As followers of Christ, hospitality is something that we should be experts in. Unfortunately, there are many professing Christians who don’t even know what that term means. However, the good news is I’m here to research this word and break it down in an understandable way. That’s why I decided to look up what the word hospitality means in Greek.
But first, let’s take a look at the definition of the word hospitality in the 1828 Noah Webster’s Dictionary:
“The act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.
A bishop–must be given to hospitality 1 Timothy 3:2.”
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
– Hebrews 13:2
What Does The Word ‘Hospitality’ Mean In Greek?
philonexia- hospitableness.
This word is translated into “entertain strangers.” Philonexia is made up of two different words:
- philos which means loving
- xenos which means stranger
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.“
– Romans 12:13
philoxenos- hospitable.
The translation of this word occurs in the following ways:
- “given to hospitality” (1 Timothy 3:2)
- “lover of hospitality” (Titus 1:8)
- “use hospitality” (1 Peter 4:9)
Related: What Does The Word ‘Faultless’ Mean In Greek?
Conclusion
Hospitality is something that should be found in someone’s character if they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God loves everyone so much that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not die, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus Christ died not only for strangers but even for those who hate Him. He doesn’t ask for anything in return.
He taps us on the shoulder all throughout our lives with hope and patience until we make a decision to love Him or perish without Him. By emulating this love in Christ, we will be hospitable to all our neighbors. This is what the word hospitality means in Greek.
I pray you found this article helpful. If so, please share this content. Also, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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