Bible Verses About Vulnerability
January 24, 2025
Bible Verses About Virtue
January 24, 2025
Immigration is a subject that can bring out very strong opinions. People may have very different views about borders, immigration laws, asylum, refugees, citizenship and how governments should manage people entering or leaving a country. As Christians, however, it is important to separate our political opinions from what the Bible actually teaches.
The Bible does not use modern terms such as “immigration policy,” “border control” or “visa requirements.” Scripture was written in a very different historical and political world. However, the Bible does speak extensively about strangers, foreigners, sojourners and people living among a nation that was not originally their own.
These passages give us important principles about how foreigners should be treated. They speak about compassion, justice, protection from oppression, generosity and remembering that every human being is made by God. At the same time, Scripture also recognises nations, governments, laws and responsibilities, so we should not take verses about loving the stranger and turn them into a political statement that the Bible itself does not make.
The Christian response should begin with what Scripture clearly teaches rather than trying to force the Bible into modern political arguments.
Quick Answer: What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?
The Bible repeatedly commands God’s people to treat foreigners and strangers with fairness, compassion and dignity. It specifically warns against oppressing or mistreating them and reminds God’s people that they themselves had once been strangers in a foreign land.
At the same time, the Bible does not give us a detailed modern immigration system or tell every modern government exactly how its borders should operate. Scripture does, however, provide principles about justice, government authority, the treatment of foreigners and our responsibility to love our neighbour.
One of the clearest passages is found in Leviticus, where God commanded Israel not to mistreat the stranger living among them.
Leviticus 19:33–34 — Love the Stranger as Yourself
“And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.
But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
This is one of the strongest Old Testament passages concerning the treatment of foreigners.
God did not permit the Israelites to abuse, exploit or mistreat foreigners simply because they came from somewhere else. Instead, they were commanded to treat the stranger among them as one of their own and to love that person as themselves.
The reason God gives is also significant. Israel was to remember its own history. The Israelites had been strangers in Egypt, and God had rescued them from oppression. Their experience of being vulnerable in a foreign land was supposed to produce compassion rather than cruelty.
What Does the Bible Say About Mistreating Immigrants?
The Bible is very direct that foreigners were not to be oppressed.
This does not mean that Scripture provides a modern legal code for immigration. Rather, it establishes a moral principle: a person’s foreign status does not give others permission to mistreat them.
Exodus 23:9 — Do Not Oppress the Stranger
“Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
God again reminds Israel of its own history.
The Israelites knew what it was like to live as foreigners. They knew what it was like to be vulnerable and to live under the authority of another nation. God therefore commanded them not to use their position to oppress others.
This principle remains important for Christians today. Whatever our views may be about immigration laws or government policy, Scripture does not give us permission to despise, exploit or dehumanise people simply because they come from another country.
Does God Care About Foreigners?
Yes. Scripture repeatedly shows that God has concern for the stranger, the foreigner and other people who may be vulnerable within society.
Deuteronomy 10:17–19 — God Loves the Stranger
“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
This passage reveals something important about God’s character.
God is not indifferent toward people who may be vulnerable or without the same social position as others. He is described as one who executes justice for the fatherless and widow and who loves the stranger.
The command to Israel was therefore not merely, “Do not harm foreigners.” They were also told to love them.
That is a much stronger principle than simply tolerating someone who is different from us.
Does the Bible Say Immigrants Should Be Treated Fairly?
Yes.
Justice is repeatedly connected with the treatment of foreigners in the Old Testament.
Deuteronomy 24:17–18 — Do Not Pervert the Judgment of the Stranger
“Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge:
But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”
The stranger was not supposed to receive inferior justice simply because they were an outsider.
This principle is particularly important because people who are new to a country or who lack strong social connections can sometimes be vulnerable to exploitation.
God commanded Israel to remember its own history and to ensure that those who were vulnerable were not deprived of justice.
Does the Bible Say Foreigners Should Receive Justice?
Yes. The Bible does not present justice as something reserved only for people who belong to a particular ethnic group or social class.
Zechariah 7:9–10 — Do Not Oppress the Stranger
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.”
Notice how the stranger is included alongside widows, orphans and the poor.
God’s people were commanded to exercise true judgment, mercy and compassion. They were not permitted to take advantage of people because they were in a weaker position.
