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, often referred to as strangers, sojourners, or the poor.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently reminded of their own history as sojourners in Egypt. This historical context served as a foundation for the compassionate treatment of the homeless and the stranger. 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 underscores the importance of empathy and care for those without a home.

The Law of Moses included specific provisions for the welfare of the homeless and the poor. For instance, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs, "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, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." These laws ensured that the community took responsibility for the vulnerable, including those without stable housing.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches compassion towards the homeless and marginalized. 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." This declaration highlights Jesus' identification with the homeless and His voluntary acceptance of a transient 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 background. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, which includes providing for those who lack basic necessities, such as shelter.

The early church also modeled care for the homeless and needy. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "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." This communal approach ensured that the needs of all, including the homeless, were met.

Biblical Principles for Addressing Homelessness

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and humility in addressing the needs of the homeless. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this ethos: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Believers are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, actively engaging in acts of charity and hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 encourages, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This hospitality extends to providing shelter and support to those without homes.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a direct definition of homelessness as understood today, it offers a robust framework for understanding and addressing the needs of the homeless. Through the teachings and examples found in both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called to demonstrate love, compassion, and justice towards those who are without a home, reflecting the heart of God for all His creation.Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
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James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
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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:
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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

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