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Exodus 23:9 - Remember Egypt's pain; don't oppress.

Exodus 23:9 - שמות 23:9

Hebrew Text

וְגֵר לֹא תִלְחָץ וְאַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם אֶת־נֶפֶשׁ הַגֵּר כִּי־גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Veger lo tilchatz ve'atem yedatem et-nefesh hager ki-gerim heyitem be'eretz mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגֵ֖ר לֹ֣א תִלְחָ֑ץ וְאַתֶּ֗ם יְדַעְתֶּם֙ אֶת־נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַגֵּ֔ר כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וְגֵ֖ר לֹ֣א תִלְחָ֑ץ וְאַתֶּ֗ם יְדַעְתֶּם֙ אֶת־נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַגֵּ֔ר כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Prohibition Against Oppressing the Stranger

The verse (Exodus 23:9) commands, "Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Miżrayim." This injunction appears multiple times in the Torah, emphasizing its importance in Jewish law and ethics.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "לֹא תִלְחָץ" (do not oppress) refers not only to physical oppression but also to verbal harassment or causing emotional distress. He cites the Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b), which states that verbal oppression is sometimes even worse than financial exploitation, as it directly wounds the soul.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot De'ot (6:4), Rambam expands on this mitzvah, teaching that one must be especially careful with the feelings of a ger (stranger or convert) because they are often vulnerable and may lack communal support. He emphasizes that the Torah warns against oppressing a ger in 36 places, demonstrating the severity of this commandment.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (on this verse) connects this mitzvah to the Jewish experience in Egypt, stating: "Just as you suffered in Egypt, do not cause others to suffer." The Midrash teaches that empathy born from personal experience should guide our treatment of others.

Halachic Applications

  • The Chafetz Chaim (in Ahavat Chesed) rules that this verse obligates us to actively assist strangers and newcomers, not merely refrain from harming them.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 63) counts this as one of the 613 commandments and explains that remembering our Egyptian bondage should inspire compassion.
  • Contemporary poskim apply this principle to proper treatment of converts, foreign workers, and refugees in Jewish communities.

Philosophical Dimensions

The Sforno notes that the phrase "for you know the heart of a stranger" implies that Jews have a unique understanding of alienation and displacement. This shared experience creates an ethical obligation to protect those in similar circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 59b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the ethical treatment of strangers and the importance of empathy, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' experience in Egypt.
📖 Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael Mishpatim 18
The verse is cited to emphasize the commandment against oppressing the stranger, linking it to the Israelites' historical experience as strangers in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'Do not oppress a stranger' mean in Exodus 23:9?
A: This verse commands us to treat strangers (גֵר) with kindness and fairness, reminding us that we were once strangers in Egypt. Rashi explains that we must remember our own experience of oppression to develop empathy for others. The Torah emphasizes this mitzvah multiple times to show its importance.
Q: Why does the Torah mention our experience in Egypt when talking about strangers?
A: The Torah reminds us that we were strangers in Egypt (כִּי־גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם) to teach us empathy. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:4) explains that remembering our suffering should motivate us to treat others with compassion, ensuring we do not repeat the same cruelty we endured.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to be sensitive to newcomers, converts, or anyone who may feel like an outsider. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) extends this idea to business dealings, warning against taking advantage of those unfamiliar with local customs. Today, this applies to how we welcome immigrants, guests, or anyone in need of support.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'you know the heart of a stranger'?
A: The phrase 'you know the heart of a stranger' (יְדַעְתֶּם אֶת־נֶפֶשׁ הַגֵּר) means we understand the loneliness and vulnerability a stranger feels. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 1:9) teaches that this awareness should lead us to act with extra kindness, as we know firsthand the challenges of being in an unfamiliar place.
Q: Is this commandment only about physical oppression, or does it include other forms of mistreatment?
A: The prohibition extends beyond physical oppression—it includes verbal harassment, discrimination, or any form of exploitation. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 63) explains that oppressing a stranger violates this mitzvah whether through actions or words, as the pain of exclusion is deeply felt.