ξενία (xenia)
xenia
lodging
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun xenia refers to the act of hospitality or the reception of guests, but it also denotes the physical place where such welcome occurs. In its primary sense, it captures the generous treatment of visitors, a vital social duty in the ancient world. This dual meaning allows the word to describe both the gracious behavior of the host and the tangible setting of their home.
Its usage in the New Testament highlights this connection between action and location. Philemon asks for xenia, requesting not just a room but the full experience of Christian welcome (Philemon 22). Similarly, Acts records that Paul was received with xenia by prominent Jews in Rome (Acts 28:23), indicating both their hospitality and the lodging they provided.
Derived from the root for "stranger" or "guest," the term reflects a cultural expectation of care. It moves beyond simple shelter to encompass the relational bond formed through sharing food and space, framing hospitality as a concrete expression of faith in practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word xenia bridges the gap between a simple roof and a welcoming heart. In the ancient world, offering lodging was not just about providing shelter; it was an act of profound trust and social duty. When Philemon is asked to prepare a guest room for Paul, he is being invited to open his home and his life to someone in need. This request transforms a physical space into a place of spiritual connection.
Similarly, the warm reception Paul received in Rome shows how hospitality can break down barriers between strangers. It reminds us that our homes can be places where God’s kingdom is made visible through simple acts of care. By opening our doors, we create opportunities for fellowship and witness, turning ordinary rooms into sanctuaries of grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lodging1×
- a lodging;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ξενίαν·1×
- ξενίαν1×
Key Verses
-
Philemon 1:22
Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
This verse highlights xenia as a request for full hospitality, implying that the guest room should be ready for Paul's stay and restoration.
-
Acts 28:23
When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
Here xenia refers to the specific location where Paul met with Jewish leaders, showing how lodging facilitated important theological discussions.