### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gêr**, represented by `{{H1616}}`, defines a **foreigner**, **alien**, or **sojourner**. It appears **92 times** across **83 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root `{{H1481}}` **gûwr**, which means to sojourn as a guest, the term fundamentally describes a person residing in a land that is not their own.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1616}}` is used in several key contexts. It establishes a legal status with specific protections, as God commands Israel not to **oppress** `{{H3905}}` a **stranger** because they themselves were strangers in the land of **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` [[Exodus 23:9]]. This principle is frequently reinforced alongside protections for the **fatherless** `{{H3490}}` and the **widow** `{{H490}}` [[Zechariah 7:10]]. The term also carries a historical weight, first appearing when God tells **Abram** `{{H87}}` that his seed will be a **stranger** in a land that is not theirs [[Genesis 15:13]]. Figuratively, it is used to describe humanity's transient and dependent relationship with God, as David states in prayer, "we are **strangers** before thee, and **sojourners**, as were all our **fathers** `{{H1}}`" [[1 Chronicles 29:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of belonging and foreignness:
* `{{H1481}}` **gûwr** (to sojourn): As the primitive root of `{{H1616}}`, it denotes the action of turning aside to lodge as a guest or living temporarily in a strange place.
* `{{H8453}}` **tôwshâb** (sojourner, resident alien): Often used alongside `{{H1616}}`, this term describes a dweller who is not a native citizen, as seen when Abraham refers to himself as "a **stranger** `{{H1616}}` and a **sojourner** `{{H8453}}`" [[Genesis 23:4]].
* `{{H249}}` **ʼezrâch** (homeborn, native): This word is the direct counterpart to `{{H1616}}`, distinguishing the native Israelite from the foreigner. The law often specifies that the same **ordinance** `{{H2708}}` applies to both the **stranger** and the one **born in the land** `{{H249}}` [[Exodus 12:49]].
* `{{H5237}}` **nokrîy** (alien, strange): This term can imply a more distant or foreign relationship. Moses names his son **Gershom** `{{H1647}}` because he was a **stranger** `{{H1616}}` in a **strange** `{{H5237}}` **land** `{{H776}}` [[Exodus 2:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1616}}` is significant, revealing God's character and his plan for community.
* **Inclusion in Law and Worship:** The **stranger** who sojourns with Israel is subject to and included under God's **law** `{{H8451}}` [[Exodus 12:49]]. They are commanded to rest on the Sabbath [[Exodus 20:10]], are to have one manner of **law** `{{H4941}}` with the native-born [[Leviticus 24:22]], and can even receive an **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` among the tribes of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Ezekiel 47:22]].
* **Object of Divine Compassion:** God is consistently portrayed as the defender of the **stranger**. He **loveth** `{{H157}}` the **stranger**, giving him food and raiment [[Deuteronomy 10:18]], and He **preserveth** `{{H8104}}` them [[Psalms 146:9]]. A curse is pronounced on anyone who perverts the **judgment** `{{H4941}}` of the **stranger** [[Deuteronomy 27:19]].
* **A Metaphor for God's People:** The experience of being a **stranger** serves as a spiritual metaphor. God tells Israel that the land is His and "ye are **strangers** `{{H1616}}` and **sojourners** `{{H8453}}` with me" [[Leviticus 25:23]]. This status defines the believer's earthly existence as temporary and their ultimate dependence on God as their true home.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1616}}` moves beyond a simple label for a foreigner. It is a key biblical concept that establishes a protected class of people, outlines their integration into the covenant community, and serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. It illustrates God's justice, His compassion for the vulnerable, and the transient nature of human life on earth in contrast to an eternal inheritance.
TRV