Exodus 22:21
Exodus 22:21 in Multiple Translations
You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
¶ Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
And a sojourner shalt thou not wrong, neither shalt thou oppress him: for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Do no wrong to a man from a strange country, and do not be hard on him; for you yourselves were living in a strange country, in the land of Egypt.
You must not exploit or mistreat a foreigner. Remember that you yourselves were once foreigners in Egypt.
Moreouer, thou shalt not do iniurie to a stranger, neither oppresse him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
'And a sojourner thou dost not oppress, nor crush him, for sojourners ye have been in the land of Egypt.
“You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Thou shalt not molest a stranger, nor afflict him: for yourselves also were strangers in the land of Egypt.
You must not mistreat a foreigner who comes to live among you. Do not forget that you were previously foreigners in Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
אַלְמָנָ֥ה
וְ/יָת֖וֹם
לֹ֥א
תְעַנּֽוּ/ן
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אַלְמָנָ֥ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fs
וְ/יָת֖וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְעַנּֽוּ/ן
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:21
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַלְמָנָ֥ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
וְ/יָת֖וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְעַנּֽוּ/ן
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:21
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:21
- Sermons on Exodus 22:21
Context — Laws of Social Responsibility
19Whoever lies with an animal must surely be put to death.
20If anyone sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone, he must be set apart for destruction.
21You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
22You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. 23If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:9 | Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 10:19 | So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:33 | When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. |
| 4 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 5 | Leviticus 25:35 | Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 7:6 | if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 23:7 | Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. |
| 8 | Exodus 20:2 | “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 9 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 15:15 | Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today. |
Exodus 22:21 Summary
This verse reminds us to treat others with kindness and respect, especially those who are different from us or may be vulnerable. We should not take advantage of or mistreat foreign residents, because God cares about how we treat all people, as seen in Leviticus 19:34. Just like the Israelites were once foreigners in Egypt, we should remember to show love and compassion to those who are strangers in our land, as commanded in Deuteronomy 10:19. By doing so, we reflect God's character and demonstrate His love to those around us, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to exploit or oppress a foreign resident?
According to Exodus 22:21, exploiting or oppressing a foreign resident means to take unfair advantage of them or treat them harshly, which is forbidden by God, as seen in the example of the Israelites' own experience in Egypt, and as commanded in Leviticus 19:34 to love them as ourselves.
Why does God care about the treatment of foreign residents?
God cares about the treatment of foreign residents because He is a God of justice and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:19, and He remembers the Israelites' own experience as foreigners in the land of Egypt, commanding them to treat others with kindness and respect.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by treating all people, regardless of their nationality or background, with dignity and respect, as commanded in Galatians 3:28, and by advocating for justice and fairness for those who are marginalized or oppressed, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9.
Is this verse only applicable to Israelites or does it have a broader application?
While this verse was originally given to the Israelites, its principle of treating others with kindness and respect has a broader application, as seen in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46, where He commands us to love and serve all people, regardless of their background or nationality.
Reflection Questions
- How can I show kindness and respect to those who are different from me, and what are some ways I can serve them?
- What are some ways I have seen or experienced exploitation or oppression, and how can I stand up for justice and fairness in those situations?
- How does my treatment of others reflect my relationship with God, and what are some ways I can demonstrate His love and compassion to those around me?
- What are some ways I can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for foreign residents or others who may feel like outsiders in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:21
Thou shall not vex a stranger,.... One that is not born in the same country, but comes into another country to sojourn, as Jarchi; not a native of the place, but of another kingdom or country; a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:21
Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him , [ geer (H1616)].
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Ver. 21. Theft shalt not vex a stranger.] The right of strangers is so holy, saith one, that there was never nation so barbarous that would violate the same. When Stephen Gardner had in his power the renowned divine Peter Martyr, then teaching at Oxford, he would not keep him to punish him; but when he should go his way, gave him wherewith to bear his charges. Act. and Mon., fol. 1783.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
LAWS.(16-31) The remainder of the chapter contains laws which it is impossible to bring under any general head or heads, and which can, therefore, only be regarded as miscellaneous. Moses may have recorded them in the order in which they were delivered to him; or have committed them to writing as they afterwards occurred to his memory.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:21
Verse 21. Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him] This was not only a very humane law, but it was also the offspring of a sound policy: "Do not vex a stranger; remember ye were strangers. Do not oppress a stranger; remember ye were oppressed. Therefore do unto all men as ye would they should do to you." It was the produce of a sound policy: "Let strangers be well treated among you, and many will come to take refuge among you, and thus the strength of your country will be increased. If refugees of this kind be treated well, they will become proselytes to your religion, and thus their souls may be saved." In every point of view, therefore, justice, humanity, sound policy, and religion, say. Neither vex nor oppress a stranger.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:21
21–27. A group of humanitarian laws. The gêr, or resident foreigner, the widow, and the orphan not to be oppressed, vv. 21–24; interest not to be taken from the poor, v. 25; a garment taken in pledge to be returned before nightfall, vv. 26 f.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:21
A stranger - See Exodus 20:10 note.
Sermons on Exodus 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who h |
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Sermon on the Mount: Love Your Enemies, Pray for Your Persecutors by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the important question of how to deal with our enemies as believers in Christ. He emphasizes the significance of repentance and faith in the b |
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The Cain (Canon) of Adamnan by Adamnan of Iona | Kuno Meyer's sermon focuses on the ancient Irish law treatise known as the Cain Adamnan, believed to be the first Irish law to protect women, children, and clergy from violence. Th |
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Christian Charity (Or the Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the duty of charity to the poor, emphasizing the importance of giving bountifully and willingly to those in need, regardless of their circumstances |
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Sketches of Jewish Social Life - Part 3 by Alfred Edersheim | Alfred Edersheim delves into the intricate world of Pharisaism, shedding light on their strict adherence to religious laws and practices, their conspicuous devotions in public spac |
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Commentary Notes - Obadiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the book of Obadiah, highlighting the prophetic message of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of God's government. The Edomites, descendents of |
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A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the |