Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "sojourners" refers to individuals who reside temporarily in a land that is not their own. The concept of sojourning is deeply embedded in the narrative of the Bible, reflecting themes of pilgrimage, exile, and the transient nature of human life on earth. The Hebrew word often translated as "sojourner" is "ger," while the Greek equivalent in the New Testament is "paroikos."Old Testament Context The life of a sojourner is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, is described as a sojourner. In Genesis 23:4 , Abraham says, "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead." This statement underscores the temporary and dependent status of sojourners, who often relied on the hospitality and goodwill of the native inhabitants. The Law of Moses contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of sojourners. Exodus 22:21 commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This commandment reflects God's concern for justice and compassion, reminding the Israelites of their own history as sojourners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:34 further instructs, "You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of sojourning takes on a spiritual dimension. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as sojourners and exiles in 1 Peter 2:11 : "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Here, the term "sojourner" is used metaphorically to describe Christians' temporary residence on earth, emphasizing their ultimate citizenship in heaven. The Epistle to the Hebrews also reflects on the sojourning of the patriarchs, highlighting their faith and forward-looking hope. Hebrews 11:13 states, "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Theological Significance The status of sojourners in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human life and the call to live with an eternal perspective. It challenges believers to practice hospitality, justice, and compassion towards those who are foreigners or marginalized. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a protector and provider for sojourners, reflecting His character as a God of justice and mercy. The theme of sojourning also encourages Christians to view their earthly life as a temporary journey, with their true home being in the presence of God. This perspective fosters a sense of detachment from worldly concerns and a focus on spiritual growth and eternal values. Strong's Hebrew 8453. toshab -- a sojourner... Word Origin from yashab Definition a sojourner NASB Word Usage foreign resident (1), settlers (1), sojourner (8), sojourners (2), sojourning (1), tenants (1). ... /hebrew/8453.htm - 6k 1616. ger -- a sojourner Library Sojourners of the Dispersion Sojourners with God Psalm LXI. The Pilgrim's Longings Psalm cxxxvii. 4 Ephesians ii. 17-22 The Catholic Epistles. 2 Cor. vii. 13 Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 The Spirit and Power of Elias. Thesaurus Sojourners (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Sojourners (37 Occurrences). Acts 2:10 in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about ... /s/sojourners.htm - 18k Sojourning (35 Occurrences) Discomfiture (6 Occurrences) Settlers (4 Occurrences) Natives (6 Occurrences) Sojourneth (27 Occurrences) Sojourner (81 Occurrences) Elijah (104 Occurrences) Year (4027 Occurrences) Home-born (14 Occurrences) Resources What is a sojourner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy were non-Israelites allowed to participate in the sacrificial system? | GotQuestions.org What are Red Letter Christians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sojourners (37 Occurrences)Acts 2:10 Ephesians 2:19 Hebrews 11:13 1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 2:11 Genesis 15:13 Genesis 36:7 Exodus 6:4 Exodus 12:19 Exodus 22:21 Exodus 23:9 Leviticus 17:8 Leviticus 17:10 Leviticus 17:13 Leviticus 17:15 Leviticus 19:34 Leviticus 20:2 Leviticus 22:18 Leviticus 25:23 Leviticus 25:45 Deuteronomy 10:19 Deuteronomy 24:14 Joshua 8:35 2 Samuel 4:3 1 Kings 17:1 1 Chronicles 16:19 1 Chronicles 22:2 1 Chronicles 29:15 2 Chronicles 2:17 2 Chronicles 15:9 2 Chronicles 30:25 Job 19:15 Psalms 105:12 Psalms 146:9 Isaiah 5:17 Ezekiel 14:7 Ezekiel 47:22 Subtopics Related Terms |