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Leviticus 24:22 - Equal law for all

Leviticus 24:22 - ויקרא 24:22

Hebrew Text

מִשְׁפַּט אֶחָד יִהְיֶה לָכֶם כַּגֵּר כָּאֶזְרָח יִהְיֶה כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

You shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Mishpat echad yihyeh lachem kager ka'ezrach yihyeh ki ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִשְׁפַּ֤ט אֶחָד֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כַּגֵּ֥ר כָּאֶזְרָ֖ח יִהְיֶ֑ה כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
מִשְׁפַּ֤ט אֶחָד֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כַּגֵּ֥ר כָּאֶזְרָ֖ח יִהְיֶ֑ה כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Equal Justice for All

The verse (Vayikra 24:22) establishes a fundamental principle of Torah law: "מִשְׁפַּט אֶחָד יִהְיֶה לָכֶם" ("You shall have one manner of law"). Rashi explains that this teaches us the same legal standards must apply equally to both native-born Israelites and converts ("גֵּר"). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) expands on this, stating that a ger tzedek (righteous convert) must be treated with the same respect and legal fairness as a born Jew.

The Divine Source of Equality

The concluding phrase "כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("for I am the Lord your God") provides the theological basis for this equality. The Sforno notes that since all people are created in God's image, discrimination in justice contradicts the divine will. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this verse that judges must be impartial, showing no favoritism based on social status.

Practical Applications in Halacha

  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 431) lists this among the 613 commandments, requiring equal treatment in both civil and criminal cases
  • The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) emphasizes this applies even when dealing with monetary disputes between Jews and converts
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains this principle extends beyond courts to all interpersonal dealings

Spiritual Dimension of the Ger

The Midrash (Sifra Emor 7:4) connects this verse to the preceding discussion of penalties, teaching that a convert who accepts Torah law becomes spiritually equal to native-born Jews. The Chofetz Chaim (Ahavat Chesed 2:4) applies this to business ethics, prohibiting taking advantage of converts who may be unfamiliar with local customs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Kamma 113a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the equal application of laws to both Jews and non-Jews, emphasizing the principle of justice for all.
📖 Keritot 9a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the equal treatment of converts and native-born Israelites in matters of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one manner of law' mean in Leviticus 24:22?
A: The verse teaches that the same laws and justice system apply equally to both native-born Jews and converts (gerim). Rashi explains that this emphasizes fairness—no one receives preferential treatment or discrimination based on their background. The Torah stresses this principle multiple times to highlight its importance.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the stranger' (ger) specifically?
A: The ger (convert or resident stranger) is singled out because they might feel vulnerable or excluded. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) teaches that the Torah warns against oppressing the ger 36 times—more than any other commandment—showing how seriously Judaism takes protecting those who join the Jewish people or live among them.
Q: How does 'I am the Lord your God' connect to fair treatment of others?
A: Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:4) explains that imitating God’s attributes means acting with compassion and justice. Since God shows no favoritism, we must treat all people equally under the law. The verse reminds us that fairness is not just policy—it’s a reflection of Divine values.
Q: Does this verse apply to non-Jews living in a Jewish society today?
A: Yes. The Talmud (Gittin 59b) derives from this verse that we must support needy non-Jews alongside Jews to maintain peace. Modern halachic authorities like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah 1:4) apply this principle to ethical business dealings and courts today.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 24:22?
A: The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 4:12) teaches that this verse obligates us to ensure equal access to justice. Practically, this means: 1) Courts must judge impartially, 2) Communities must protect vulnerable members, and 3) Individuals should examine biases when interacting with others—especially those different from themselves.