This does not mean that Scripture teaches that every person must be treated identically in every circumstance. Rather, it teaches that justice must not be corrupted by prejudice, exploitation or oppression.
Did Israel Have Laws Concerning Foreigners?
Yes, and this is an important part of the discussion.
The Bible’s teaching about foreigners is not simply a vague command to “be nice.” Ancient Israel had laws that specifically addressed the treatment and responsibilities of foreigners living among them.
Leviticus 24:22 — One Law for the Stranger and the Israelite
“Ye 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.”
This demonstrates that the biblical discussion is more nuanced than simply saying, “There should be no laws concerning foreigners.”
Israel had laws.
There were expectations concerning those living within the nation.
And yet, God commanded that the stranger was not to be treated unjustly under the law.
This distinction is important when applying biblical principles to modern immigration. Scripture clearly supports justice and humane treatment of foreigners, but it does not teach that nations cannot have laws or that every distinction between citizens and foreigners is inherently sinful.
Does the Bible Recognise Nations?
Yes.
The Bible does not present nations as meaningless or deny the existence of national communities.
Acts 17:26 — God Made the Nations
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”
Paul’s statement reminds us that humanity ultimately comes from one source.
All people are human beings made by God.
At the same time, Scripture recognises nations and the places in which people live. This is another reason we should be careful about turning individual verses about foreigners into simplistic statements about modern immigration policy.
The biblical picture contains both the reality of nations and the universal dignity of human beings.
Does the Bible Teach That All People Have Equal Human Worth?
Yes.
The Bible’s teaching about humanity begins with creation.
Genesis 1:27 — Humanity Is Made in God’s Image
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Every human being bears the image of God.
That truth comes before questions about nationality, citizenship, ethnicity or immigration status.
A person’s nationality does not determine whether they have human dignity.
Their value comes from God.
Does the Bible Tell Christians to Love Foreigners?
Yes.
The command to love the stranger appears repeatedly in the Old Testament.
Leviticus 19:18 — Love Your Neighbour as Yourself
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Jesus later identified this command as one of the great commandments.
Matthew 22:37–40 — Love God and Love Your Neighbour
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Christian love is therefore not supposed to be restricted to people who look like us, speak like us or come from the same place.
Our neighbour is a human being whom God has placed within our sphere of responsibility.
Did Jesus Teach His Followers to Welcome Strangers?
Yes.
Jesus included welcoming strangers among the acts of mercy He described when speaking about the final judgment.
Matthew 25:35 — “I Was a Stranger”
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:”
Jesus connects compassion toward people in need with our response to Him.
The immediate context is important, and this verse should not be turned into a simplistic statement about a particular modern immigration policy. Jesus was teaching about mercy, compassion and the way people respond to those in need.
Nevertheless, the principle is unmistakable: Christians should not be indifferent toward strangers who are vulnerable or in need.
Does the Bible Tell Us to Show Hospitality to Strangers?
Yes.
Hospitality is an important part of Christian character.
Hebrews 13:2 — Be Hospitable to Strangers
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
The biblical practice of hospitality goes beyond entertaining friends.
It involves making room for people who are not already part of our familiar circle.
That does not necessarily mean that every Christian is personally responsible for housing every person who arrives in their community. Rather, it teaches us to have hearts that are willing to show kindness and hospitality rather than automatically treating outsiders with suspicion or contempt.
What Does the Bible Say About Helping People in Need?
Scripture consistently calls God’s people to care for those who are vulnerable.
Proverbs 31:8–9 — Speak for Those Who Need Help
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
This does not mean that Christians must agree with every claim made by every person who needs assistance.
It means that Christians should care about justice and should not become comfortable with the suffering or exploitation of vulnerable people.
Compassion and discernment can exist together.
Does the Bible Say Foreigners Should Be Able to Work?
The Old Testament contains provisions that allowed foreigners living among Israel to participate in certain forms of work and benefit from provisions made for the vulnerable.
Leviticus 19:9–10 — Leave Provision for the Stranger
“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.”
This was part of God’s provision for the poor and the stranger.
Israel was not to use every possible resource for itself while deliberately leaving vulnerable people with nothing.
The principle reveals something important about God’s concern for society: those with resources were expected to consider the needs of people who were vulnerable.
Does the Bible Say We Should Exploit Immigrants?
No. In fact, the opposite is repeatedly commanded.
