Hospitality (φιλοξενια, philoxenia). The generous and gracious treatment of guests.

In the Old Testament, historical narratives provide a glimpse into hospitality practices, by way of both positive and negative examples (Gen 14:18–24; 18; 19; 23:1–20; 24:10–49; 43:32; Josh 2:1–21; 6:22–25; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 25:2–38; Neh 5:14–17). These sometimes illustrate a pattern of hospitality extended both to known guests and strangers that featured:

• a greeting with bow or kiss (Gen 18:2; 19:1)

• a welcome for the guest to come in (Gen 24:31)

• an invitation to rest (Gen 18:4; Judg 4:19)

• an opportunity to wash (Gen 18:4; 19:2; 24:32)

• a provision of food and drink (Judg 4:19; 19:5)

• an invitation to converse (Gen 24:33)

• a provision of security (Gen 19:8)

The Mosaic law records significant guidance in the treatment of neighbors and strangers living among the tribes of Israel. The Israelites were commanded to treat foreigners well because of their own background as foreigners in Egypt (Exod 22:21; Lev 19:33–34). They were to welcome their poor fellow Israelites into their homes (Lev 23:35). They were to celebrate festivals along with aliens who were living among them (Deut 16:11, 14). Lack of hospitality in other nations was condemned (Num 20:14–21; Deut 23:3–4). Mosaic plans for cities of refuge (Num 35; Deut 4:41–43; 19:1–10) add to the evidence that hospitality included the provision of sanctuary throughout Old Testament history.

In the New Testament, Jesus urged hospitality to be extended beyond the confines of home and tribe, as illustrated in the parables of the Midnight Visitor (Luke 11:5–8) and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37; see John 4:9). Ministering to the needy is clearly expected by God, as made evident in Jesus’ instruction regarding the judgment on the nations: feeding the hungry, quenching the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned (Matt 25:31–46). Failure to offer hospitality incurs judgment (Luke 16:19–24). Jesus scolded Simon the Pharisee for being a poor host: no water for washing his feet, no greeting of Jesus with a kiss, and no oil for anointing his head (Luke 7:44–46).

While Christians are generally urged to show hospitality (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2; 1 Pet 4:9), they are discouraged from taking a meal or extending other hospitality to unrepentant believers (1 Cor 5:11), teachers of false doctrines (2 Tim 3:5; Titus 3:10–11), or intentional deceivers (2 John 7–11).

Douglas K. Wilson