Lexical Summary philoxenos: Hospitable Original Word: φιλόξενος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hospitableFrom 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 Originfrom philos and xenos Definition loving strangers NASB Translation hospitable (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5382: φιλόξενοςφιλόξενος, 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. 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 philóxenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMSGRK: 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 1 Peter 4:9 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 5382 |
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