Exodus 12:49
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹרָ֣ה
law
H8451
תּוֹרָ֣ה
law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
1 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָֽאֶזְרָ֑ח
shall be to him that is homeborn
H249
לָֽאֶזְרָ֑ח
shall be to him that is homeborn
Strong's:
H249
Word #:
4 of 7
a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)
וְלַגֵּ֖ר
and unto the stranger
H1616
וְלַגֵּ֖ר
and unto the stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
Cross References
Numbers 15:29Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.Leviticus 24:22Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.Numbers 9:14And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Historical Context
This equality contrasted sharply with surrounding nations where ethnic identity determined religious access. Israel's openness to covenant converts while maintaining high standards was distinctive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'one law' for all believers challenge any sense of spiritual superiority based on heritage or background?
- What does equal law for native and stranger teach about the impartiality of divine grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger' establishes equality before God's law. Hebrew 'torah achat' (תּוֹרָה אַחַת—one law) means no double standards—native and convert face identical requirements and receive identical privileges. This principle demolishes ethnic superiority and establishes grace-based covenant membership. Paul later develops this: in Christ there's neither Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28).