Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit in? Like the values, rhythms, or priorities of this world are different from what your heart longs for? That feeling isn’t accidental—Scripture teaches us that believers are aliens or strangers in this world because our true home is in heaven.
To be an alien in this world means to live with a spiritual identity that doesn’t fully align with earthly culture. It’s a call to live differently—holding fast to eternal truths while walking in love, humility, and hope. These Bible verses about being aliens in this world remind us that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are here with a mission, not as permanent residents.
Let’s explore 35 verses that give encouragement, wisdom, and clarity for those who feel like they’re living between two worlds.
35 Bible Verses About Being Aliens In This World
1. 1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
Explanation:
Peter reminds believers that we are temporary residents here, and we’re called to resist worldly temptations that can harm us spiritually.
2. Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Explanation:
As Christians, our ultimate loyalty and identity belong in heaven, not on earth. This changes how we live and what we hope for.
3. Hebrews 11:13
They admitted that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
Explanation:
Faithful people in the Bible recognized they didn’t belong to this world—they were journeying toward something greater.
4. John 17:14
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
Explanation:
Jesus speaks about how believers are set apart by God’s truth and may be rejected by the world because of it.
5. Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Explanation:
God calls us to live differently—thinking, speaking, and acting in ways that reflect His kingdom, not this world.
6. Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Explanation:
Keeping our focus on heaven helps us resist the distractions and pressures of earthly life.
7. James 4:4
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Explanation:
We can’t live to please both God and the world. We must choose where our loyalty lies.
8. 2 Corinthians 5:1
We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God… eternal in heaven.
Explanation:
Our bodies and life here are temporary. God is preparing something everlasting for us.
9. Psalm 119:19
I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
Explanation:
Even the psalmist felt like an outsider. God’s Word gives direction and comfort on this journey.
10. Ephesians 2:19
You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
Explanation:
Though we are strangers in the world, we belong fully in God’s family and kingdom.
11. John 15:19
As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
Explanation:
Jesus chose us to live differently from the world around us. That distinction will often be noticeable.
12. 1 Chronicles 29:15
We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors.
Explanation:
God’s people have always been aware of their temporary place in this world.
13. Leviticus 25:23
The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.
Explanation:
Even our earthly possessions are temporary. God reminds us of our role as stewards, not owners.
14. 1 Peter 1:17
Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
Explanation:
While we’re here on earth, we’re called to live with a deep respect for God and His ways.
15. Genesis 23:4
I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site.
Explanation:
Abraham recognized he didn’t truly belong to the land he lived in. His heart was set on God’s promises.
16. Hebrews 13:14
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
Explanation:
Earthly life is not the end. We live with hope and expectation for heaven.
17. Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Explanation:
Though we are not of this world, we are called to shine within it—revealing God’s truth and love.
18. 2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
Explanation:
Spiritual realities matter more than physical ones. As aliens in this world, our focus is eternal.
19. Revelation 21:1
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.
Explanation:
God is preparing a new, perfect world for His people. This one is not our forever home.
20. Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.
Explanation:
Jesus came to free us from the ways of this world. Our salvation separates us from its values.
21. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
Explanation:
We live by God’s light, not in spiritual darkness. This makes us different from the world around us.
22. Hebrews 11:16
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.
Explanation:
Faithful believers look forward to heaven, not just what this life offers.
23. Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Explanation:
If our hearts are set on heaven, our lives will reflect that eternal focus.
24. 1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world.
Explanation:
Loving the world more than God pulls us away from our true home and purpose.
25. Titus 2:12
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions.
Explanation:
God’s grace trains us to live holy lives that don’t follow the ways of the world.
26. Romans 8:18
Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Explanation:
Earthly trials are temporary. Eternal glory is our true reward.
27. 2 Peter 3:13
In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth.
Explanation:
As aliens in this world, we live in anticipation of God’s promised kingdom.
28. Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.
Explanation:
Our priorities should reflect where we truly belong—not here, but in God’s kingdom.
29. 1 Peter 4:4
They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living.
Explanation:
Living as an alien means we’ll stand out. People may not understand, and that’s okay.
30. Galatians 6:14
The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Explanation:
Paul’s life was no longer tied to worldly values. He lived fully for Christ.
31. Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
Explanation:
Salvation moves us into a new spiritual realm. We don’t belong to the world anymore.
32. Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
Explanation:
Jesus offers relationship in the midst of a world that often ignores Him. We respond as citizens of heaven.
33. Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Explanation:
Aliens don’t invest in a place they won’t stay long. Our treasures belong in eternity.
34. James 1:27
To keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Explanation:
Living as aliens includes protecting our hearts and minds from worldly corruption.
35. Revelation 21:27
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful.
Explanation:
Heaven is holy and pure. As citizens of heaven, we are called to live in a way that honors that future home.
Final Thoughts: Living As Aliens With Purpose and Hope
These Bible verses about being aliens in this world remind us that we’re not alone in feeling out of place. This world isn’t our final destination—our home is with Christ in heaven. Until that day, we are called to live with purpose, shine His light, and stay focused on what truly lasts.
Even though the world may not understand us, we can walk with peace, hope, and love, knowing God walks with us every step of the way.
We’d love to hear from you!
Which verse encouraged you the most? How do you stay spiritually grounded as an “alien” in today’s world? Share your insights, testimonies, or favorite Bible verse about being aliens in this world in the comments below!