What does the Bible say about immigration?
The Bible does not directly address modern immigration policies, but it offers abundant principles for how God's people should view and treat immigrants, often called "sojourners" or "strangers." From the Old Testament Law to the teachings of Jesus and the early church, a consistent theme emerges: God has a special concern for the vulnerable, including those who are new to a land. This concern translates into commands for hospitality, justice, and love, reminding believers that we are all, in a sense, temporary residents on earth.
The Bible consistently calls God's people to show love, justice, and hospitality to immigrants, remembering their own experience as strangers.
God's Heart for the Sojourner in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly commands Israel to care for the "sojourner" (Hebrew: ger), often alongside the widow and orphan, as a particularly vulnerable group. This command is rooted in Israel's own history as strangers in Egypt, experiencing oppression and hardship (Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:19). The Law of Moses includes specific provisions for the protection and inclusion of sojourners.
For example, the sojourner was to be loved (Deuteronomy 10:19), treated justly in legal matters (Deuteronomy 24:17), and allowed to glean from fields alongside the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21). They were to be included in the worship life of Israel, celebrating feasts and observing the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 16:10-14). Notably, the Law instructs Israel to have "one law for the native-born and for the stranger who resides among you" (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22). This implies a remarkable degree of legal equality and protection. While these passages don't address national borders in a modern sense, they reflect God's concern for how those who enter a community are treated.
Jesus' Teaching on Welcoming the Stranger
Jesus upholds and intensifies the Old Testament's commands to care for the vulnerable. In his teaching on the Last Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus identifies himself with "the least of these," including the stranger: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." This parable is a powerful reminder that acts of compassion and hospitality towards those on the margins are seen by Christ as acts of service to him directly. While it doesn't specify how to welcome, it clearly establishes the importance of the posture of welcome itself.
Jesus' broader teachings on love for neighbor (Mark 12:31) and radical generosity (Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan) also apply. The Samaritan, a despised outsider, showed compassion to a stripped and beaten man of a different ethnicity. This parable challenges ethnic and social boundaries in demonstrating who is truly a neighbor, and thus, who deserves our love and care.
The Early Church and Hospitality
The early church, following Jesus' example, also prioritized hospitality. The New Testament epistles frequently exhort believers to "practice hospitality" (philoxenia, literally "love of strangers") (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9). This hospitality was often directed towards traveling missionaries and fellow Christians, but the underlying principle of welcoming outsiders is evident. The early Christian community, itself often a minority group, understood the experience of being an outsider.
Paul, a Roman citizen and a Jew, frequently traveled and often depended on the hospitality of strangers. His ministry demonstrates a crossing of cultural and ethnic boundaries in the spreading of the Gospel. The New Testament does not address governmental immigration policies, but it consistently emphasizes the responsibility of individual believers and the church as a whole to care for and welcome those who are new or vulnerable in their midst.
Navigating Modern Questions and Disagreements
The Bible does not provide a blueprint for modern immigration law. It operates within ancient contexts where national borders and citizenship were understood differently. Therefore, applying biblical principles to contemporary debates requires careful thought and discernment.
Christians hold various views on how to balance biblical commands with the complexities of modern nation-states. Some emphasize the biblical call to welcome and protect immigrants, advocating for generous and compassionate immigration policies. They might point to the narrative of Abraham, a sojourner by divine command (Genesis 12:1), or the inclusion of Rahab and Ruth into Israel as examples of God's redemptive work across ethnic lines.
Others emphasize concepts like national sovereignty, the rule of law, and the responsibility of governments to maintain order and protect their citizens (Romans 13:1-7). They might argue that while individual compassion is vital, governments have a different role to play. These different perspectives often stem from prioritizing different biblical principles or interpreting their application to government differently. However, both perspectives generally affirm the obligation of Christians to show love and compassion to all people, including immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
Ultimately, Scripture calls believers to a posture of welcome, justice, and love towards the stranger, remembering that our ultimate citizenship is not of this world (Philippians 3:20).
Bible verses about immigration
"Love ye therefore the sojourner; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt."
"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not do him wrong. The stranger that sojourneth with you shall be unto you as the home-born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt: I am Jehovah your God."
"And a sojourner shalt thou not wrong, neither shalt thou oppress him: for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt."
"for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;"
"communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality."
"Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
"Thou shalt not wrest the justice due to the sojourner, or to the fatherless, nor take the widow’s raiment to pledge; but thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and Jehovah thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing. When thou reapest thy harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the sojourner, for the fatherless, and for the widow; that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hands."
"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee. Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
Frequently asked
Does the Bible address undocumented immigration?
The Bible does not have a concept of "documented" or "undocumented" immigration as we understand it today. Ancient societies had different systems for identifying residents. However, the biblical commands to care for the sojourner are not conditional on their legal status, but rather on their vulnerability and need. Christians are called to show compassion and justice to all people, regardless of their legal standing, while also respecting the role of governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7).
How should Christians balance loving immigrants with obeying laws?
This is a complex question on which Christians hold different views. Scripture calls believers to both love their neighbor (Mark 12:31) and to respect governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Many Christians believe that while individual compassion should always be extended, governments have a legitimate role in establishing laws for the common good, including immigration. Disagreements arise in discerning how to apply these twin principles in specific policy debates, often leading to calls for just and compassionate laws.
Are there examples of successful integration of immigrants in the Bible?
Yes, the Bible provides several examples. Ruth, a Moabitess, immigrated to Israel and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus (Ruth 4:13-22). Rahab, a Canaanite, was integrated into the community of Israel after aiding the spies (Joshua 6:25; Matthew 1:5). The Law itself made provisions for sojourners to be fully integrated into the religious and social life of Israel, even to the point of becoming part of the covenant community if they chose to follow the Lord.
Does the Bible say anything about national borders?
The Bible recognizes the existence of distinct peoples and territories. Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26 speak of God setting boundaries for nations. However, these are not discussed in the context of modern geopolitical borders or strict immigration controls. The primary focus of Scripture regarding foreigners is not on restrictive entry, but on the ethical treatment of those who are present within a community's boundaries.
What is the primary motivation for Christians to care for immigrants?
The primary motivation for Christians to care for immigrants is theological: God's own character and commands. God repeatedly identifies with the vulnerable and commands His people to do the same, often linking it to Israel's own history as sojourners in Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19). Furthermore, Jesus identifies himself with the "stranger" in Matthew 25:35, making acts of hospitality to immigrants an act of service to Christ himself.