What is the difference between a זוּר and a נָכְרִי?

Question

Shalom Rabbi(s)! What is the difference between a זוּר from Shemot 29:33 and a נָכְרִי from B'reshis 31:15? From looking at multiple usages of these words, it appears that a Zur is an extreme Pagan? Perhaps a Nokri is not a pagan but is not aware that they are Ger Toshav/ Noahide? Thank you in advance for taking my question. Shalom Shalom!

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

The word “zar” refers to a non-Kohen, someone not from the Priestly class. Only a Kohen is permitted to eat the most holy sacrifices.

The word “nochri” almost always refers to a non-Jew, but it can also refer to a “stranger,” meaning someone we are not familiar with or not related to, which is indeed the context in the Genesis verse you cite.

Hope this explains it!


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