Typically, we associate hospitality with inviting family or friends into our homes, sharing a meal, or preparing a space for guests. In the Bible, however, it carries a much deeper meaning. It is an expression of love, kindness, and care—extended even to those we do not know and from whom we expect nothing in return.

In the New Covenant, the Greek word *philoxenia* (φιλοξενία — G5381) appears, denoting hospitality or kindness toward a stranger or newcomer. It is derived from the words *philos* (φίλος) — meaning a friend or someone well-disposed—and *xenos* (ξένος — G3581) — meaning a stranger, newcomer, foreigner, or guest.

The very meaning of this term reveals that hospitality is a form of love shown even to a stranger.

God places great importance on it. He commands us to pursue hospitality, to welcome others without complaining, and to share what we have. The Lord Yeshu teaches us to invite even those who cannot repay us. He also shows that any kindness done to the „least of His brothers” is regarded by Him as if it were done to Himself.

In the Old Covenant, God reveals another significant reason: He Himself loves the stranger, cares for their needs, and commands His people to show that same love.

Hospitality, therefore, is more than just courtesy or the custom of receiving guests; it is an integral part of the love that God expects from us. We can express it by opening our homes, sharing a meal, dedicating our time, or providing help to someone in need.

The way we treat others—especially those who cannot repay us—reveals whether our love is truly expressed through our actions.

Let us look at the verses.

1. We are to actively strive for hospitality:

“Contributing to the needs of the saints, eagerly pursuing hospitality” — Romans 12:13.

Here, Paul uses the word *philoxenia* (φιλοξενία — G5381), which means hospitality—kindness toward a stranger or a newcomer.

Also very important is the word *diōkō* (διώκω — G1377). It means to pursue, to follow after something, to strive for something, or to earnestly seek something.

Therefore, it is not just a matter of the principle:

„If someone asks me for help, perhaps I will help them.”

Paul points to something more. We are to actively look for opportunities to show hospitality and offer help.

2. We do not know whom we can accept:

“Do not forget hospitality, for by it some have entertained angels without knowing it” — Hebrews 13:2.

Once again, we encounter the term *philoxenia* (φιλοξενία — G5381)—hospitality, or the kind reception of a stranger or newcomer.

The Bible tells us that some people, by showing hospitality, were not even aware of whom they were truly welcoming.

Let us not judge a person’s worth based on their appearance, background, or wealth. We should extend hospitality even to strangers, while always exercising good judgment.

3. Hospitality is to be offered without complaining:

“Be hospitable to one another, without grumbling” — 1 Peter 4:9.

Peter uses the word *philoxenos* (φιλόξενος — G5382). It refers to a person who is hospitable—kind and welcoming toward a stranger or a newcomer.

On the other hand, *gongysmos* (γογγυσμός — G1112) denotes murmuring, complaining, or expressing discontent.

One might open the door to someone, provide food and a place to sleep, yet still convey through one’s behavior:

„You are a burden to me.”

Peter says: without murmuring.

True hospitality, therefore, is not just about what we give; it is also about how we treat the person we are helping.

4. Welcoming someone in need can be an act of welcoming a servant of Christ:

“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me” — Matthew 25:35.

In this passage, the word *ξένος* (*xenos* — G3581) appears. It denotes a stranger, a foreigner, a newcomer, or a guest.

The Lord Yeshu also uses the term *συνάγω* (*synagō* — G4863), which means to gather, assemble, or take someone in. In this context, it refers to welcoming a stranger.

A few verses later, Christ explains:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these My brothers, you did for Me” — Matthew 25:40.

This is one of the more significant texts regarding the entire subject. Yeshu shows that He takes the way one treats a brother in need very personally.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.”

This illustrates why hospitality is so important to God. While this passage highlights the special bond between Christ and His brothers, the obligation to show kindness even to strangers is established elsewhere in Scripture.

5. True hospitality does not expect payment:

“But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” — Luke 14:13–14.

The Greek term *antapodidōmi* (ἀνταποδίδωμι — G467) is significant here. It means to give back in return, to repay, or to reciprocate.

The Lord Yeshu points out a very important distinction here.

It is easy to invite a friend, a family member, or a wealthy neighbor—someone who might invite us back later.

But what about a person who has nothing to offer us in return?

This is precisely where true hospitality becomes evident. If I give only because I expect to receive something back, it becomes a mere exchange.

Biblical hospitality goes further.

It involves doing good even to someone who has no means to repay me.

6. Hospitality is a good deed:

“Having a reputation for good deeds: if she has raised children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped those in distress, if she has devoted herself to every good work” — 1 Timothy 5:10.

Here, the verb *xenodocheō* (ξενοδοχέω — G3580) is used. It means to welcome strangers or newcomers, to show them hospitality, or to receive them under one’s roof.

Welcoming newcomers is mentioned here alongside helping others and performing other good deeds.

This clearly demonstrates that:

Hospitality is not merely a matter of personal manners; it is a good deed performed before God.

7. Hospitality reveals a person’s character:

“An overseer, then, must be above reproach, a man of one wife, sober-minded, sensible, orderly, hospitable, and able to teach” — 1 Timothy 3:2.

“But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, and self-controlled” — Titus 1:8.

In both instances, the word *philoxenos* (φιλόξενος — G5382) appears. It refers to a person who is hospitable—kind and welcoming toward strangers or newcomers.

God deemed this quality significant enough to include it among the requirements for a person responsible for a congregation.

The way one treats others reveals a person’s character.

8. Through hospitality, we can become co-workers for the truth:

“We ought, therefore, to welcome such people, so that we may become coworkers for the truth” — 3 John 8.

The key word here is *synergos* (συνεργός — G4904), meaning a co-worker—someone who labors together with another.

This reveals yet another vital dimension of hospitality. Not everyone is called to perform the same work for God.

Some travel; others teach. Still others may open their homes, providing food, lodging, or other necessary forms of assistance. By supporting someone engaged in God’s work, we become participants in that very labor.

9. Sharing what we have pleases God: