Exodus 23:9
Exodus 23:9 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
And a sojourner shalt thou not oppress: for ye know the heart of a sojourner, seeing ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Do not be hard on the man from a strange country who is living among you; for you have had experience of the feelings of one who is far from the land of his birth, because you yourselves were living in Egypt, in a strange land.
Don't abuse foreigners living among you, since you know very well what it's like to be foreigners, for you were once foreigners in Egypt.
Thou shalt not oppresse a stranger: for ye knowe the heart of a stranger, seeing yee were strangers in the land of Egypt.
'And a sojourner thou dost not oppress, and ye — ye have known the soul of the sojourner, for sojourners ye have been in the land of Egypt.
“You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, since you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Thou shalt not molest a stranger, for you know the hearts of strangers: for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Do not mistreat foreigners who live among you. You know how people often treat foreigners, because the Egyptians did not treat you well when you were foreigners there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גֵ֖ר
לֹ֣א
תִלְחָ֑ץ
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם
יְדַעְתֶּם֙
אֶת
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
הַ/גֵּ֔ר
כִּֽי
גֵרִ֥ים
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרָֽיִם
וְ/גֵ֖ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִלְחָ֑ץ
lâchats
H3905
to oppress
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
יְדַעְתֶּם֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
הַ/גֵּ֔ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Art | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גֵרִ֥ים
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-mp
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:9
וְ/גֵ֖ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Conj | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִלְחָ֑ץ
lâchats
H3905
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.
Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְדַעְתֶּם֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/גֵּ֔ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Art | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גֵרִ֥ים
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
N-mp
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
- Sermons on Exodus 23:9
Context — Justice and Mercy
7Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.
8Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.
9Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
10For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, 11but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 27:19 | ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 2 | Exodus 22:21 | You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 24:14–18 | Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this. |
| 4 | Matthew 18:33 | Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ |
| 5 | Exodus 21:21 | However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. |
| 6 | Hebrews 2:17–18 | For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 10:19 | So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:7 | Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. |
| 9 | Psalms 94:6 | They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. |
Exodus 23:9 Summary
This verse means that we should treat outsiders, like immigrants or refugees, with kindness and respect, because we know how it feels to be in a new and unfamiliar place. Just like the Israelites were once slaves in Egypt, we have all experienced being outsiders at some point, and God wants us to use that experience to show love and compassion to others (as seen in Exodus 23:9 and Leviticus 19:34). By treating foreigners with kindness, we are reflecting God's character and showing them the love of Christ. We can do this by being friendly, offering help, and showing interest in their lives, just as we would want others to do for us if we were in their shoes (Matthew 25:40).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the Israelites not to oppress foreign residents?
God commands the Israelites not to oppress foreign residents because they themselves know how it feels to be foreigners, having been treated as slaves in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1:13-14 and Exodus 2:23-25.
What is the basis for God's command to treat foreigners with kindness?
The basis for God's command is the Israelites' own experience of being foreigners in Egypt, and God's deliverance of them from slavery, as seen in Exodus 23:9 and Deuteronomy 10:19.
How does this command relate to our treatment of outsiders today?
This command still applies today, as seen in Leviticus 19:34 and Matthew 25:40, where we are called to love and care for the stranger and the foreigner, just as we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes.
What is the consequence of oppressing foreign residents?
The consequence of oppressing foreign residents is that it goes against God's character and commands, and can lead to God's judgment, as seen in Malachi 3:5 and Jeremiah 7:5-7.
Reflection Questions
- How have I treated foreigners or outsiders in my community, and what can I do to show them kindness and love?
- What are some ways that I can identify with the struggles of foreigners, just as the Israelites were called to do in Exodus 23:9?
- How can I balance the command to love the foreigner with the need to follow the laws and customs of my own country?
- What are some practical ways that I can care for the physical and spiritual needs of foreigners in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:9
Also thou shall not oppress a stranger,.... As these were not to be vexed and oppressed in a private manner and by private men, see Exodus 22:21 so neither in a public manner, and in a public court
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:9
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
Ver. 9: The heart of a stranger, i.e. the disposition, dejection, and distress of his heart, which makes him an object of pity, not of malice or mischief.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
Exodus 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Ver. 9. Thou shalt not oppress, &c.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
(9) Thou shalt not oppress a stranger.—See Note on Exodus 22:21. The repetition of the law indicates the strong inclination of the Hebrew people to ill-use strangers, and the anxiety of the legislator to check their inclination.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
Verse 9. Ye know the heart of a stranger] Having been strangers yourselves, under severe, long continued, and cruel oppression, ye know the fears, cares, anxieties, and dismal forebodings which the heart of a stranger feels. What a forcible appeal to humanity and compassion!
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:9
9. The gêr, or foreigner ‘sojourning’ in Israel, not to be ‘crushed.’ Identical, in great measure verbally, with Exodus 22:21 : here, no doubt, directed specially against unfair judgement (cf. Deuteronomy 24:17 ‘Thou shalt not wrest the judgement of the sojourner,’ Exodus 27:19, Malachi 3:5). stranger (each time)] sojourner: see on Exodus 22:11. for ye (emph.) know …, seeing ye were sojourners, &c.] see on Exodus 22:21. the heart] lit. the soul, i.e. the feelings.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:9
9. Not oppress a stranger — This command is repeated from Exodus 22:21, with some addition, and shows that the foreigner was entitled to protection from judicial wrongs as well as other forms of oppression.
Sermons on Exodus 23:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who h |
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The Cain (Canon) of Adamnan by Adamnan of Iona | Kuno Meyer's sermon focuses on the ancient Irish law treatise known as the Cain Adamnan, believed to be the first Irish law to protect women, children, and clergy from violence. Th |
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Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of injustice and greed in society. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of employers withholding wages from their wor |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and |
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Preaching With Passion by G. Campbell Morgan | J. Hamilton preaches on the beatitude 'Blessed are the merciful,' emphasizing that true mercy is not just about being kind or soft-hearted, but about actively seeking to alleviate |
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A Christmas Question by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript describes the pitiable condition of those who died from hunger and cold in the streets. It then transitions to a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, |
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(Basics) 32. Humility in Jesus Coming to Earth by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a servant's heart, just like Jesus did. He highlights how Jesus came to serve and bless others, rather than seeking |