Exodus 12:49

KJV

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} law {H8451} shall be to him that is homeborn {H249}, and unto the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

The same teaching is to apply equally to the citizen and to the foreigner living among you."

Berean Standard Bible

The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”

American Standard Version

One law shall be to him that is home-born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:49 articulates a pivotal principle within Israel's nascent covenant community: the divine law, particularly concerning the sacred observance of Passover, applies equally and without distinction to both native-born Israelites and resident aliens who have committed to dwelling among them. This declaration profoundly underscores God's impartial justice, His desire for a unified people defined by shared obedience to His revealed will, and the radical inclusivity of His covenant, which transcends mere ethnic or national origin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding and summarizing statement of the detailed instructions for the initial [Passover observance in Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover and Exodus"). It immediately follows a section ([Exodus 12:43-48](/exodus/12-43-48 "Passover Regulations for Participants")) that meticulously outlines who is permitted to partake in the Passover meal, specifically mandating circumcision for any male, whether native or foreign, who wishes to participate. By placing this principle of "one law" at the culmination of the Passover regulations, the text emphasizes that the covenant's privileges and responsibilities are not solely a matter of birthright but extend to all who genuinely align themselves with God's statutes and covenant requirements. It solidifies the idea that participation in the most foundational act of Israel's redemption is open to a broader community than just those born into the twelve tribes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, resident aliens, often referred to as *gerim* (as in this verse), were typically a vulnerable class, dependent on the hospitality and protection of the host society. Their rights and status were often precarious and inferior to those of native citizens. Israel itself had just emerged from centuries as "strangers" and slaves in Egypt, a poignant memory that God frequently commanded them to recall when dealing with foreigners ([Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Sojourner")). Unlike many surrounding cultures that maintained rigid social hierarchies based on lineage or ethnicity, God's law for Israel introduced a revolutionary concept of inclusivity. While the *ger* had to demonstrate a commitment to residing within the community and often assimilate culturally and religiously (symbolized here by circumcision for Passover participation), once they did, they were granted equal standing under the covenant law, not merely tolerated. This demonstrated the unique character of Yahweh and His vision for a people united by His divine will, not solely by bloodline.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:49 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights God's **impartial justice** and **righteousness**, demonstrating that His standards are universal for all who enter into a covenant relationship with Him. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **inclusivity** within God's chosen people, indicating that the covenant community, while initially ethnic, was designed with a broader scope, allowing non-Israelites to join through obedience. This foreshadows a more expansive, global vision for God's people. Thirdly, it underscores the paramount importance of **covenant adherence** and **obedience** as the basis for belonging and participation in God's blessings, rather than mere physical descent. The [Passover narrative](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover") itself is foundational to Israel's identity, and by extending its core regulations to the stranger, God establishes a principle that would echo throughout Israel's legal and prophetic traditions, emphasizing compassion and equity for the marginalized ([Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God Loves the Sojourner")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"One law" (Hebrew, _ʼechâd tôwrâh'_):** This phrase combines two significant Hebrew terms. **_ʼechâd_** (H259), meaning "one" or "united," emphasizes the singularity and indivisibility of the law. There is no dual standard. **_tôwrâh_** (H8451), often translated "law," refers more broadly to God's instruction, teaching, or divine revelation. It encompasses the entire body of God's revealed will, not just a set of rules. Together, "one law" powerfully conveys that God's divine instruction is singular, authoritative, and applies uniformly to all within His covenant community, establishing a non-discriminatory standard.
* **"homeborn" (Hebrew, _ʼezrâch'_):** (H249) This term denotes someone "native" or "indigenous" to the land or born within the Israelite community. It signifies those who belong by birthright, heritage, and naturalized citizenship within the nation of Israel. It represents the default member of the covenant community.
* **"stranger that sojourneth" (Hebrew, _gêr gûwr'_):** This phrase translates the Hebrew **_gêr_** (H1616), which specifically refers to a "resident alien" or "foreigner" who has chosen to settle and dwell among the Israelites. A _gêr_ is not merely a transient visitor but someone who has taken up permanent or semi-permanent residence. The accompanying verb **_gûwr_** (H1481), "to sojourn," reinforces this status, indicating a deliberate act of dwelling or abiding as a guest within the community. For the *gêr* to participate in the Passover, this implied a commitment to integrate into the Israelite way of life and embrace its laws, including the crucial act of circumcision for males.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One law shall be to him that is homeborn,"**: This initial clause establishes the foundational standard for the native Israelite. The *torah* is presented as their inherent guide and obligation, defining their identity and responsibilities within the covenant. It signifies that the divine instruction is binding upon those who belong by birth.
* **"and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you."**: This extends the exact same standard to the *gêr*, the resident alien. The crucial phrase "among you" highlights that this equality applies to those who have chosen to integrate into the Israelite community and live under its jurisdiction. For the specific context of Passover, this meant that if a *gêr* wished to participate in this foundational covenant meal, they had to fulfill the same requirements as a native Israelite, including circumcision ([Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Circumcision for the Stranger")). This was not about ethnic assimilation for its own sake, but about covenant adherence, providing a pathway for non-Israelites to fully participate in the blessings and responsibilities of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a clear **parallelism** by juxtaposing two distinct groups—the "homeborn" and the "stranger that sojourneth"—and applying the identical standard of "one law" to both. This direct comparison highlights the radical inclusivity of God's command, emphasizing that covenant obligations and privileges transcend ethnic origin. The repetition and emphatic placement of "one law" at the beginning of the statement serve as a powerful **emphasis**, underscoring the non-negotiable unity and impartiality of the divine standard. This simple yet profound structure reinforces the theological weight of the declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:49 reveals profound theological truths about God's character and the nature of His covenant community. It demonstrates God's impartial justice, showing that His standards are universal for all who enter into a relationship with Him, regardless of their ethnic or social origin. This principle underscores that belonging in God's covenant community is ultimately based on obedience and commitment to His revealed will, not on birthright alone. It provides a foundational glimpse into God's broader vision for His people, transcending national boundaries and foreshadowing a future where all peoples can draw near to Him. This verse concretely applies the principle of welcoming the stranger to the most sacred of Israelite rituals, the Passover, demonstrating that the covenant was open to all who would embrace its terms.

