The Bible speaks clearly about how we should treat people who are different from us—especially those who are foreigners or strangers in our land. Whether someone is fleeing hardship, seeking a better life, or simply living in a place that’s not their home, God’s Word calls His people to respond with kindness, fairness, and love.
In both the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s concern for the foreigner. His commands to welcome, support, and protect the outsider reflect His character—one of mercy and inclusion. This isn’t just about ancient times; these truths still apply today, reminding us to see every person with dignity and compassion.
Here are 15 Bible verses about foreigners in your land that reveal God’s heart and how He wants His people to live.
1. Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Explanation:
God reminds Israel of their own history as outsiders. This verse teaches empathy and warns against abusing power over those who are vulnerable.
2. Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Explanation:
This powerful verse commands not just tolerance, but love. Foreigners are to be fully accepted and treated with the same care as one’s own people.
3. Deuteronomy 10:18-19
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
Explanation:
God models how to treat the foreigner—with provision, justice, and love. Then He calls His people to do the same, linking justice with personal experience.
4. Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
Explanation:
This verse includes the foreigner in a list of those who deserve protection. It speaks to God’s demand for justice and ethical living.
5. Malachi 3:5
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice.”
Explanation:
God takes injustice seriously. Mistreating foreigners is listed among the sins that invite His judgment, showing the importance of fair treatment.
6. Isaiah 56:6-7
“And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants… these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.”
Explanation:
God welcomes foreigners who seek Him. This verse breaks down spiritual and national barriers, showing that worship and relationship with God are open to all.
7. Numbers 15:15-16
“The community is to have the same rules for you and for the foreigner residing among you; this is a lasting ordinance… You and the foreigner shall be the same before the Lord.”
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes equality under God’s law. Foreigners are not to be treated as second-class—they are equal in both rights and responsibilities.
8. Leviticus 24:22
“You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.”
Explanation:
Justice must be consistent. This verse reinforces that all people, regardless of origin, are to be treated fairly and equally in God’s eyes.
9. Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”
Explanation:
Justice for foreigners is a repeated command. This verse adds a reminder not to take advantage of those already in difficult situations.
10. Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
Explanation:
God’s definition of righteousness includes protecting the vulnerable. Doing what is “just and right” means caring for foreigners and others at risk.
11. Ruth 2:10
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?’”
Explanation:
Ruth’s story shows the beauty of kindness to a foreigner. Her question reflects the surprise and gratitude that often follow compassion.
12. Matthew 25:35
“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 invited me in.”
Explanation:
Jesus equates loving the stranger with loving Him. This verse is a call to action—to welcome, serve, and see Christ in the foreigner.
13. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Explanation:
Welcoming strangers isn’t just good manners—it’s spiritually significant. You never know how far your kindness might reach or what God might do through it.
14. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Explanation:
In Christ, all divisions fall away. This verse promotes unity and equality, reminding us that nationality doesn’t define worth in God’s family.
15. Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Explanation:
Through Christ, all believers become part of one family. This verse beautifully wraps up the message of inclusion and belonging for those once considered outsiders.
Reflecting God’s Love Toward the Foreigner
The Bible leaves no room for indifference when it comes to foreigners in your land. From Israel’s ancient laws to Jesus’ teachings, God consistently calls His people to treat outsiders with justice, compassion, and love. These verses remind us that everyone—regardless of background—deserves to be treated with dignity and care.
We are all travelers in this life, and many of us have experienced times when we’ve felt like outsiders. As you reflect on these Scriptures, consider how you can reflect God’s heart by welcoming others, speaking up for the vulnerable, and extending grace where it’s needed most.
Now it’s your turn: What’s a bible verse about foreigners in your land that stands out to you? Have you seen or experienced kindness as a stranger or outsider? Share your favorite verses, personal stories, or thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective.