foreigner

also known as: Gentile

Foreigners who resided among the Hebrews were required by the law to be treated with kindness (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33-34; 23:22; Deuteronomy 14:28; 16:10-11; 24:19).

They enjoyed in many things equal rights with the native-born residents (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:15; 35:15), but were not allowed to do anything which was an abomination according to the Jewish law (Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 17:15-16; 18:26; 20:2; 24:16, etc.).

Marriage to foreigners—daughters of foreign gods

“We have been unfaithful to our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land; yet now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. So now let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.” —Ezra 10:2b-4 NASB

More information

• stranger
• Gentiles
• aliens
• Greek
• Law of Moses