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
This verse intensifies neighbor-love by mandating equivalence in treatment: the alien resident should be to you as a native-born person, with love commanded as oneself—rooted in Israel’s own history as strangers in Egypt. It builds on a practical policy (the previous verse) and broadens it into a spiritual discipline: love for the immigrant is a measure of righteousness. The verse explicitly cites Israel’s past deliverance from Egypt as the motivation: you know what it means to be aliens, so you must treat others with the same mercy. This is both communal policy and personal ethic, shaping how people speak to one another, how disputes are settled, and how strangers are integrated into the social fabric.
Theologically, the verse centers on identity defined by God’s saving act. Love is not merely sentiment; it’s covenantal behavior modeled after God’s own mercy. The call to “love him as thyself” embodies the Torah’s greatest commandment logic: love God, love neighbor. It also aligns with the biblical arc that Gentiles welcome into the people of God through mercy and inclusion. This verse foreshadows the inclusive mission of God’s redemptive work, signaling a posture that anticipates New Testament teachings about the body of Christ comprising diverse peoples.
Practically, this verse informs immigrant integration efforts: fair policies, equal access to services, and proactive inclusion in community life. It means treating strangers with neighborly care—help with language, housing, healthcare, and employment. In churches, it translates into welcoming newcomers, recognizing their gifts, and ensuring they don’t face discrimination. On a personal level, it invites self-examination: do we treat others as we would want to be treated if we were newcomers? It also counters reflexive othering in society by urging consistent, compassionate, and practical hospitality.
Cross-References: Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Galatians 3:28; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2