Deuteronomy 10:19
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גֵרִ֥ים
for ye were strangers
H1616
גֵרִ֥ים
for ye were strangers
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֵרִ֥ים
for ye were strangers
H1616
גֵרִ֥ים
for ye were strangers
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
H1961
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Exodus 22:21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Luke 17:18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Historical Context
Israel's 430-year sojourn in Egypt (Exodus 12:40-41) included both favorable treatment under Joseph and brutal enslavement under later Pharaohs. Moses appeals to this memory to cultivate compassion for vulnerable foreigners residing among them in Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your past experience of God's grace (when you were spiritually 'strangers,' Ephesians 2:12) motivate present compassion?
- In what practical ways can you 'love the stranger' in a culture increasingly hostile to immigrants and refugees?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Love ye therefore the stranger—The Hebrew ahav (love) is commanded toward the ger (sojourner), extending covenant loyalty beyond ethnic Israel. For ye were strangers in the land of Egypt grounds the command in Israel's collective memory: they experienced oppression as foreigners and must not replicate Egypt's cruelty. This is applied theology—doctrine (God's character, v. 17-18) produces ethics (love the stranger).
Jesus radicalizes this in the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37), making a despised foreigner the hero who fulfills 'love your neighbor.' Ephesians 2:19 reverses the metaphor: Gentile believers are 'no more strangers and foreigners' because Christ abolished ethnic barriers. The church becomes the community where former 'strangers' (Gentiles and Jews) unite through the cross. Hospitality to outsiders reflects God's gracious inclusion of us.