In the Bible, a foreigner refers to a non-Israelite individual living among the Israelites, often described as an alien or stranger (Exodus 12:48-49). They were granted certain rights and protections, emphasizing the values of hospitality and inclusion within the community (Leviticus 19:34).
Scripture
33 “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.
34 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.
Biblical Definition of Foreigner
The concept of a ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger’ in the Bible is rooted deeply in the themes of inclusion, compassion, and social justice. In Exodus 12:48-49, the laws governing Passover illustrate that a foreigner could partake in the sacred ritual if they adhered to certain guidelines, indicating that they, too, could share in the covenant community of Israel. This highlights that God’s love and covenant were not bound only to the Israelites but were extended to those who lived among them, signifying that divine grace is available to all, regardless of nationality. Additionally, Leviticus 19:34 reinforces this notion by instructing the Israelites to love the foreigner as themselves, reminding them that they were once foreigners in Egypt—a historical reference meant to foster empathy and acknowledgment of shared humanity.
This biblical perspective invites believers to embrace inclusivity and champion the rights of the marginalized. The call to protect and care for foreigners emphasizes ethical behavior that mirrors God’s compassion. Additionally, in Deuteronomy 10:18-19, God is portrayed as one who executed justice for the orphan and widow, and who loves the foreigner, providing them with sustenance and clothing. This loving regard for foreigners aligns with the overarching narrative of redemption in the Bible, wherein all people are invited into a relationship with God. It suggests that communal identity is not exclusively about ethnicity or birth, but fundamentally about shared humanity and the pursuit of justice, equality, and mercy, drawing parallels with New Testament teachings on neighborly love and the great commandment to love one another (Matthew 22:39).
The concept of a ‘foreigner’ is further illuminated in the prophetic literature of the Bible, where the inclusion of foreigners is portrayed as part of the broader vision of God’s restorative plan for humanity. Prophets such as Isaiah and Zechariah articulated a future where all nations, including foreigners, would be welcomed into Jerusalem, symbolizing a time when the barriers between peoples would be dismantled. These prophetic promises emphasize that foreigners are not merely tolerated but are integral to the community’s spiritual flourishing. This reinforces the concept that God’s redemptive work encompasses all peoples, promoting a vision of unity that transcends ethnic and national boundaries.
Furthermore, the New Testament reinforces this understanding through the ministry of Jesus, who often engaged with those considered outsiders, including Samaritans and Gentiles. These interactions consistently emphasized the idea that faith and acceptance into God’s kingdom were available to all, regardless of their background. The parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a poignant illustration of how true neighborly love respects and uplifts those who differ from us. This teaching redefines the parameters of community, challenging followers to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, including foreigners. Such biblical references collectively underscore that the acceptance of foreigners is not merely an ethical obligation but a reflection of the nature of God’s kingdom, where love and compassion prevail over exclusion and prejudice.
Inclusion and Community
In the biblical context, the term “foreigner” often signifies the importance of inclusion within the community of believers. Foreigners were not merely outsiders; they were individuals who could be integrated into the social and spiritual fabric of the community. This reflects a broader theological principle that emphasizes God’s love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their origin. The call to treat foreigners with kindness and respect underscores the idea that all individuals are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and compassion.
Divine Justice and Care
Another significant meaning of the term “foreigner” in the Bible relates to the themes of justice and care for the marginalized. The scriptures frequently highlight the responsibility of the community to protect and provide for foreigners, emphasizing that they should not be oppressed or mistreated. This reflects God’s character as a defender of the vulnerable and serves as a reminder to the faithful to advocate for justice and equity in society, ensuring that the needs of all, especially those who are marginalized, are met.
Spiritual Metaphor for Believers
The concept of a foreigner can also serve as a spiritual metaphor for believers themselves. In various biblical texts, followers of God are described as “strangers” or “aliens” in this world, indicating that their true citizenship lies in a heavenly kingdom. This perspective encourages believers to view their earthly existence as temporary and to live in a manner that reflects their ultimate allegiance to God. It fosters a sense of purpose and mission, urging believers to engage with the world while remaining rooted in their spiritual identity.
How to Embrace Inclusion and Practice Divine Hospitality
Embracing inclusion and practicing divine hospitality is a beautiful way to reflect Christ’s love in our daily lives. As you seek to be a better Christian, consider how Jesus welcomed everyone—regardless of their background, status, or past mistakes—into His circle. Start by opening your heart and home to those who may feel marginalized or overlooked, whether it’s inviting a neighbor for coffee or volunteering at a local shelter. Remember, hospitality isn’t just about providing a meal; it’s about creating a space where people feel valued and seen. Engage in conversations that celebrate diversity and listen actively to the stories of others, allowing their experiences to enrich your own faith journey. By embodying this spirit of inclusion, you not only honor God’s command to love one another but also cultivate a community that mirrors the Kingdom of Heaven, where all are welcome.
Bible References to Definition of Foreigner:
Exodus 22:21-24: 21 “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.
23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,
24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19: 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.
19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15: 14 “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.
15 You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.
Deuteronomy 24:17-18: 17 “You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge,”
18 But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
Deuteronomy 27:19: 19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Numbers 15:14-16: 14 And if a stranger is sojourning with you, or anyone is living permanently among you, and he wishes to offer a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord, he shall do as you do.
15 For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the Lord.
16 One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.
Jeremiah 7:5-7: 5 “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another,”
6 if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm.
7 then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.
Ezekiel 47:21-23: 21 “So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel.”
22 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the sojourners who reside among you and have had children among you. They shall be to you as native-born children of Israel. With you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
23 In whatever tribe the sojourner resides, there you shall assign him his inheritance, declares the Lord God.
Zechariah 7:9-10: 9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,”
10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
Malachi 3:5: 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
Matthew 25:35-40: 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Ephesians 2:11-19: 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Hebrews 13:1-2: Let brotherly love continue.
2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.