The concept of homelessness, while not explicitly defined in the Bible as it is understood in contemporary society, is addressed through various narratives and teachings that highlight the plight of those without a permanent dwelling. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and instructions regarding the treatment and care of the homeless, reflecting God's compassion and justice.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently reminded of their own history as sojourners and wanderers. The experience of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent journey through the wilderness serves as a foundational narrative for understanding God's concern for the homeless and marginalized. Leviticus 19:34 instructs, "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."

The Law given to Moses included specific provisions for the care of the poor and the stranger, who often found themselves without a home or land. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 commands, "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs."

Prophetic Voices

The prophets frequently called Israel to account for their treatment of the poor and homeless. Isaiah 58:7 emphasizes the importance of providing for those in need: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches compassion for the homeless and destitute. In Matthew 8:20 , Jesus Himself states, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head," highlighting His identification with the homeless and His itinerant lifestyle.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates the call to love and care for those in need, regardless of their social status or condition. The early church also demonstrated a commitment to caring for the poor and homeless, as seen in Acts 4:34-35 : "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Christian Responsibility

The Bible consistently calls believers to act justly and love mercy, particularly towards those who are vulnerable and without a home. James 1:27 defines pure religion as "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This extends to all who are marginalized, including the homeless.

Throughout Scripture, the call to care for the homeless is a reflection of God's character and His desire for His people to embody His love and justice in the world. The biblical mandate is clear: to provide for those in need, to offer hospitality, and to advocate for justice on behalf of the homeless.Matthew 25:34-40
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 14:1-23
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 1:26-27
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Topicalbible.org

(a.) Destitute of a home.790. astateo -- to be unsettled, ie homeless
... to be unsettled, ie homeless. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: astateo Phonetic
Spelling: (as-tat-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am unsettled, have no fixed ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/790.htm - 6k4788. marud -- restlessness, straying
... 4787b, 4788. marud. 4789 . restlessness, straying. Transliteration: marud
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-rood') Short Definition: homeless. ...
/hebrew/4788.htm - 6k

Sparrows and Altars
... In the former it pathetically paints the homeless Christ, a wanderer in a land
peculiarly 'His own,' and warns His enthusiastic would-be follower of the lot ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sparrows and altars.htm

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
... and My followers must share My wandering life. Are you ready for that?'
Jesus was homeless. He was born in a hired stable, cradled ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture a/christ repressing rash discipleship.htm

Farewell Discourse to Disciples.
... That they should go out as homeless wanderers without the presence of their Lord
and be subjected to persecution, was also in their thoughts. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxi farewell discourse to disciples.htm

The Son of Man
... As if He would say, 'Not merely am I individually homeless and shelterless, but
I am so because I am truly a man, the only creature that builds houses, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the son of man.htm

Christ Pleads his Will
... ". There will be no homeless children in the family of God. All shall dwell
in stately mansions throughout the endless day. This ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm

Hans Denck and the Inward Word
... Sebald's was banished from the city of Nuremberg, January 21, 1525, and from
this time until his early death he was homeless and a wanderer. ...
/.../chapter ii hans denck and.htm

Chapter twelve
... Why should not this homeless, wretched creature, reeking with the fumes of liquor,
be cared for in Virginia's own home instead of being consigned to strangers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twelve.htm

Two Shepherds and Two Flocks
... than the folly of letting myself be so absorbed and entangled by this present world,
as that when the transient has passed, I shall feel homeless and desolate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/two shepherds and two flocks.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... Then follows the sentence which falls into two parts"the curse of bitter,
unrequited toil, and the doom of homeless wandering. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

The Excuses.
... at the table, and a poor man within reach to occupy it, sent out another message
still more pressing, to sweep into the feast all the homeless wanderers that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxi the excuses.htm

Homeless (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Homeless (6 Occurrences). ... Matthew 25:38 When did we see
Thee homeless, and give Thee a welcome? or ill-clad, and clothe Thee? (WEY). ...
/h/homeless.htm - 8k

Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Matthew 25:35 For when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty,
you gave me drink; when I was homeless, you gave me a welcome; (WEY RSV). ...
/w/welcome.htm - 15k

Ill-clad (6 Occurrences)
... see me.' (WEY). Matthew 25:38 When did we see Thee homeless, and give Thee
a welcome? or ill-clad, and clothe Thee? (WEY). Matthew 25 ...
/i/ill-clad.htm - 7k

Homeland (8 Occurrences)

/h/homeland.htm - 8k

Nero
... by the great fire which was not only destructive to both private and state property,
but also necessitated the providing thousands of homeless with shelter ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

Homelessness (1 Occurrence)

/h/homelessness.htm - 6k

Ill (137 Occurrences)
... (BBE DBY). Matthew 25:43 when homeless, you gave me no welcome; ill-clad, you clothed
me not; sick or in prison, you visited me not.' (WEY BBE DBY). ...
/i/ill.htm - 35k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... customs of society, which had hitherto sheltered the individual, now gave way; and
men demanded from philosophy a haven of rest for their homeless and weary ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

Serve (407 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 "Then will they also answer, "'Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or
thirsty or homeless or ill-clad or sick or in prison, and not come to serve ...
/s/serve.htm - 39k

Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... of men, not only still alive, but still braving in the exercise of their missionary
functions all the hardships of a wandering and homeless existence (compare ...
/a/apostle.htm - 87k

What does the Bible say about being homeless / homelessness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian respond to beggars? | GotQuestions.org

Homeless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus