21 "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

Other Translations of Exodus 22:21

King James Version

21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

English Standard Version

21 "You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

The Message

21 "Don't abuse or take advantage of strangers; you, remember, were once strangers in Egypt.

New King James Version

21 "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

New Living Translation

21 "You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:21

Chapter Contents

Judicial laws.

The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.