Leviticus 19:33

33 "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, you must not oppress him.[a]

Leviticus 19:33 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 19:33

And if a stranger sojourn with you in your land
Ben Gersom, and others, understand this of a proselyte of righteousness, who was circumcised, and in all things conformed to the Jewish religion; but it may be interpreted of a proselyte of the gate, who was not an idolater, since he is described as one sojourning with them, and indeed of any stranger, who for a time was providentially cast among them: ye shall not vex him:
with hard and grievous words, upbraiding him with his former ignorance and idolatry, and saying unto him, as Jarchi observes, yesterday thou wast a worshipper of idols, and now thou comest to learn the law; nor distress him by any means in business, or with law suits; (See Gill on Exodus 22:21).

Leviticus 19:33 In-Context

31 "Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists, or you will be defiled by them; I am the Lord your God.
32 "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly and honor the old. Fear your God; I am the Lord.
33 "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, you must not oppress him.
34 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 the Lord your God.
35 "You must not act unfairly in measurements of length, weight, or volume.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Ex 22:21; 23:9; Dt 24:14,17
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