Malachi 3:5 — God Judges Those Who Oppress the Stranger
“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, saith the LORD of hosts.”
This is a strong warning.
God takes the exploitation of vulnerable people seriously.
The stranger is specifically included among those whose rights should not be ignored.
Does the Bible Teach That Immigrants Are More Important Than Citizens?
No.
This is another place where biblical teaching needs to be represented carefully.
Scripture commands God’s people to treat foreigners justly and compassionately. It does not say that citizens are worthless or that governments have no responsibility toward their own people.
The Bible recognises responsibilities within families, communities and nations.
The Christian principle is not that one group must be valued at the expense of another. Rather, all people should be treated according to justice and love.
Philippians 2:3–4 — Consider the Interests of Others
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Christian love challenges selfishness.
It asks us to consider the wellbeing of other people rather than thinking only about ourselves.
Does the Bible Say Governments Have Authority?
Yes.
The New Testament teaches that civil government has a legitimate role and that Christians should respect lawful authority.
Romans 13:1–2 — Submit to Government Authorities
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
This passage is important when discussing immigration because it prevents us from making the opposite mistake of suggesting that biblical compassion means governments cannot establish or enforce laws.
Governments have legitimate responsibilities.
Christians are therefore not automatically required to reject immigration laws simply because Scripture commands love for foreigners.
At the same time, government authority does not give individuals permission to personally mistreat or dehumanise foreigners. The biblical commands concerning how we treat other people still apply.
What If a Government’s Laws Are Unjust?
The Bible teaches respect for government authority, but Scripture does not teach that human authority is above God.
When human beings command something that directly contradicts God’s commands, the apostles demonstrated that obedience to God comes first.
Acts 5:29 — We Must Obey God Rather Than Men
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
This is an important principle, although it should not be used casually to justify breaking laws simply because we disagree with them.
The apostles were being commanded to stop preaching about Jesus, directly contradicting the command and mission God had given them.
Christians should therefore distinguish between disagreeing with a government policy and being required to disobey God.
Does the Bible Give Us a Modern Immigration Policy?
No.
This is perhaps the most important qualification to make when discussing the subject.
The Bible does not tell modern nations how many immigrants they should accept each year.
It does not establish modern visa systems and it does not provide asylum procedures.
The Bible does not tell governments exactly how their borders should be managed.
It does, however, give us moral principles that should influence how Christians think and behave.
Those principles include justice, compassion, truth, respect for lawful authority, protection of vulnerable people and love for our neighbour.
We should therefore be careful about saying, “The Bible clearly supports this exact modern immigration policy.”
It doesn’t.
The Bible gives us something deeper: principles by which our attitudes and actions should be measured.
Should Christians Be Compassionate Toward Refugees and Immigrants?
Christians should have compassion for people who are suffering, displaced or vulnerable.
That does not require us to ignore questions of security, law or government responsibility.
It means that we should never allow political disagreement to turn into hatred toward human beings.
Colossians 3:12 — Put On Compassion and Kindness
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
Compassion is supposed to be part of Christian character.
The question is not whether we should have compassion.
The question is how we apply compassion wisely within complicated circumstances.
What Does the Bible Say About Showing Partiality?
The Bible strongly warns against judging people unfairly based on outward characteristics or social position.
James 2:1–4 — Do Not Show Partiality
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
James specifically addresses favouritism based on social status.
The broader principle is valuable when considering how we view people from other countries. We should be careful that fear, stereotypes or prejudice do not determine how we treat an individual.
Does Nationality Determine a Person’s Worth?
No.
The gospel breaks down the idea that one nationality or ethnicity has greater spiritual worth than another.
Galatians 3:28 — One in Christ
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Paul was addressing the spiritual unity of believers in Christ, not erasing every earthly distinction between people.
The point is that our standing before God is not determined by nationality, social status or other human distinctions.
Christ is what unites His people.
Did Jesus Himself Have Experience as a Refugee?
Matthew records that Jesus’ family fled to Egypt when Herod sought to kill Him.
Matthew 2:13–15 — Joseph Takes Jesus to Egypt
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
Jesus’ family therefore experienced life outside their homeland for a period of time because of a threat against His life.
We should be careful about equating this directly with every modern refugee situation, because the historical circumstances are different. Nevertheless, it is a powerful reminder that the biblical story itself contains people who experienced displacement and life in a foreign land.