* [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33-34 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treat the Sojourner as Yourself") reiterates, "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
* [Numbers 9:14](/numbers/9-14 "Numbers 9:14 - One Ordinance for Native and Sojourner") specifically reaffirms this principle concerning Passover: "And if a stranger sojourns among you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, he shall do according to the statute of the Passover and according to its ordinance; you shall have one statute, both for the sojourner and for the native of the land."
* [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - Foreigners Joined to the Lord") expands this vision to the future, declaring that foreigners who join themselves to the Lord will be brought to God's holy mountain and made joyful in His house of prayer, for "my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principle of "one law" for both native and stranger in Exodus 12:49 holds immense and enduring relevance for believers today, challenging us to reflect God's impartial love and justice in our own communities and interactions. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical inclusivity, recognizing that the new covenant community, the Church, transcends all human-made distinctions. Just as God welcomed the *ger* into the covenant community upon their commitment and obedience, so too are believers called to welcome all who, by faith in Christ, seek to follow Him, regardless of their background, ethnicity, social status, or past. This means actively dismantling barriers, fostering genuine fellowship, and ensuring that access to spiritual privileges and leadership is based solely on a shared faith in Christ and obedience to His Word. Furthermore, this passage reminds us of God's profound heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. In our contemporary societies, this translates into a biblical mandate to advocate for, show compassion to, and extend justice and dignity to immigrants, refugees, and those who are "othered" or considered outsiders. We are to remember our own spiritual status as "aliens and strangers" who have been brought near by God's grace, compelling us to extend that same grace and equity to others. Ultimately, the verse emphasizes that participation in God's blessings and covenant relationship is contingent upon humble obedience to His commands, a universal truth that unites all believers in a common Lord and a shared commitment to His teachings, fostering a profound unity that transcends all earthly distinctions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "one law" challenge our own biases or tendencies to create "in-groups" and "out-groups" within our communities or churches?**
* **In what practical ways can we embody God's command to welcome and treat "strangers" with justice and dignity in our contemporary society, reflecting the heart of God for the marginalized?**
* **What does it mean for us today that belonging in God's covenant community is ultimately based on obedience and faith in Christ, rather than lineage, social status, or any other human distinction?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean anyone could join Israel and participate in their sacred rites without distinction?**

Answer: Not without distinction, but without *discrimination* once certain conditions were met. The verse explicitly states "one law," meaning the same rules applied to both native and *ger* (resident alien). For Passover, this included circumcision for males ([Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Circumcision for the Stranger")), signifying their commitment to the covenant. This was a pathway for non-Israelites to fully integrate and participate, not a blanket invitation without any commitment to God's covenant and its stipulations.

**Why is this verse specifically placed at the end of the Passover instructions?**

Answer: Its placement is highly significant and intentional. The Passover was the foundational event marking Israel's identity as God's redeemed people and the beginning of their national existence. By concluding the instructions with this statement, God immediately broadens the scope of His covenant community beyond mere ethnicity. It signals that while Israel was chosen, God's redemptive plan was never exclusively tribal; it always had an inclusive dimension, allowing non-Israelites to join and equally partake in the blessings and responsibilities of His people through obedience and covenant commitment. It sets a precedent for the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive purposes.

**What is the difference between a "stranger" and a "sojourner" in the biblical context?**

Answer: In the KJV, "stranger that sojourneth" translates the single Hebrew word *ger* (גֵּר). The word *ger* specifically refers to a resident alien—someone who has left their homeland and taken up permanent or semi-permanent residence in a foreign land, often implying a degree of assimilation and commitment to the laws and customs of their new home. This is distinct from a *nokri* (נָכְרִי), a temporary visitor or a complete foreigner with no intention of settling, or a *toshav* (תּוֹשָׁב), a temporary resident. The *ger* was afforded specific protections and rights under Israelite law, as seen in this verse, underscoring their unique status as integrated members of the community, albeit not native-born.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:49, with its radical declaration of "one law" for native and stranger, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's partial inclusion of the *ger* prefigures God's grander, universal plan to create a new, unified people from all nations through Christ. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fundamentally dismantles the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, native and stranger. The Old Covenant, while inclusive for its time, still maintained distinctions and ceremonial requirements (e.g., circumcision for Passover participation). In Christ, these ethnic and ceremonial distinctions become irrelevant for salvation and belonging. As [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") powerfully declares, "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility... that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace." The "one law" in Christ is the law of faith and love, where salvation is no longer contingent on ethnic lineage or adherence to the Mosaic ceremonial law, but on faith in Jesus Christ, open to "whoever believes" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). This creates a spiritual family where, as [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ") boldly states, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The Church, comprised of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")), is the fulfillment of God's vision for a unified people. It is the spiritual Israel, where all who confess Christ as Lord are equally members of God's household, with equal access to His grace, His Spirit, and His blessings, regardless of their earthly origin. The "stranger" is no longer a guest but a full co-heir with the "homeborn" in the glorious promises of God through Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 15:15

One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth [with you], an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye [are], so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

Numbers 15:16

One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.

Numbers 15:29

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, [both for] him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Leviticus 24:22

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.

Galatians 3:28

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.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.