40 Powerful Bible Verses About Foreigners

In the Bible, foreigners were often travelers, sojourners, or outsiders living among the people of Israel. Yet God had clear instructions on how they were to be treated; with justice, compassion, and kindness. These Bible verses about foreigners remind us of God’s heart for the outsider and how we as believers are called to extend love and fairness to them.

These Bible verses about foreigners offer guidance, compassion, and perspective on how God sees all people, regardless of origin.

In this post, we will share 40 powerful Bible verses about foreigners, grouped under meaningful subtopics, to help believers understand God’s heart on this issue.

What Did Jesus Say About Foreigners?

Jesus often interacted with and referenced foreigners in ways that challenged societal norms of His time. Here are some key verses and lessons from Jesus:

Luke 10:33-34 (NIV) “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was… he bandaged his wounds…”

Jesus highlighted a foreigner (Samaritan) as the true neighbor in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

John 4:9-10 (NIV) “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”

Jesus initiated a life-changing conversation with a Samaritan woman, crossing cultural lines.

Matthew 8:10-11 (NIV) “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith…”

Jesus praised the faith of a Roman centurion, a foreigner.

Matthew 15:28 (NIV) “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

Jesus healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman, again demonstrating His openness.

Mark 11:17 (NIV) “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Jesus emphasized that God’s kingdom includes every nation.

These verses show that Jesus treated foreigners with honor, compassion, and inclusivity.

How to Treat Foreigners in the Bible

The Bible gives clear instructions on how God’s people should treat foreigners.

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV) “When a foreigner resides among you… you must love them as yourself.”
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 (NIV) “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you.”
Exodus 23:9 (NIV) “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners.”
Job 31:32 (NIV) “No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.”
Zechariah 7:10 (NIV) “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.”

God expects His people to show kindness, justice, and love to those who are not native to their land.

Bible Verses About Foreigners – New Testament

The New Testament continues the message of inclusion, unity, and grace.

Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) “God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him.”
Galatians 3:28 (NIV) “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people.”
Colossians 3:11 (NIV) “Here there is no Gentile or Jew… but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Romans 10:12 (NIV) “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all.”

These Bible verses about foreigners in the New Testament highlight spiritual unity and equality under Christ.

Bible Verses About Foreigners – Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God consistently reminded Israel to treat foreigners with care and equity.

Genesis 12:3 (NIV) “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Numbers 15:15-16 (NIV) “The community is to have the same rules for you and for the foreigner residing among you.”
Deuteronomy 24:17 (NIV) “Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice.”
Isaiah 56:6-7 (NIV) “Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord… I will bring to my holy mountain.”
Psalm 146:9 (NIV) “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow.”

Bible Verse About Foreigners in Your Land

When foreigners live among a community, the Bible emphasizes compassion and shared responsibility.

Leviticus 25:35 (NIV) “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.”
Jeremiah 7:6 (NIV) “If you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow… then I will let you live in this place.”
Ezekiel 47:22 (NIV) “You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you.”
2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (NIV) “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel… then hear from heaven.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…”

These verses call for equality and protection for foreigners dwelling in the land.

Additional Bible Verses About Foreigners

Matthew 25:35 (NIV) “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.”
Ruth 2:10 (NIV) “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Nehemiah 9:2 (NIV) “Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners.” (used in context of repentance, not hostility)
Jonah 4:11 (NIV) “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?”
Genesis 23:4 (NIV) “I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property…”
1 Kings 8:41-43 (NIV) “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel… do whatever the foreigner asks of you.”
Deuteronomy 14:29 (NIV) “So that the Levites, and the foreigners… may come and eat and be satisfied.”
Deuteronomy 27:19 (NIV) “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner…”
Isaiah 14:1 (NIV) “Aliens will join them and unite with the house of Jacob.”
Psalm 18:44 (NIV) “Foreigners cower before me…” (often used in military context, not prescriptive for treatment)
Isaiah 60:10 (NIV) “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you.”
Zephaniah 3:10 (NIV) “From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers… will bring me offerings.”
Psalm 105:12 (NIV) “When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it.”
Acts 17:26 (NIV) “From one man he made all the nations… and he marked out their appointed times in history.”

Conclusion

These Bible verses about foreigners show that God’s love and justice extend to all people, regardless of nationality or background. God commanded His people not to oppress the outsider, but to welcome, love, and care for them. Whether you are a foreigner yourself or you are interacting with one, the Bible gives clear guidance: Treat others the way God has treated you with mercy and grace.

May these scriptures inspire us to see every person regardless of their nationality as someone created in God’s image.