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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 23:9 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_23_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:9 - Justice and Mercy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/23-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/23-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm" title="Exodus 23:8">◄</a> Exodus 23:9 <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm" title="Exodus 23:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you <i>also</i> were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And you shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you <i>also</i> were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“And you shall not oppress a sojourner, since you yourselves know the soul of a sojourner, for you <i>also</i> were sojourners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul [the feelings, thoughts, and concerns] of a stranger, for you were strangers in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not oppress a resident alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be a resident alien because you were resident aliens in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not oppress a foreign resident; you yourselves know how it feels to be a foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And a sojourner shalt thou not oppress: for ye know the heart of a sojourner, seeing ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't mistreat foreigners. You were foreigners in Egypt, and you know what it is like. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And a stranger shalt thou not oppress: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Never oppress foreigners. You know what it's like to be foreigners because you were foreigners living in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Do not mistreat a foreigner; you know how it feels to be a foreigner, because you were foreigners in Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are not to oppress the resident alien, because you were aliens in the land of Egypt."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"You must not oppress a foreigner, since you know the life of a foreigner, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"You shall not oppress a foreigner, for you know the heart of a foreigner, seeing you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, since you were aliens in the land of Egypt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And you do not oppress a sojourner, since you have known the soul of the sojourner, for you have been sojourners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> '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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not press the stranger: and ye knew the soul of the stranger, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not molest a stranger, for you know the hearts of strangers: for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not harass a sojourner, for you know the life of a newcomer. For you yourselves also were sojourners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not oppress a resident alien; you well know how it feels to be an alien, since you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not oppress strangers: for you know the life of a stranger; you were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And do not distress foreigners, for you know the soul of foreigners, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And a stranger shalt thou not oppress; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And ye shall not afflict a stranger, for ye know the heart of a stranger; for ye were yourselves strangers in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/23-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3905.htm" title="3905: ṯil·ḥāṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To squeeze, press, oppress. A primitive root; properly, to press, i.e. to distress.">oppress</a> <a href="/hebrew/1616.htm" title="1616: wə·ḡêr (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A sojourner. Or geyr; from guwr; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner.">a foreign resident,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tem (Conj-w:: Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">since you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yə·ḏa‘·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">yourselves know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fsc) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1616.htm" title="1616: hag·gêr (Art:: N-ms) -- A sojourner. Or geyr; from guwr; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner.">how it feels to be foreigners;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hĕ·yî·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">you were</a> <a href="/hebrew/1616.htm" title="1616: ḡê·rîm (N-mp) -- A sojourner. Or geyr; from guwr; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner.">foreigners</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-19.htm">Deuteronomy 10:19</a></span><br />So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-33.htm">Leviticus 19:33</a></span><br />When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm">Deuteronomy 27:19</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Zechariah 7:10</a></span><br />Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Psalm 146:9</a></span><br />The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a></span><br />Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a></span><br />The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-21.htm">Exodus 21:21</a></b></br> Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he <i>is</i> his money.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-19.htm">Deuteronomy 10:19</a></b></br> Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/24-14.htm">Deuteronomy 24:14-18</a></b></br> Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant <i>that is</i> poor and needy, <i>whether he be</i> of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that <i>are</i> in thy land within thy gates: … </p><p class="hdg">ye know</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Matthew 18:33</a></b></br> Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/2-17.htm">Hebrews 2:17,18</a></b></br> Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto <i>his</i> brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things <i>pertaining</i> to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people… </p><p class="hdg">heart.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Aliens</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Country</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Feels</a> <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Sojourners</a> <a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm">Aliens</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-53.htm">Country</a> <a href="/exodus/23-15.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/numbers/16-29.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/exodus/26-22.htm">Far</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Feels</a> <a href="/exodus/25-5.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/23-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm">Sojourners</a> <a href="/exodus/30-12.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/exodus/28-3.