Leviticus 19:33 instructs the Israelites on how to treat foreigners living among them. It essentially means:
"Stranger" or "Foreigner": This refers to someone who is not a native Israelite and is residing in their land.
"Lives as a foreigner with you in your land": Emphasizes that this isn't just about passing travelers, but people who have chosen to live and integrate into Israelite society.
"You shall not do him wrong": This is the core command. It prohibits mistreating, oppressing, or taking advantage of foreigners. This could include:
Economic exploitation: Taking unfair advantage in business or labor.
Social discrimination: Excluding them from community life or treating them as inferior.
Legal injustice: Denying them fair treatment in the legal system.
In essence, the verse is a command to treat foreigners with respect, fairness, and kindness, ensuring they are not exploited or mistreated simply because they are not native-born. This reflects a broader ethical principle in the Torah about treating the vulnerable with compassion, as the Israelites themselves had been foreigners in Egypt.
Leviticus 19:33 instructs the Israelites on how to treat foreigners living among them. It essentially means:
"Stranger" or "Foreigner": This refers to someone who is not a native Israelite and is residing in their land.
"Lives as a foreigner with you in your land": Emphasizes that this isn't just about passing travelers, but people who have chosen to live and integrate into Israelite society.
"You shall not do him wrong": This is the core command. It prohibits mistreating, oppressing, or taking advantage of foreigners. This could include:
Economic exploitation: Taking unfair advantage in business or labor.
Social discrimination: Excluding them from community life or treating them as inferior.
Legal injustice: Denying them fair treatment in the legal system.
In essence, the verse is a command to treat foreigners with respect, fairness, and kindness, ensuring they are not exploited or mistreated simply because they are not native-born. This reflects a broader ethical principle in the Torah about treating the vulnerable with compassion, as the Israelites themselves had been foreigners in Egypt.