3578. xenia

Lexicon

xenia: Hospitality, guest-friendship

Original Word: ξενία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: xenia
Pronunciation: ksen-EE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (xen-ee'-ah)
Definition: Hospitality, guest-friendship
Meaning: lodging, hospitality.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

lodging.

From xenos; hospitality, i.e. (by implication) a place of entertainment -- lodging.

see GREEK xenos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from xenos
Definition
hospitality, a lodging place
NASB Translation
lodging (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3578: ξένια

ξένια, ξενιας, ἡ (ξένιος, ξένια, ξενιον, and this from ξένος), from Homer down, hospitality, hospitable reception; equivalent to a lodging-place, lodgings: Acts 28:23 (equivalent to τό μίσθωμα in Acts 28:30 (but this is doubtful; the more probable opinion receives the preference under the word ἴδιος, 1 a.)); Philemon 1:22. (See especially Lightfoot on Philippians, p. 9, and on Philemon 1, the passage cited.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ξένος (xenos), meaning "stranger" or "foreigner."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ξενία, the concept of hospitality is present in the Old Testament, often associated with the Hebrew word גּוּר (gur, Strong's 1481), meaning "to sojourn" or "to dwell as a foreigner," which implies the treatment of strangers and sojourners with kindness and generosity. Another related term is חֶסֶד (chesed, Strong's 2617), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "mercy," which encompasses the spirit of hospitality.

Usage: The term ξενία is used in the New Testament to refer to the practice of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of welcoming and caring for strangers and guests. It is a virtue highly regarded in early Christian communities.

Context: The concept of ξενία, or hospitality, is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient world, including the early Christian church. Hospitality was not merely a social courtesy but a moral obligation, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, hospitality is often associated with love, generosity, and the extension of grace to others.

The practice of ξενία is highlighted in several passages, underscoring its significance in the life of believers. For instance, in Romans 12:13, Paul exhorts the church to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive emphasizes the communal aspect of Christian life, where believers are encouraged to support one another and extend kindness to strangers.

In 1 Peter 4:9, the apostle Peter instructs, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining." This verse highlights the attitude with which hospitality should be offered—willingly and without grumbling, reflecting a heart transformed by the love of Christ.

The virtue of hospitality is also exemplified in the lives of early Christians, such as Lydia in Acts 16:15, who opened her home to Paul and his companions, demonstrating the practical outworking of faith through generous hospitality.

Theologically, ξενία is seen as an expression of God's love and grace, mirroring the divine welcome extended to humanity through Jesus Christ. It serves as a tangible manifestation of the gospel, where believers are called to embody the inclusive and sacrificial love of God.

Forms and Transliterations

ξενιαν ξενίαν xenian xenían

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 28:23 N-AFS
GRK: εἰς τὴν ξενίαν πλείονες οἷς
NAS: for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers;
KJV: into [his] lodging; to whom
INT: to the lodging many to whom

Philemon 1:22 N-AFS
GRK: ἑτοίμαζέ μοι ξενίαν ἐλπίζω γὰρ
NAS: prepare me a lodging, for I hope
KJV: me also a lodging: for I trust
INT: prepare me a lodging I hope indeed

Strong's Greek 3578
2 Occurrences

ξενίαν — 2 Occ.