In a world marked by migration and displacement, the topic of immigrants is more relevant than ever. But what does the Bible have to say about welcoming the stranger and extending hospitality to those in need?
Join us as we explore the scriptures that illuminate God’s heart for immigrants and refugees, offering timeless lessons on compassion, inclusion, and the inherent worth of every human being, regardless of nationality or status.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Protection From Evil Spirits
Bible Verses About Immigrants
Exodus 23:9
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of empathy towards immigrants, as the people of Israel were once strangers in a foreign land. It highlights the need to treat immigrants with kindness and fairness, refusing to oppress or discriminate against them.
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. I am the LORD your God.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage calls for love and acceptance towards immigrants, treating them as equals and valuing their presence among the community. It extends the commandment to love one’s neighbor to include foreigners, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and compassion.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
This verse highlights the significance of welcoming strangers, as Jesus connects the act of hospitality towards immigrants with serving Him. It underscores the duty of Christians to extend aid and show kindness to those who are in need, including immigrants and refugees.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Jesus emphasizes the connection between serving those in need and serving Him personally. This verse reinforces the importance of showing compassion towards immigrants, recognizing them as our brothers and sisters in Christ, and serving them as we would serve Jesus Himself.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages believers to share what they have and to practice hospitality, particularly towards those who are in need. It echoes the sentiment of welcoming strangers and providing for their basic needs, extending kindness to immigrants and refugees.
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 passage reminds Christians of the potential blessings that come from showing hospitality to strangers. It encourages believers to open their hearts and homes to immigrants, recognizing that in doing so, they may unknowingly provide refuge and assistance to those who are divinely appointed.
Deuteronomy 10:19
“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
Similar to earlier verses, this passage emphasizes the obligation to love and care for immigrants. It reminds the Israelites of their own history as foreigners in Egypt, calling for empathy and compassion towards those who find themselves in a similar situation.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
While not addressing immigrants specifically, this verse speaks to the broader responsibility Christians have in caring for those in need. It compels believers to demonstrate pure and faultless religion by tending to the vulnerable, which can include immigrants and refugees who may be in distress.
Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Once again, this verse underscores the importance of treating immigrants with fairness and respect, reminding the Israelites of their own experience as foreigners in Egypt. It serves as a commandment against mistreatment and oppression, urging believers to advocate for justice and equality for all.
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
This verse highlights the severity of denying justice to vulnerable individuals, including immigrants. It speaks to the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their nationality or background, and affirms the need for equal treatment and protection under the law.
Leviticus 25:35
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.”
This passage extends the command to help those in need to include not only fellow Israelites but also foreigners and strangers. It emphasizes the responsibility to provide support and assistance to immigrants who may face economic challenges, ensuring that they are able to thrive within the community.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse speaks to the significance of treating the poor and needy with kindness and compassion. It suggests that mistreatment of immigrants or any marginalized group demonstrates a lack of regard for God Himself, while exhibiting kindness and generosity towards them honors and pleases God.
Luke 10:30-37
“Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. … Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'”
This famous parable told by Jesus highlights the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards those in need, regardless of their background. The Samaritan, an outsider to the Jewish community, demonstrated love and care for a foreigner, setting an example for believers to follow. It challenges Christians to go beyond cultural and societal divisions, and embrace all people as neighbors, including immigrants and refugees.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
While not explicitly addressing immigrants, this verse speaks to the broader attitude Christians should have towards all people. It calls for respect towards everyone, recognizing the inherent worth of each individual as an image-bearer of God. This includes showing respect towards immigrants, valuing their contributions, and treating them with dignity.
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
This verse reassures believers of God’s care for the foreigner, as well as other vulnerable groups. It affirms the divine protection and provision extended to immigrants, emphasizing the role of believers in participating in God’s work by advocating for justice and supporting those in need.
Ruth 2:10
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes, that you notice me—a foreigner?'”
This verse highlights the kindness and favor shown by Boaz towards Ruth, a foreigner. It underscores the significance of reaching out to immigrants and extending favor and support to them. Ruth’s humble reaction serves as a reminder that acts of love and inclusion towards immigrants are noticed and deeply appreciated.
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
This verse reiterates the command to avoid oppressing and mistreating vulnerable individuals, including foreigners. It emphasizes the importance of acting justly and avoiding malicious intentions towards others, highlighting the fundamental value of equality and fairness.
Jeremiah 7:6
“‘If you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm…’ “
In this passage, God sets clear expectations for how His people should treat foreigners, as well as other vulnerable groups. It serves as a reminder that mistreating immigrants is not only a violation of God’s commandments but also leads to negative consequences for individuals and society.
Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
This verse reminds believers of God’s character as a Father and a defender of vulnerable individuals, including immigrants. It reassures those who feel orphaned or displaced that God is present and actively working on behalf of the marginalized, inspiring Christians to follow His example by providing support and advocacy for immigrants.
Isaiah 16:4
“Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer.”
While this verse specifically mentions the Moabite fugitives, it symbolizes the broader principle of offering refuge and support to those in need. It calls believers to be a shelter for immigrants, providing safety and assistance when they are fleeing from danger or seeking a place of security.
Proverbs 29:7
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
This verse speaks to the value of righteousness and justice, particularly in relation to the poor and vulnerable. It challenges believers to be concerned about the welfare and rights of immigrants, advocating for fairness and equal treatment, and standing against any form of wickedness or oppression.
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.”
This powerful verse speaks to the unity and equality found in Christ. It emphasizes that regardless of nationality or background, every believer is united in Christ and shares the same value and worth. It calls for Christians to reject discrimination and embrace all people, including immigrants, as equal members of the Body of Christ.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This verse from the Sermon on the Mount speaks to the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards others. It reminds believers that offering kindness and support to immigrants not only blesses them but also opens the door for receiving God’s mercy in return. It encourages Christians to exemplify the love and compassion of Christ in their interactions with immigrants.
Psalm 146:1-2
“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
While not directly addressing immigrants, this opening passage from Psalm 146 sets the tone for the entire psalm, which focuses on praising and trusting in the Lord. It reminds believers that regardless of the challenges or situations they face, their ultimate devotion should be to God. This attitude of worship can guide the actions and responses of believers towards immigrants, reflecting a heart of gratitude and reliance on God’s guidance in extending care and support to those in need.
What Does the Bible Say About Immigrants?
The Bible teaches us to have compassion and kindness towards immigrants. In the Old Testament, God instructs the Israelites to treat the foreigners living among them with fairness and love, reminding them that they too were once immigrants in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34).
In the New Testament, Jesus encourages us to welcome strangers and to show hospitality to those in need, emphasizing that when we do so, we are actually welcoming Him (Matthew 25:35). Additionally, the Bible teaches that we are all one in Christ, regardless of our nationality or background (Galatians 3:28).
As Christians, we are called to extend love, mercy, and assistance to immigrants, recognizing that they are also created in the image of God and deserve our respect and care. Our actions towards immigrants should be shaped by the principles of love, justice, and empathy that we find in the Bible, as we seek to reflect the heart of God towards all people, especially those who are in vulnerable situations.