In the Bible, the term “alien” most often refers to a foreigner, stranger, or sojourner—someone living outside their homeland. God’s Word speaks clearly about how His people are to treat those who are not native to their land. These teachings reveal God’s heart for justice, mercy, and love. Whether referring to literal foreigners or using the term metaphorically to describe believers as citizens of heaven, the Bible teaches us to extend compassion to all. The following headings explore various biblical perspectives on “aliens” and the values God wants us to embrace.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Patriotism
God’s Command to Love the Foreigner
God repeatedly commanded His people to show kindness and love to foreigners among them. He reminded Israel of their own experience as aliens in Egypt and called them to treat others with the same compassion they once needed. This reveals a deep part of God’s character—His love for the outsider. These verses show that hospitality and justice toward strangers are not optional for believers; they are a reflection of God’s mercy at work through His people.
Leviticus 19:34
“Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:19
“So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 22:21
“You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed. Rescue them from their oppressors. Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows.”
Aliens and God’s Justice
God’s justice extends to everyone, regardless of nationality or origin. The Bible makes it clear that God’s law applies to both the native-born and the foreigner. He is a God of fairness who expects His people to act with equity. These verses demonstrate that God watches over the foreigner and upholds their cause, ensuring they are not forgotten or neglected. In doing so, He reveals His deep care for those on the margins.
Numbers 15:15
“Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees.”
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.”
Malachi 3:5
“At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers, adulterers, and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice.”
Leviticus 24:22
“This same standard applies both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows. And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.’”
Believers as Strangers and Aliens
The Bible often describes followers of Christ as “aliens” or “sojourners” in this world, emphasizing that our true citizenship is in heaven. This spiritual metaphor reminds us that we are just passing through and should live with eternity in mind. As strangers in this world, we are called to live holy, set-apart lives and look forward to our eternal home with God. These verses offer encouragement for believers who may feel out of place in a broken world.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
Hebrews 11:13
“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.”
Philippians 3:20
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
Psalm 119:19
“I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me!”
Ephesians 2:19
“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”
God’s Provision for the Foreigner
God not only calls for justice and kindness toward the alien, but He also provides for them. In the Old Testament, specific instructions were given to ensure that the poor and the foreigner were not neglected. This demonstrates God’s inclusive care and compassion. His provision extends to all who seek refuge in Him, regardless of background. These verses show us that God’s table is open to everyone.
Leviticus 23:22
“When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 24:19
“When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do.”
Ruth 2:10
“Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. ‘What have I done to deserve such kindness?’ she asked. ‘I am only a foreigner.'”
Isaiah 56:6-7
“I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord… I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.”
Job 31:32
“I have never turned away a stranger but have opened my doors to everyone.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Not Being Alone
The Gospel Includes All Nations
The message of salvation through Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of nation or background. The New Testament reveals God’s plan to bring Gentiles—those once considered outsiders—into His family. The church is now a place where every tribe, tongue, and nation can belong. These verses highlight the inclusiveness of the Gospel and God’s desire for every “alien” to find a home in His love.
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.'”
Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 49:6
“You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Revelation 7:9
“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.”
Romans 10:12-13
“Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
God Watches Over the Stranger
God’s eyes are on the foreigner and stranger. His care reaches beyond borders and nationalities, showing that He sees and values every human life. The Bible assures us that no one is forgotten in God’s kingdom—not even the outsider. Whether it’s a literal traveler in a foreign land or a spiritual wanderer, God offers comfort, direction, and a place of belonging. These verses offer hope for all who feel far from home.
Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of your produce… give it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows so they may eat and be satisfied.”
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Isaiah 25:4
“But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.”
Psalm 39:12
“Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest—a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.”
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry, and you fed me.
Jesus Welcomes the Outsider
Jesus demonstrated God’s love by reaching out to those who were considered outsiders—Gentiles, Samaritans, and others whom society had excluded. His ministry broke cultural and religious barriers, showing that no one is beyond God’s grace. He welcomed the “alien” with open arms, revealing the heart of the Father. These verses remind us that Jesus continues to extend His love to all people, inviting them into a relationship with Him. His followers are called to reflect that same love to strangers and foreigners today.
John 10:16
“I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”
Luke 17:16-18
“He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan! Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?'”
Matthew 8:10-11
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.'”
Mark 7:26-28
“She was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Jesus told her, ‘First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.’ She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.'”
Acts 15:8-9
“God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.”