Foreigner
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Foreigner in the Bible?
A foreigner is a non-native resident of a specific region, distinguished by a cultural or national identity separate from the host population. In biblical contexts, this status corresponds to Hebrew terms such as nokhri, toshabh, and paroikos, identifying individuals who live within a land but remain distinct from the indigenous community.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the biblical concept of the foreigner illuminates the legal and ethical mandates within Scripture that require equitable treatment and protection for non-native residents. This understanding highlights the tension between maintaining communal identity and fulfilling social obligations toward those outside one's immediate kinship or national group.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Foreigner in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Foreigner clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.