranger enjoys the same civil and religious privileges, for there was one law for the native and the sojourner (Exodus 12:49). This equality was unusual in the ancient world, where foreigners often had fewer rights.
The reason is Israel’s own history: they were strangers in Egypt. They experienced hardship as foreigners, and God delivered them. That memory of suffering and deliverance is meant to produce empathy and just treatment of others. Remembering their own pain would guard them against treating others harshly.
The verse closes with “I am the LORD your God.” This divine self-identification grounds the command in God’s authority and covenant relationship. The motivation is not merely humanitarian but theological: because God delivered Israel from oppression, they are to reflect His character by treating the vulnerable with love and justice. God’s identity as their Redeemer becomes the basis for their ethical conduct.
Biblical connections
Jesus summarized the Law as loving God and loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40). The command to love the stranger is a specific application of the second great commandment. Jesus also taught the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). The inclusive nature of God’s covenant community anticipates the New Testament teaching that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28). This shows that God’s heart has always been for all people, not just one nation.
Application
This principle calls believers today to show hospitality, kindness, and empathy to foreigners, immigrants, and refugees. Treat them as fellow human beings, extending compassion and care as we would want for ourselves. This is practical love, not just sentiment, rooted in the identity and character of God. We can welcome newcomers in our neighborhoods, churches, and communities, offering friendship and practical help.
Reflection
God’s command challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions. Because we have received mercy and deliverance in Christ, we extend that same mercy to others. In doing so, we reflect God’s character and live out Jesus’ teaching. Let us ask God to give us His heart for the stranger, and to help us love as we have been loved.
