5382. philoxenos
Lexical Summary
philoxenos: Hospitable

Original Word: φιλόξενος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: philoxenos
Pronunciation: fee-LOX-en-os
Phonetic Spelling: (fil-ox'-en-os)
KJV: given to (lover of, use) hospitality
NASB: hospitable
Word Origin: [from G5384 (φίλος - friends) and G3581 (ξένος - strangers)]

1. fond of guests, i.e. hospitable

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hospitable

From philos and xenos; fond of guests, i.e. Hospitable -- given to (lover of, use) hospitality.

see GREEK philos

see GREEK xenos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from philos and xenos
Definition
loving strangers
NASB Translation
hospitable (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5382: φιλόξενος

φιλόξενος, φιλόξενον (φίλος and ξένος), from Homer down, hospitable, generous to guests (given to hospitality): 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9.

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Foundation of Hospitality

Hospitality is explicitly enjoined on every believer: “Offer hospitality to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4:9). Beyond simple kindness, the command assumes intentional welcome of those who would otherwise be strangers. The imperative rests on God’s own gracious reception of sinners through Christ (Romans 15:7).

Hospitality as a Mark of Christian Character

Scripture repeatedly pairs hospitality with other core virtues such as love, self-control and generosity (Romans 12:9-13; Hebrews 13:1-2; Matthew 25:35). It is presented not as an optional courtesy but as an outflow of regenerate life. Where genuine faith is present, doors open, tables are set and hearts expand to include the outsider.

Hospitality as a Leadership Qualification

Both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 list “hospitable” among the first traits required of an overseer or elder. The term stands beside attributes like faithfulness in marriage and sound doctrine, showing that doctrinal fidelity must be embodied in relational warmth. Leaders who cannot welcome people into their homes are deemed unfit to shepherd God’s household.

Hospitality in Early Church Practice

House churches depended on open homes. Traveling teachers, missionaries, and the persecuted relied on believers who would “receive” them (Acts 16:15; 3 John 5-8). The practice fostered unity across social and ethnic lines, challenged prevailing class barriers and provided a living testimony that “there is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Old Testament Roots and Continuity

The New Testament call echoes the hospitality shown by Abraham to three visitors (Genesis 18), by Rahab to Israelite spies (Joshua 2) and by the widow of Zarephath to Elijah (1 Kings 17). Israel was commanded, “Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). In both covenants the ethic flows from remembrance of divine mercy.

Theological Motifs and Christological Pattern

The incarnate Son “came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11), yet He continually received the marginalized—tax collectors, sinners, children. His table fellowship prefigured the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Believers who practice hospitality mirror the gospel drama: strangers brought into family through sacrificial love.

Practical Ministry Implications Today

• Evangelism: Meals create space for gospel conversations that formal settings may hinder.
• Discipleship: Shared life around the table models prayer, thanksgiving and mutual burden-bearing.
• Mercy: Opening the home to refugees, students, or the lonely enacts Christ’s compassion.
• Church Health: Leaders set a tone of accessibility; congregations learn to see facilities and resources as stewardship rather than possession.

Boundaries and Discernment

2 John 10-11 warns against aiding false teachers. Biblical hospitality is never naïve; love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Wise hosts combine open doors with sober judgment, protecting the vulnerable while extending grace.

Eternal Perspective

Every act of hospitality anticipates the consummation when God Himself will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:3). Welcoming the stranger now is preparation for dwelling together forever in the Father’s house, where there are “many rooms” (John 14:2).

Forms and Transliterations
φιλοξενοι φιλόξενοι φιλοξενον φιλόξενον philoxenoi philóxenoi philoxenon philóxenon
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMS
GRK: σώφρονα κόσμιον φιλόξενον διδακτικόν
NAS: respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
KJV: of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
INT: self-controlled respectable hospitable able to teach

Titus 1:8 Adj-AMS
GRK: ἀλλὰ φιλόξενον φιλάγαθον σώφρονα
NAS: but hospitable, loving what is good,
KJV: But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men,
INT: but hospitable a lover of good self-controlled

1 Peter 4:9 Adj-NMP
GRK: φιλόξενοι εἰς ἀλλήλους
NAS: Be hospitable to one another without
KJV: Use hospitality one to another without
INT: hospitable to one another

Strong's Greek 5382
3 Occurrences


φιλόξενοι — 1 Occ.
φιλόξενον — 2 Occ.

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