Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of hospitality was deeply ingrained in the culture and religious practices of the people of the Ancient Near East, including the Israelites. The role of a guest, therefore, was significant and carried with it certain expectations and responsibilities, both for the guest and the host.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous examples of hospitality extended to guests, often reflecting the values and customs of the time. One of the most notable instances is the visit of the three men to Abraham in Genesis 18. Abraham's immediate and generous response to these visitors, whom he later recognizes as divine messengers, underscores the importance of hospitality: "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.' Then Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it" (Genesis 18:6-7). The Law of Moses also reflects the importance of treating guests, particularly foreigners, with kindness and respect. Leviticus 19:34 commands, "You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God" . This directive highlights the expectation that Israelites should remember their own history as sojourners and extend compassion to those who are guests in their land. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the theme of hospitality continues, with Jesus Himself often being a guest in the homes of others. For instance, in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. This account not only illustrates the practice of hospitality but also emphasizes the importance of spiritual attentiveness over mere busyness in serving a guest. The early Christian community is also depicted as practicing hospitality. In Romans 12:13, Paul exhorts believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . This instruction is echoed in 1 Peter 4:9, which advises, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" . Hospitality is seen as a vital expression of Christian love and fellowship. Theological Significance Theologically, the role of a guest in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity. Believers are described as "strangers and pilgrims" on the earth (Hebrews 11:13), suggesting that their true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective encourages Christians to view their earthly lives as temporary and to extend hospitality to others as an expression of their faith and hope in God's eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the treatment of guests can be seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy and the stranger, saying, "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 took Me in" . This passage underscores the idea that serving others, including guests, is akin to serving Christ Himself. Cultural Practices In biblical times, the role of a guest was accompanied by certain cultural practices. Guests were often offered water for washing their feet, a gesture of welcome and care (Genesis 18:4, John 13:5). Sharing a meal was another significant aspect of hospitality, symbolizing fellowship and peace between the host and the guest. The protection of guests was also a serious responsibility. In Genesis 19, Lot goes to great lengths to protect his angelic visitors from harm, even at great personal risk. This narrative illustrates the high value placed on the safety and well-being of guests. Overall, the biblical concept of a guest is deeply intertwined with themes of hospitality, kindness, and the recognition of God's presence in the stranger. The treatment of guests serves as a tangible expression of faith and obedience to God's commands, reflecting the broader biblical call to love and serve others. Smith's Bible Dictionary GuestWebster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A visitor; a person received and entertained in one's house or at one's table; a visitor entertained without pay.2. (v. t.) To receive or entertain hospitably. 3. (v. i.) To be, or act the part of, a guest. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GUESTgest (qara'; anakeimai): Oriental customs growing out of a nomadic life demand a greater abandon and freedom with respect to the relation of host and guest than are permitted by the conventionalities of western life. A householder is expected to entertain a traveler, and in turn the traveler may accept with perfect ease the hospitality shown without any obligation to pay. See HOSPITALITY. The significance of the word is that of one who is called or invited. A certain sacredness, unknown to modern western society, was attached to the guest, so that a special apartment was set aside for the guests. See GUEST-CHAMBER. In the Old Testament only 3 times is the word itself used, with reference to the guests of Adonijah (1 Kings 1:41, 49), of the foolish woman (Proverbs 9:18), and of Yahweh (Ze 1:7). In the New Testament, 3 times (Matthew 22:10; Luke 19:7 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "to lodge"). Though but few actual uses of the word occur, there are abounding illustrations of the guest relation in both Old Testament and New Testament. Especially is this manifest in the striking social attitudes of Jesus on occasions. Notable among these are the hospitality of Matthew (Luke 5:29); Jesus' relation to Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38), and His entrance into the home of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1). Likewise Jesus spoke frequently of the relation which should exist between the guest and his host (see Luke 7:44-46 Matthew 25:35; Matthew 10:40). Greek 5264. hupodechomai -- to receive under one's roof, to receive as a ... ... to receive under one's roof, to receive as a guest. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupodechomai Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-od-ekh'-om-ahee) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5264.htm - 7k 3581. xenos -- foreign, a foreigner, guest 3579. xenizo -- to receive as a guest, to surprise 2646. kataluma -- a lodging place 2647. kataluo -- to destroy, overthrow 345. anakeimai -- to be laid up, to recline 218. aleipho -- anoint. 1926. epidechomai -- to accept as true, to receive besides 324. anadechomai -- to undertake, receive Strong's Hebrew 1481. guwr -- to sojourn... A primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), ie Sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange ... /hebrew/1481.htm - 5k 7121. qara -- to call, proclaim, read 1616. ger -- a sojourner Library The Honoured Guest Abraham's Guest The Holy Guest. December the Eighteenth the Sinner's Guest Jesus the Guest of Martha and Mary. A Presbyter Shall not be a Guest at the Nuptials of Persons ... In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery. And with what Moderation and Self-Restraint those Men Used their ... Hugh the Builder Thesaurus Guest (24 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To receive or entertain hospitably. 3. (vi) To be, or act the part of, a guest. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GUEST. ... /g/guest.htm - 15k Guest-chamber (4 Occurrences) Guest-room (2 Occurrences) Guest's (2 Occurrences) Jael (6 Occurrences) Guests (43 Occurrences) Inn (7 Occurrences) Room (174 Occurrences) Stranger (152 Occurrences) Guestchamber (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Is it a sin to elope? What does the Bible say about eloping? | GotQuestions.org Guest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Guest (24 Occurrences)Mark 14:14 Luke 7:37 Luke 14:8 Luke 14:9 Luke 14:15 Luke 19:7 Luke 22:11 Luke 22:27 Acts 10:6 Acts 10:32 1 Corinthians 8:10 1 Corinthians 10:27 Philemon 1:22 Leviticus 22:10 Judges 19:23 1 Samuel 1:9 1 Samuel 9:22 1 Kings 17:20 2 Kings 25:29 Esther 1:8 Esther 5:12 Psalms 39:12 Psalms 94:6 Jeremiah 52:33 Subtopics Guest: Rules for the Conduct of Related Terms |
    |