Leviticus 19:34

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּאֶזְרָ֣ח
H249
with you shall be unto you as one born
a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)
#2
מִכֶּם֩
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
לָכֶ֜ם
H0
#5
גֵרִ֥ים
H1616
But the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#6
הַגָּ֣ר
H1481
that dwelleth
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#7
אִתְּכֶ֗ם
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥
H157
among you and thou shalt love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#9
לוֹ֙
H0
#10
כָּמ֔וֹךָ
H3644
as, thus, so
#11
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
גֵרִ֥ים
H1616
But the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#13
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
מִצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#16
אֲנִ֖י
H589
i
#17
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
H430
your God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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