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Of slander, false witness, and partiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Of charitableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Of justice in judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Of taking bribes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Of oppressing a stranger</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Of the year of rest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Of the Sabbath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-14.htm">Of the three feasts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not oppress a foreign resident</b><br>This command reflects God's concern for justice and compassion, emphasizing the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. In ancient Israel, foreign residents, or "sojourners," were often vulnerable due to their lack of familial and social support. The Israelites are reminded not to exploit or mistreat them, aligning with the broader biblical theme of justice for the marginalized (<a href="/leviticus/19-33.htm">Leviticus 19:33-34</a>). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to love their neighbors as themselves (<a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>).<p><b>since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners</b><br>This phrase serves as a reminder of the Israelites' own history and experiences. Having lived as foreigners in Egypt, they understood the hardships and injustices that could befall those without native status. This empathetic understanding is meant to guide their treatment of others. The shared experience of being foreigners is a call to empathy and solidarity, reinforcing the idea that personal history should inform ethical behavior.<p><b>for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt</b><br>The reference to Egypt is a powerful reminder of the Israelites' past bondage and suffering. It underscores the importance of memory in shaping moral and ethical conduct. The experience in Egypt was foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God, who delivered them from oppression (<a href="/exodus/20-2.htm">Exodus 20:2</a>). This historical context is a call to gratitude and humility, recognizing God's deliverance and extending that grace to others. The theme of liberation from Egypt is a type of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin (<a href="/john/8-36.htm">John 8:36</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/f/foreign_resident.htm">Foreign Resident (Ger in Hebrew)</a></b><br>Refers to a non-Israelite living among the Israelites. The term implies someone who is not native to the land but resides there, often without the full rights of citizenship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt and later delivered by God through Moses.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years. It serves as a historical and spiritual backdrop for understanding the plight of the foreigner.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and to whom the Law, including this commandment, was given.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exodus.htm">The Exodus</a></b><br>The event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and God's faithfulness, and providing a context for understanding the commandment against oppressing foreigners.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/empathy_through_shared_experience.htm">Empathy Through Shared Experience</a></b><br>The Israelites' past as foreigners in Egypt is a call to empathy. Remembering their own suffering should motivate them to treat others with kindness and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_the_marginalized.htm">God's Heart for the Marginalized</a></b><br>God's commands reflect His concern for the vulnerable, including foreigners. As His people, we are called to mirror His compassion and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_christian_virtue.htm">Hospitality as a Christian Virtue</a></b><br>Welcoming and caring for foreigners is a tangible expression of Christian love and hospitality, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_foreigners_in_the_world.htm">Living as Foreigners in the World</a></b><br>Christians are called to live as foreigners and exiles in this world, maintaining distinct values and showing love to all, including those who are different from us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_justice_and_advocacy.htm">Practical Justice and Advocacy</a></b><br>Beyond personal kindness, this command challenges believers to advocate for fair treatment and justice for foreigners in society.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_exodus_23_9_with_harsh_ot_laws.htm">How do we reconcile the command in Exodus 23:9 to treat foreigners kindly with other Old Testament passages that demand harsh treatment of certain groups? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_foreigners_be_treated_biblically.htm">What does the Bible say about treating foreigners?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_deut._14_21_align_with_bible_ethics.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21 allows selling meat that dies of itself to foreigners. How does this reconcile with moral and compassionate principles elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_laws_in_the_covenant_code.htm">What are the laws in the Covenant Code?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt not oppress a stranger.</span>--See Note on <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm" title="You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.">Exodus 22:21</a>. 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.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not oppress a stranger.</span> This is a repetition of <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Exodus 22:21</a>, with perhaps a special reference to oppression through courts of justice. <span class="cmt_word">For thou knowest the heart of a stranger</span>. Literally, "the mind of a stranger," or, in other words, his thoughts and feelings. Thou shouldest therefore be able to sympathise with him. CEREMONIAL LAWS (vers. 10-19). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oppress</span><br /><span class="heb">תִלְחָ֑ץ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯil·ḥāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3905.htm">Strong's 3905: </a> </span><span class="str2">To squeeze, press, oppress</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a foreign resident,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1616.htm">Strong's 1616: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guest, a foreigner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">since you</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתֶּ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourselves know</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַעְתֶּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏa‘·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how it feels to be foreigners;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגֵּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1616.htm">Strong's 1616: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guest, a foreigner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you were</span><br /><span class="heb">הֱיִיתֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hĕ·yî·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foreigners</span><br /><span class="heb">גֵרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḡê·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1616.htm">Strong's 1616: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guest, a foreigner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the land</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֶ֥רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Egypt.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·rā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:9 You shall not oppress an alien (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 23:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>