Stranger And Sojourner (in The Old Testament)
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew term ger refers to a resident alien dwelling within Israelite territory who possessed limited civic rights and no land ownership, distinguishing this permanent settlement status from that of transient sojourners.
What is the meaning of Stranger And Sojourner (in The Old Testament) in the Bible?
The Hebrew term ger refers to a resident alien dwelling within Israelite territory who possessed limited civic rights and no land ownership, distinguishing this permanent settlement status from that of transient sojourners.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific legal status of the ger illuminates the Torah's mandate to protect vulnerable non-citizens, revealing how ancient Israelite law integrated these individuals into the community's social safety net rather than excluding them entirely.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Stranger And Sojourner (in The Old Testament) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Stranger And Sojourner (in The Old Testament) clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.