5381. philoxenia

Lexicon

philoxenia: Hospitality

Original Word: φιλοξενία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: philoxenia
Pronunciation: fee-lox-en-EE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (fil-on-ex-ee'-ah)
Definition: Hospitality
Meaning: love to strangers, hospitality.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

hospitality

From philoxenos; hospitableness -- entertain stranger, hospitality.

see GREEK philoxenos

HELPS Word-studies

5381 philoneksía (from 5384 /phílos, "friend" and 3581/xenos, "a stranger") – properly, warmth (friendliness) shown to strangers; (figuratively) the readiness to share hospitality (generosity) by entertaining in one's home, etc.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from philoxenos
Definition
love of strangers
NASB Translation
hospitality (1), hospitality to strangers (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5381: φιλονεξια

φιλονεξια, φιλονεξιας, ἡ (φιλόξενος, which see), love to strangers, hospitality: Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2. (Plato, Polybius, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from φίλος (philos, meaning "friend" or "loving") and ξένος (xenos, meaning "stranger" or "foreigner").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φιλοξενία, the concept of hospitality is present in the Old Testament, often associated with the Hebrew word גּוּר (gur, meaning "to sojourn" or "to dwell as a stranger") and the practice of showing kindness to the "ger" (stranger or sojourner) as seen in passages like Leviticus 19:34: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

Usage: The term φιλοξενία is used in the New Testament to describe the virtue of hospitality, an important aspect of Christian conduct. It emphasizes the welcoming and caring for strangers and guests, reflecting the love and grace of God.

Context: • Biblical Context: In the New Testament, φιλοξενία is highlighted as a key Christian virtue. It is seen as an expression of love and kindness, reflecting the character of God who welcomes all into His family. Hospitality is not merely a social duty but a spiritual practice that demonstrates the love of Christ to others.
• Scriptural References:
• Romans 12:13: "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality."
• Hebrews 13:2: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
• 1 Peter 4:9: "Show hospitality to one another without complaining."
• Theological Significance: Hospitality in the early Christian community was crucial for the spread of the Gospel and the support of itinerant preachers and missionaries. It was a tangible way to live out the commandment to love one's neighbor and to build up the body of Christ. The practice of φιλοξενία is rooted in the understanding that all people are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and care.
• Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, opening their homes and hearts to others, especially those in need. This practice not only meets physical needs but also fosters spiritual growth and community.

Forms and Transliterations

φιλοξενιαν φιλοξενίαν φιλοξενιας φιλοξενίας philoxenian philoxenían philoxenias philoxenías

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 12:13 N-AFS
GRK: κοινωνοῦντες τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες
NAS: of the saints, practicing hospitality.
KJV: of saints; given to hospitality.
INT: share hospitality practice

Hebrews 13:2 N-GFS
GRK: τῆς φιλοξενίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε
NAS: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this
KJV: forgetful to entertain strangers: for
INT: of hospitality not be forgetful

Strong's Greek 5381
2 Occurrences

φιλοξενίαν — 1 Occ.
φιλοξενίας — 1 Occ.