5699 guests
Dictionary of Bible Themes

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



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