Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5699 guests
People who receive hospitality, especially at others' homes. Guests are often invited to special celebrations such as weddings or birthdays. God invites all people as guests at his feast but many refuse.
Occasions for inviting guests
Weddings
Genesis 29:21-22 See also Esther 2:17-18; John 2:1-10
Birthday celebrations
Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6 pp Mark 6:21-22; Matthew 14:9 pp Mark 6:26
Other special occasions
1 Samuel 9:22-24; 1 Kings 1:41,49; Esther 1:8
Receiving guests
Receiving Jesus Christ as a guest
Luke 19:7 See also Matthew 9:10 pp Mark 2:15 pp Luke 5:29; Matthew 26:6-7 pp Mark 14:3 pp John 12:1-3; Luke 7:36,49; Luke 10:38; Luke 14:1; Luke 24:29; John 2:2; Revelation 3:20
God's people give hospitality
Acts 10:32 See also 2 Kings 4:8-10; Matthew 10:11 pp Mark 6:10 pp Luke 9:4; Luke 10:33-37; Acts 16:34; Acts 21:8; Acts 28:7
Customs associated with receiving guests
Anointing them with oil
Psalm 23:5 Anointing with oil was a customary treatment for honoured guests. See also Psalm 92:10; Luke 7:46; John 12:3
Washing their feet
Genesis 18:4-5 See also Genesis 19:2; Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44; John 13:1-17 It was usually the slave's duty to wash away dirt accumulated in travelling.
Guests treated badly
Judges 19:20-23; 2 Samuel 15:11; Jeremiah 41:1-2; Luke 7:44-46
Guests rejecting their hosts
1 Kings 1:49; Job 19:15
Advice given to guests
Do not promote yourself
Proverbs 25:6-7 See also Luke 14:7-11
Do not criticise the food
1 Corinthians 10:27 See also Luke 10:7
Do not outstay your welcome
Proverbs 25:17
God invites people to be his guests
Revelation 19:9 See also Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 7:37; Revelation 22:17
Some refuse God's invitation
Luke 14:24 See also Matthew 22:1-7; Luke 14:16-20
Some accept God's invitation
Matthew 22:8-10 See also Matthew 9:15 pp Mark 2:19 pp Luke 5:34; Luke 14:21-23
Guest rooms
Mark 14:14 pp Matthew 26:18 pp Luke 22:11; Phm 22
See also
2375 kingdom of God 4404 food 4410 banquets 5153 foot-washing 5231 birthday 5355 invitations 5742 wedding 5976 visiting 8260 generosity 8445 hospitality 8642 celebration 9150 Messianic banquet