What Does the Bible Say About Welcoming People From Other Nations?
The gospel itself is intended for people from every nation.
Matthew 28:19–20 — Make Disciples of All Nations
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Christianity is not a religion belonging to one nationality.
Jesus commanded His followers to take the gospel to all nations.
This should shape the way Christians view people from different countries and cultures.
What Does the Bible Say About Loving People Who Are Different From Us?
The Christian command to love our neighbour reaches beyond people who are similar to us.
Luke 10:30–37 — The Good Samaritan
“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
The significance of this parable is profound.
Jesus deliberately used a Samaritan as the example of the person who showed mercy. The Samaritans and Jews had deep hostility between them, yet the Samaritan crossed those social boundaries and cared for a wounded man.
Jesus’ command was simple: “Go, and do thou likewise.”
What Should Christians Remember When Discussing Immigration?
Immigration can be complicated.
There are legitimate questions surrounding government responsibility, national security, legal processes, economic pressures, humanitarian concerns and the practical realities of welcoming people from other countries.
Christians may disagree about how those issues should be handled.
But whatever our political position, Scripture gives us boundaries for how we speak and behave.
We should not hate people because they are foreigners and we should not exploit them because they are vulnerable.
We should not deny their human dignity because they come from another nation.
Justice should not be abandoned simply because the person is an outsider.
And we should not use compassion as an excuse to pretend that governments have no legitimate responsibilities.
Proverbs 31:9 — Judge Righteously
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Biblical thinking requires both truth and compassion.
We do not have to choose between being compassionate and being truthful.
Bible Verses About Immigration and Foreigners
The Bible contains many passages that help us understand how God’s people should view and treat foreigners, strangers and people living among them.
Leviticus 19:33–34 — Love the Stranger
“And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.
But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
Exodus 23:9 — Do Not Oppress the Stranger
“Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:18–19 — God Loves the Stranger
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 24:17–18 — Do Not Pervert Justice
“Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge:
But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”
Leviticus 24:22 — The Same Law
“Ye 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.”
Zechariah 7:9–10 — Show Mercy and Compassion
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.”
Psalm 146:9 — God Preserves the Stranger
“The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.”
Hebrews 13:2 — Show Hospitality
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Matthew 25:35 — “I Was a Stranger”
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:”
Romans 13:1 — Respect Government Authority
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
James 2:8 — Love Your Neighbour
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:”
Final Thought
The Bible does not give us a modern immigration policy, and we should be honest enough to admit that. Scripture does not tell twenty-first-century governments exactly how many people they should admit, how their borders should operate or what their immigration laws should look like.
What Scripture does give us is a very clear picture of how God’s people are supposed to treat other human beings, including foreigners and strangers.
Again and again, God commanded Israel not to oppress the stranger. They were told to show justice, mercy and compassion. They were reminded that they themselves had once been strangers in Egypt. God described Himself as one who loves the stranger, and He expected His people to reflect that character.
The New Testament carries this same heart of compassion forward. Jesus taught His followers to love their neighbours, welcome strangers, care for those in need and show mercy. The gospel itself is offered to people from every nation.
At the same time, Scripture recognises the legitimate authority of governments and does not teach that nations cannot have laws. Christians can therefore have thoughtful disagreements about immigration policy without treating those who disagree as enemies or treating immigrants themselves as less valuable human beings.
The important question is whether, whatever position we hold, our hearts and actions remain consistent with the character of Christ.
Colossians 3:12 — Put On Compassion and Kindness
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
That is something every Christian can take seriously.
We may not all agree about politics or agree about government policy.
We may not all understand the complexities of immigration in the same way.
But we can agree that human beings are made in the image of God, that foreigners should not be oppressed or exploited, that justice matters and that Christians are called to love their neighbours.
Leviticus 19:34 — Love the Stranger
“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
The challenge for Christians is not simply to ask, “What political position should I have?”
It is also to ask, “Does the way I speak about and treat other people reflect the God I claim to follow?”
Scripture calls us to pursue both truth and compassion, justice and mercy, wisdom and love. When we keep those things together, we can discuss difficult subjects without losing sight of the people involved.
And ultimately, that is where biblical teaching on immigration brings us: not merely to a political argument, but back to the character of God and the way He calls His people to treat others.
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