Throughout the Bible verses about foreigners, God shows a deep concern for the treatment of foreigners, strangers, and sojourners. From the Old Testament laws to the teachings of Jesus, Scripture consistently calls God’s people to extend compassion, justice, and hospitality to those who are not native to their land. In a world that often divides people based on nationality or origin, the Bible reminds us that all human beings are made in the image of God and worthy of dignity and love.
God commanded the inhabitants of ancient Israel to recall their own time spent in Egypt as strangers. Their views and behaviors toward strangers were intended to be influenced by this historical reminder. The laws pertaining to outsiders expressed God’s desire for justice and inclusivity and went beyond simple social policy. The Israelites showed the neighboring nations what God was like by showing compassion for the stranger and the foreigner.
Jesus brought this same attitude to His work, frequently stepping outside of societal and cultural norms to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Christ demonstrated that God’s love knows no bounds, whether He was conversing with a Samaritan lady or healing the servant of a Roman centurion. We learn from his example that God’s people are called to create bridges, not walls—to welcome, not reject.
You’ll find a strong theme of justice, kindness, and love as you read through these Bible passages regarding outsiders. These bible verses about foreigners push us to consider how we treat strangers and to line our hearts with God’s inclusive vision. The biblical call to care for the alien is nevertheless as pertinent and important as ever in this era of migration, cross-cultural interaction, and international strife.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Foreigners in 2025
1. Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
God reminds the Israelites of their own history as strangers in Egypt to cultivate empathy and justice toward foreigners. This verse emphasizes God’s call for fairness and kindness to outsiders. It teaches us that our past hardships should motivate us to extend compassion and protection to others who are vulnerable or marginalized.
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.”
This command reflects the heart of God’s justice and mercy. He insists that foreigners are not to be seen as outsiders but as equals. This verse mirrors the great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” extending it to those who might be culturally, ethnically, or geographically different.
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.”
This passage not only identifies God as the defender of the marginalized but also calls His people to imitate Him. Loving foreigners is not optional; it’s a reflection of God’s nature. The provision of food and clothing highlights tangible expressions of that love.
4. Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
Here, God lists foreigners alongside other vulnerable groups, commanding Israel to act justly. The verse reinforces that systemic or personal injustice against the marginalized is offensive to God. It encourages a heart posture of fairness, integrity, and compassion in every societal interaction.
5. Matthew 25:35
“I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
In this parable of final judgment, Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger—the foreigner—and praises those who welcomed Him. This verse shows that hospitality to the outsider is not just good manners, but a spiritual act of welcoming Christ Himself. It calls us to a gospel-centered embrace of the marginalized.
6. 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.”
This verse presents a powerful spiritual mystery—our acts of kindness to strangers may have divine implications. It encourages believers to see hospitality not as a burden but as a sacred opportunity. Welcoming the foreigner could bring unexpected blessings and align us with God’s purposes.
7. 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.”
Justice is central to God’s heart, and this verse demands active righteousness. Protecting the foreigner from exploitation is a divine directive, not a mere suggestion. God’s people are called to be advocates and defenders of the voiceless in their midst.
8. 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.”
God promises judgment against those who mistreat the vulnerable—including foreigners. This verse makes it clear that how we treat outsiders is a matter of divine concern. Social injustice, especially toward foreigners, provokes God’s righteous response.
9. Ruth 2:10
“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Spoken by Ruth, a Moabite, this verse highlights the unexpected kindness she received from Boaz. It reflects how godly individuals break social norms to extend grace. Ruth’s story reminds us that foreigners are not to be ignored but noticed, loved, and welcomed.
10. Isaiah 56:6–7
“And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord… these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.”
God opens His covenant blessings to foreigners who seek Him. This prophetic verse envisions a future where nationality is no barrier to worship. The inclusion of foreigners in the house of prayer reveals God’s inclusive heart and the global nature of His kingdom.
11. Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
God actively protects and provides for foreigners. This verse reassures us that divine attention is especially fixed on those who are displaced or vulnerable. It also warns that God will oppose those who attempt to harm or exploit them.
12. Leviticus 24:22
“You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.”
This command sets a powerful precedent for equal justice. In God’s kingdom, there is no partiality based on origin or nationality. Legal fairness and moral equity should extend to all, mirroring God’s character and justice.
13. Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This verse speaks to our spiritual inclusion through Christ. Once alienated, we are now part of God’s family. It reminds believers that just as we were welcomed into God’s kingdom, we must also embrace others, regardless of background or status.
14. Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
God ties national blessing to moral treatment of the marginalized. This verse is a solemn warning that injustice against foreigners will result in divine judgment. It places responsibility on the entire community to uphold equity and compassion.
15. 1 Kings 8:41–43
“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel… when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven… so that all peoples of the earth may know your name.”
Solomon’s temple prayer invites God’s attention to foreigners who seek Him. This passage illustrates the inclusive intent behind worship and intercession. Foreigners, too, have a place in God’s redemptive plan, and their prayers are equally precious.
16. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This simple yet powerful exhortation encourages believers to meet the needs of others with open hearts and open homes. Hospitality, especially to strangers and foreigners, is a hallmark of genuine Christian love. It’s not just generosity—it’s worship in action.
17. Job 31:32
“No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.”
Job testifies of his righteousness by recounting how he showed hospitality to strangers. His example illustrates that welcoming foreigners is a mark of moral integrity. True faith is revealed not in ritual, but in the way we treat the vulnerable.
18. Acts 10:34–35
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Peter’s revelation at Cornelius’ house affirms the inclusive nature of the gospel. This verse breaks ethnic and national boundaries, confirming that God welcomes all people who honor Him. It’s a call to abandon prejudice and reflect God’s impartial love.
19. Matthew 5:46–47
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? … Do not even pagans do that?”
Jesus challenges His followers to love beyond comfort zones—including foreigners and strangers. True Christian love surpasses tribalism and reciprocation. This radical love sets believers apart and makes God’s love visible in a divided world.
20. Genesis 23:4
“I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site so I can bury my dead.”
Spoken by Abraham, this verse reveals the humility and negotiation required of a foreigner in a foreign land. Abraham’s experience reflects the reality of displacement and the longing for belonging. It reminds us to treat such sojourners with dignity.
21. 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.”
In Christ, all divisions dissolve—including those based on nationality. This verse establishes the unity and equality of all believers, encouraging us to welcome others as family regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.
22. 2 Chronicles 6:32–33
“As for the foreigner… when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven… so that all peoples of the earth may know your name.”
Solomon reiterates God’s global vision, praying for foreigners who seek Him. This prayer embodies a divine welcome that transcends boundaries. It calls God’s people to reflect His open-heartedness toward seekers from every nation.
23. Deuteronomy 24:17–18
“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice… Remember that you were slaves in Egypt.”
Justice for foreigners isn’t just good ethics—it’s covenant obedience. God reminds Israel of their own suffering to inspire compassion. Forgetting our past suffering may lead to cruelty, but remembering it leads to justice and mercy.
24. Isaiah 14:1
“The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Foreigners will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.”
This prophetic vision shows a future of unity between Israel and foreigners. Rather than exclusion, God’s plan involves integration and shared blessing. It’s a beautiful picture of reconciliation and inclusivity under God’s reign.
25. Proverbs 31:8–9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
While not limited to foreigners, this verse applies deeply to them. Foreigners often lack voice and protection, and Scripture calls believers to advocate on their behalf. Justice and mercy require bold, vocal defenders of the marginalized.
26. Ezekiel 47:22–23
“You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you… They are to be considered as native-born Israelites.”
In a vision of restored Israel, God grants foreigners equal inheritance. This radical inclusion anticipates the New Testament’s concept of spiritual inheritance. It shows that God’s blessings are not confined by geography or ethnicity.
27. Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew… but Christ is all, and is in all.”
The kingdom of God unites all people under Christ. This verse echoes the message of inclusion, reminding us that spiritual identity in Christ supersedes all worldly divisions. Foreigners are not outsiders in God’s family—they are fully part of it.
28. Deuteronomy 31:12
“Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God.”
Even in times of sacred instruction, foreigners were to be included. God’s teaching is for all, not just the covenant insiders. This verse reinforces that faith communities should intentionally include and educate foreigners alongside everyone else.
29. 1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
Peter reminds believers of their spiritual status as foreigners in this world. This identity inspires holiness and detachment from worldly systems. Remembering we are spiritual exiles helps us better understand and welcome earthly foreigners.
30. Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude… from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne.”
This climactic vision in Revelation reveals the ultimate gathering of foreigners and natives alike before God’s throne. Diversity in worship is not accidental—it’s divinely orchestrated. Heaven will be filled with those from every culture, united in praise.
Conclusion
It is evident that God is compassionate, just, and inclusive when we consider these Bible passages about outsiders. The way God treats the outsider is not a side issue in Genesis through Revelation; rather, it is a fundamental manifestation of God’s nature and His call to righteousness. In addition to being a moral obligation, welcoming strangers is a spiritual act that reflects God’s kindness and mercy toward us when we were spiritually distant and in need of it.
These verses serve as a reminder that God’s love is unconditional. His mandate to love and care for the alien has not altered, whether it was given in antiquity or today. As Christians, we are urged to rise above fear, discrimination, and division and adopt a kingdom-minded viewpoint that honors every person, regardless of background or nationality. We may show the world the gospel in concrete ways by being hospitable and kind to strangers.
These biblical teachings are relevant to our times in a world that is becoming more and more characterized by migration and cultural changes. May we be people who welcome, protect, and treat everyone with dignity, especially those who are foreigners, because we are based on God’s Word. By doing this, we respect the God who originally accepted us into His family and uphold the commandment of love.
