Exodus 23:9
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִלְחָ֑ץ
Also thou shalt not oppress
H3905
תִלְחָ֑ץ
Also thou shalt not oppress
Strong's:
H3905
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
יְדַעְתֶּם֙
for ye know
H3045
יְדַעְתֶּם֙
for ye know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the heart
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the heart
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כִּֽי
seeing
H3588
כִּֽי
seeing
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
H1961
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 13
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.Deuteronomy 27:19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.Matthew 18:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Historical Context
Israel's 400-year slavery in Egypt (Genesis 15:13) was to be remembered not for victimhood but for empathy. God repeatedly uses their suffering as motivation for compassion toward outsiders.
Questions for Reflection
- How should remembering our own suffering produce compassion rather than bitterness toward others?
- In what ways were Christians 'strangers' before salvation, and how should this shape our treatment of outsiders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
The alien-protection command recurs (22:21)—its repetition shows importance. 'Ye know the heart' (וְאַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם אֶת־נֶפֶשׁ הַגֵּר, ve'attem yeda'tem et-nefesh hager) means 'you know the life/soul/experience of the stranger.' Israel's Egypt experience should create empathy, not bitterness. Oppressed people can become oppressors (hurt people hurt people) unless grace breaks the cycle. God commands remembering suffering to cultivate compassion. Deuteronomy 10:19 adds 'love the stranger, for you were strangers.' Gospel application: we were 'alienated and enemies' (Colossians 1:21), now reconciled—our redemption should create radical hospitality.