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Leviticus 19:34

Leviticus 19:34 in Multiple Translations

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.

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.

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.

Let him be to you as one of your countrymen and have love for him as for yourself; for you were living in a strange land, in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Treat them in the same way as a fellow citizen, and love them as you love yourself, because you were once foreigners living in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

But the stranger that dwelleth with you, shalbe as one of your selues, and thou shalt loue him as thy selfe: for ye were strangers in the lad of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

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.

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.

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.

But 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.

You must treat them like you treat your fellow-citizens. Love them like you love yourselves, and do not forget that once, when you were foreigners in Egypt, you were badly mistreated by the people of Egypt. I, Yahweh your God, am commanding you to do this.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 19:34

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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.

Leviticus 19:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כְּ/אֶזְרָ֣ח מִ/כֶּם֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לָ/כֶ֜ם הַ/גֵּ֣ר הַ/גָּ֣ר אִתְּ/כֶ֗ם וְ/אָהַבְתָּ֥ ל/וֹ֙ כָּמ֔וֹ/ךָ כִּֽי גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
כְּ/אֶזְרָ֣ח ʼezrâch H249 born Prep | N-ms
מִ/כֶּם֩ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
יִהְיֶ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֜ם Prep | Suff
הַ/גֵּ֣ר gêr H1616 sojourner Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 to sojourn Art | V-Qal
אִתְּ/כֶ֗ם ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
וְ/אָהַבְתָּ֥ ʼâhab H157 to love Conj | V-Qal-2ms
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
כָּמ֔וֹ/ךָ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
גֵרִ֥ים gêr H1616 sojourner N-mp
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-2mp
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 19:34

כְּ/אֶזְרָ֣ח ʼezrâch H249 "born" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to something or someone that is native or born in a place, like a tree that grows naturally or a person born in a certain country, as seen in the Bible when describing native Israelites.
Definition: 1) a native (one rising from the soil) 1a) of man, native Israelites 1b) of tree, native (to Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bay tree, (home-) born (in the land), of the (one's own) country (nation). See also: Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:16; Psalms 37:35.
מִ/כֶּם֩ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
יִהְיֶ֨ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
לָ/כֶ֜ם "" Prep | Suff
הַ/גֵּ֣ר 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.
הַ/גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" Art | V-Qal
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
אִתְּ/כֶ֗ם ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/אָהַבְתָּ֥ ʼâhab H157 "to love" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
כָּמ֔וֹ/ךָ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
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/אֶ֣רֶץ 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.
מִצְרָ֑יִם 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.
אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Leviticus 19:34

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 10:19 So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2 Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
3 Exodus 12:48–49 If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”
4 Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’

Leviticus 19:34 Summary

[This verse reminds us to love and accept people who are different from us, just like we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes. We should treat foreigners with kindness and respect, just as God expects us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). By doing so, we are showing our love and obedience to God, who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:2). We can apply this verse in our daily lives by being intentional about showing kindness and respect to those who may be different from us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to treat the foreigner as native-born?

According to Leviticus 19:34, it means to love and accept them as one of our own, just as we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes, remembering that we were once foreigners in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21, Deuteronomy 10:19).

How does this verse relate to our modern-day treatment of immigrants?

This verse reminds us that our attitude towards foreigners should be one of love and compassion, just as God expects us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31).

What is the significance of the phrase 'I am the LORD your God' in this verse?

This phrase serves as a reminder that God is the one who has given us these commands, and that He is the same God who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:2, Leviticus 25:38).

How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?

We can apply this verse by being intentional about showing kindness and respect to those who may be different from us, whether it's a neighbor from another country or a coworker from a different culture, and remembering that we are all created in God's image (Genesis 1:27, Acts 17:26).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show love and acceptance to the foreigners in my community?
  2. How can I balance the desire to help others with the need to prioritize my own family and responsibilities?
  3. What are some cultural or societal barriers that might prevent me from loving and accepting foreigners as native-born, and how can I overcome them?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'fear God' in the context of loving and accepting foreigners, and how can I cultivate a healthy fear of God in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:34

[But] a stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you,.... Especially if a proselyte of righteousness; for then he enjoyed the same privileges, civil and religious, the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:34

And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. If a stranger sojourn with thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:34

As one born among you; either, 1. As to the matters of common right, as it here follows: so it reacheth to all strangers. Or, 2. As to church privileges: so it concerns only those who were proselytes of righteousness. For ye were strangers; and therefore are sensible of the fears, distresses, and miseries of such, which call for your pity, and you ought to do to them as you would that others should do to you when you were such.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:34

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.Ver. 34. Shall be unto you as one born among you.] If he be a proselyte.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:34

(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).

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:34

33, 34. Cp. Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:19; cp. Malachi 3:5.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:34

34. The stranger… thou shalt love — Judaism, as Christianity in the bud, was a religion of love.

Sermons on Leviticus 19:34

SermonDescription
Joshua Daniel God's Mercies - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's wisdom and teachings, highlighting the need to circumcise our hearts and words to align with His ways. It addresses the r
John Gill 1 Peter 4:9 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the importance of hospitality in his sermon on 1 Peter 4:9, urging believers to love and care for strangers, particularly those who are displaced for their fai
John Gill Of the Various Sorts of Proselytes. by John Gill John Gill discusses the various types of proselytes in the Jewish tradition, emphasizing their different statuses and the conditions under which they were accepted into the Jewish
Paris Reidhead Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations
Avi Lipkin Islamic Spiritual War #1 by Avi Lipkin The video discussed in the sermon is a PBS documentary called "Jihad in America" which was made with the help of various government agencies. It focuses on the roots of the conflic
J. Glyn Owen (1 John #11) on Light and Love by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a story of an assassination and the power of forgiveness. The speaker recounts how a man named Parker was caught off guard by an assassin, b
Aaron Dunlop Judgement Precipitated by the Ungodly by Aaron Dunlop In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important lessons that can be learned from the text. Firstly, the world has a deep hatred for godly individuals, even if they may not p

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