Stranger

This word generally denotes a person from a foreign land residing in Palestine. Such persons enjoyed many privileges in common with the Jews, but still were separate from them. The relation of the Jews to strangers was regulated by special laws (Deut. 23:3; 24:14-21; 25:5; 26:10-13). A special signification is also sometimes attached to this word. In Gen. 23:4 it denotes one resident in a foreign land; Ex. 23:9, one who is not a Jew; Num. 3:10, one who is not of the family of Aaron; Ps. 69:8, an alien or an unknown person. The Jews were allowed to purchase strangers as slaves (Lev. 25:44, 45), and to take usury from them (Deut. 23:20).

A “stranger,” in the technical sense of the term, may be defined to be a person of foreign, i.e. non-Israelitish, extraction resident within the limits of the promised land. He was distinct from the proper “foreigner,” inasmuch as the latter still belonged to another country, and would only visit Palestine as a traveller: he was still more distinct from the “nations,” or non-Israelite peoples. The term may be compared with our expression “naturalized foreigner.” The terms applied to the “stranger” have special reference to the fact of residing in the land. The existence of such a class of persons among the Israelites is easily accounted for the “mixed multitude” that accompanied them out of Egypt, (Exodus 12:38) formed one element the Canaanitish Population, which was never wholly extirpated from their native soil, formed another and a still more important one captives taken in war formed a third; fugitives, hired servants, merchants, etc., formed a fourth. With the exception of the Moabites and Ammonites, (23:3) all nations were admissible to the rights of citizenship under certain conditions. The stranger appears to have been eligible to all civil offices, that of king excepted. (17:15) In regard to religion, it was absolutely necessary that the stranger should not infringe any of the fundamental laws of the Israelitish state. If he were a bondman, he was obliged to submit to circumcision, (Exodus 12:44) if he were independent, it was optional with him but if he remained uncircumcised, he was prohibited from partaking of the Passover, (Exodus 12:48) and could not be regarded as a full citizen. Liberty was also given to an uncircumcised stranger in regard to the use of prohibited food. Assuming, however, that the stranger was circumcised, no distinction existed in regard to legal rights ha between the stranger and the Israelite; to the Israelite is enjoined to treat him as a brother. (Leviticus 19:34; 10:19) It also appears that the “stranger” formed the class whence the hirelings were drawn; the terms being coupled together in (Exodus 12:45; Leviticus 22:10; 25:6,40) The liberal spirit of the Mosaic regulations respecting strangers presents a strong contrast to the rigid exclusiveness of the Jews at the commencement of the Christian era. The growth of this spirit dates from the time of the Babylonish captivity.

STRANG'ER. Gen 15:13. This word has a variety of significations in the sacred writings, as - One who is in a foreign land, at a distance from the place of his nativity. Gen 23:4. One who is not a Jew. Ex 20:10; Isa 14:1. One not of Aaron's familv. Num 3:10; Num 16:40. One that is not of the royal stock and family. Matt 17:25-26. Unknown, disregarded. Ps 69:8. But usually the "strangers" were like our "naturalized citizens" - persons from foreign parts who come to reside permanently among us, and who are in all respects one with us. This element was very numerous in Israel, owing to the presence of the "mixed multitude" during the Exodus, and also because so many Canaanites continued to reside in the land. Among both these classes there would be proselytes. and with them marriage was permitted. This is the Rabbinic opinion. Captives were accounted strangers. Jewish law held them, equally with the Jews, under control. They amassed property, and were able to share in the worship provided they were circumcised. By this act they became one with the chosen people, and all offices were open to them save the kingship. Deut 17:15. It is doubtful whether they could be landowners, although they might hold mortgages. Neh 9:2; Gen 13:3 prove that after the Captivity the Jews were more exclusive. Our Lord, by his parable of the (Good Samaritan, rebukes this narrow spirit. In the N.T. "proselyte" takes the place of the O.T. term "stranger." The strangers were generally foreigners, occasionally in its more technical sense, as opposed to a citizen.

STRANG'ER. Gen 15:13. This word has a variety of significations in the sacred writings, as - One who is in a foreign land, at a distance from the place of his nativity. Gen 23:4. One who is not a Jew. Ex 20:10; Isa 14:1. One not of Aaron's familv. Num 3:10; Num 16:40. One that is not of the royal stock and family. Matt 17:25-26. Unknown, disregarded. Ps 69:8. But usually the "strangers" were like
our "naturalized citizens" - persons from foreign parts who come to reside permanently among us, and who are in all respects one with us. This element was very numerous in Israel, owing to the presence of the "mixed multitude" during the Exodus, and also because so many Canaanites continued to reside in the land. Among both these classes there would be proselytes. and with them marriage was permitted. This is the Rabbinic opinion. Captives were accounted strangers. Jewish law held them, equally with the Jews, under control. They amassed property, and were able to share in the worship provided they were circumcised. By this act they became one with the chosen people, and all offices were open to them save the kingship. Deut 17:15. It is doubtful whether they could be landowners, although they might hold mortgages. Neh 9:2; Gen 13:3 prove that after the Captivity the Jews were more exclusive. Our Lord, by his parable of the (Good Samaritan, rebukes this narrow spirit. In the N.T. "proselyte" takes the place of the O.T. term "stranger." The strangers were generally foreigners, occasionally in its more technical sense, as opposed to a citizen.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. One who is strange, foreign, or unknown. Specifically: --

2. One who comes from a foreign land; a foreigner. I am a most poor woman and a stranger, Born out of your dominions. Shak.

3. One whose home is at a distance from the place where he is, but in the same country.

4. One who is unknown or unacquainted; as, the gentleman is a stranger to me; hence, one not admitted to communication, fellowship, or acquaintance. Melons on beds of ice are taught to bear, And strangers to the sun yet ripen here. Granville. My child is yet a stranger in the world. Shak. I was no stranger to the original. Dryden.

5. One not belonging to the family or household; a guest; a visitor. To honor and receive Our heavenly stranger. Milton.

6. One not privy or party an act, contract, or title; a mere intruder or intermeddler; one who interferes without right; as, actual possession of land gives a good title against a stranger having no title; as to strangers, a mortgage is considered merely as a pledge; a mere stranger to the levy.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To estrange; to alienate. [Obs.] Shak.