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Leviticus 19:34 - Love the stranger like yourself.

Leviticus 19:34 - ויקרא 19:34

Hebrew Text

כְּאֶזְרָח מִכֶּם יִהְיֶה לָכֶם הַגֵּר הַגָּר אִתְּכֶם וְאָהַבְתָּ לוֹ כָּמוֹךָ כִּי־גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

But the stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for you were strangers in the land of Miżrayim: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Ke'ezrach mikem yihyeh lakhem hager hagar itchem ve'ahavta lo kamocha ki-gerim heyitem be'eretz mitzrayim ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּאֶזְרָ֣ח מִכֶּם֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֜ם הַגֵּ֣ר <b>׀</b> הַגָּ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֗ם וְאָהַבְתָּ֥ לוֹ֙ כָּמ֔וֹךָ כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
כְּאֶזְרָ֣ח מִכֶּם֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֜ם הַגֵּ֣ר ׀ הַגָּ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֗ם וְאָהַבְתָּ֥ לוֹ֙ כָּמ֔וֹךָ כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 19:34) commands the Jewish people to treat the ger toshav (resident stranger) with equality and love, likening them to a native-born citizen. This mitzvah is rooted in the Jewish historical experience of being strangers in Egypt, reinforcing the ethical imperative of empathy and kindness.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "כְּאֶזְרָח מִכֶּם" ("as one born among you") means that the ger toshav must be treated with the same legal and social rights as a native Israelite. This includes equal access to justice, fair treatment in business, and inclusion in communal life. Rashi emphasizes that the Torah repeatedly reminds us of our experience in Egypt to instill compassion for those who are vulnerable.

Rambam's Perspective (Hilchot De'ot 6:4)

Rambam expands on the mitzvah of loving the ger, stating that just as one must love oneself, one must actively seek the welfare of the stranger. He connects this to the broader principle of דֶּרֶךְ ה' (the way of Hashem), which includes kindness and righteousness. Rambam also notes that the Torah mentions the Exodus 36 times to underscore the importance of this commandment.

Midrashic Insights (Sifra, Kedoshim 8:3)

The Midrash teaches that the phrase "וְאָהַבְתָּ לוֹ כָּמוֹךָ" ("you shall love him as yourself") applies not only to material needs but also to emotional support. Just as we would not want to be marginalized or mistreated, we must ensure the ger feels welcomed and valued. The Midrash further connects this mitzvah to the sanctity of the Jewish people, as it concludes with "אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("I am the Lord your God"), indicating that this ethical behavior reflects divine holiness.

Halachic Implications (Choshen Mishpat 228:2)

  • The ger toshav must be included in communal gifts to the poor, such as pe'ah (corners of the field) and ma'aser ani (poor tithe).
  • It is forbidden to deceive or oppress the ger in business dealings (based on Vayikra 25:14-17).
  • The mitzvah applies even if the ger does not formally convert but lives among the Jewish people and observes the Noahide laws.

Moral Lesson (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 431)

The Sefer HaChinuch explains that this mitzvah trains us in the trait of chesed (kindness) by reminding us of our own suffering in Egypt. By internalizing our past hardships, we develop a deeper sensitivity to others' struggles. The mitzvah also reinforces the idea that all humanity is created in the divine image, and discrimination contradicts the Torah's values.

📚 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 commandment to love them as oneself, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' experience in Egypt.
📖 Keritot 28b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the inclusion of strangers in communal obligations and the principle of treating them equally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 19:34 mean when it says to 'love the stranger as yourself'?
A: Leviticus 19:34 teaches that we must treat converts and foreigners living among us with the same kindness and respect as native-born Jews. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes empathy—since we were once strangers in Egypt, we must remember that experience and treat others with compassion. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:4) also states that loving the stranger is a fundamental Torah value.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that we were strangers in Egypt in this verse?
A: The Torah reminds us of our experience in Egypt to teach that we must not oppress or mistreat strangers, as we know the pain of being outsiders. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 8:2) explains that this memory should inspire us to act with kindness. The Ramban adds that this commandment helps us cultivate humility and gratitude for our redemption.
Q: How does 'love the stranger as yourself' apply today?
A: This verse applies today by instructing us to welcome converts (gerim) and treat all people—regardless of background—with dignity. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) teaches that mistreating a convert violates multiple Torah prohibitions. Practically, this means offering hospitality, fair treatment in business, and emotional support, just as we would for fellow Jews.
Q: Who is considered a 'stranger' (ger) in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources interpret 'ger' in this context as either a convert to Judaism (ger tzedek) or a non-Jew living among the Jewish people who observes the Noahide laws (ger toshav). Rashi and the Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 10:4-5) clarify that both are included in the commandment to love and protect them as equals.
Q: Why does the verse end with 'I am the Lord your God'?
A: The conclusion 'I am the Lord your God' reminds us that this commandment comes from Hashem, who redeemed us from Egypt. The Sifra (Kedoshim 8:2) explains that it underscores divine authority: just as God showed kindness to us as strangers, we must emulate His ways. The Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Positive Commandment 207) also links this to recognizing God’s unity and justice.