Lexicon
xenodocheó: To show hospitality, to entertain strangers
Original Word: ξενοδοχέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: xenodocheó
Pronunciation: ksen-od-okh-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (xen-od-okh-eh'-o)
Definition: To show hospitality, to entertain strangers
Meaning: I entertain strangers, practice hospitality.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
lodge strangers.
From a compound of xenos and dechomai; to be hospitable -- lodge strangers.
see GREEK xenos
see GREEK dechomai
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
xenos and
dechomaiDefinitionto entertain strangers
NASB Translationshown hospitality (1), shown hospitality to strangers (1).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3580: ξενοδοχέω [ξενοδοχέω (for the earlier form ξενοδοκέω in use from Herodotus down; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 307), ξενοδόχω: 1 aorist ἐξενοδόχησα; (ξενοδοχος, i. e. ξένους δεχόμενος); to receive and entertain hospitably, to be hospitable: 1 Timothy 5:10. (Dio Cass. 78, 3; (Graecus Venetus, Genesis 26:17; ecclesiastical writings).]
Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: From ξένος (xenos, meaning "stranger" or "foreigner") and δέχομαι (dechomai, meaning "to receive" or "to accept").Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 1481: גּוּר (gur) • to sojourn, dwell as a foreigner
• Strong's Hebrew 4033: מָגוֹר (magor) • a dwelling place, sojourning
• Strong's Hebrew 3885: לוּן (lun) • to lodge, pass the night
These Hebrew terms similarly convey the ideas of dwelling, sojourning, and providing shelter, which align with the concept of hospitality found in ξενοδοχέω.
Usage: The term ξενοδοχέω is used in the context of hospitality, particularly in the sense of welcoming and providing for strangers or travelers. It reflects a cultural and spiritual practice of kindness and generosity towards those who are not part of one's immediate community.
Context: The concept of hospitality, as encapsulated by ξενοδοχέω, is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the early Christian emphasis on love, community, and service. Hospitality was a vital social practice in the ancient world, where inns were scarce and often unsafe. Christians were encouraged to open their homes to fellow believers and travelers, providing them with food, shelter, and fellowship.
In the New Testament, hospitality is seen as a virtue and a duty. For instance, in Hebrews 13:2 (BSB), believers are reminded, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This passage underscores the spiritual significance of hospitality, suggesting that acts of kindness to strangers can have divine implications.
The practice of hospitality is also linked to leadership within the church. In 1 Timothy 3:2 (BSB), one of the qualifications for an overseer is to be "hospitable." This requirement highlights the importance of a welcoming and generous spirit in those who lead and serve the Christian community.
Hospitality, as expressed through ξενοδοχέω, is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's love and grace. It serves as a tangible expression of the Gospel, demonstrating the inclusive and compassionate nature of the Christian faith.
Forms and Transliterations
εξενοδοχησεν εξενοδόχησεν ἐξενοδόχησεν exenodochesen exenodochēsen exenodóchesen exenodóchēsenLinks
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