ξενίζω (xenizō)
xenizō
to host
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb xenizō describes the act of receiving a stranger as a guest or hosting them with hospitality. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, most frequently in Acts and Hebrews. The core meaning involves opening one’s home to someone outside one’s immediate circle, treating them with care and respect rather than suspicion.
A striking feature of this word is its second sense: to be surprised or astonished by something strange. This shift occurs because encountering a foreigner or an unfamiliar event can be startling. For example, in Acts 17:20, the Athenians ask Paul to explain a "new teaching" they find novel, using xenizō to convey their curiosity and surprise at what is new to them.
This dual usage highlights the tension between welcome and strangeness. To host a stranger is to invite the unknown into one’s life. Hebrews 13:2 explicitly links this practice to angelic encounters, suggesting that hospitality can lead to unexpected blessings. The word reminds readers that welcoming others often involves stepping beyond comfort zones.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word xenizō invites us into a simple but profound practice: opening our homes and hearts to those who are unfamiliar. In its primary sense, it means to host or receive a stranger with care. This is not merely about providing a bed for the night; it is an act of trust that welcomes the unknown into our daily lives. When we offer hospitality, we step beyond our comfort zones to treat outsiders with dignity and respect.
Interestingly, this same word can also mean to be surprised or astonished by something new. This dual meaning reminds us that welcoming others often brings unexpected experiences. It challenges us to view strangers not as threats, but as potential sources of blessing. In many cases, such openness has led to profound connections that were never anticipated.
For your faith life, this word offers a gentle invitation to look outward. It encourages you to see every encounter with someone different as an opportunity for grace. By practicing xenizō, you participate in a tradition of care that strengthens community and reflects the love of Christ to those who may feel alone or out of place.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lodges2×
- we may lodge,1×
- they think it strange1×
- is lodged.1×
- he lodged [them].1×
- have entertained1×
- entertained [us].1×
- do be surprised1×
- Strange things1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ξενίζεται2×
- ἐξένισεν.¶1×
- ἐξένισεν.1×
- ξενίσαντες1×
- ξενίζονται1×
- ξενίζοντα1×
- ξενίζεται.¶1×
- ξενίζεσθε1×
- ξενισθῶμεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 13:2
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
This verse explicitly commands showing hospitality to strangers, linking the act directly to the possibility of entertaining angels without realizing it.
-
Acts 28:7
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.
Publius receives Paul and his companions with courtesy for three days, demonstrating xenizō as a practical expression of kindness toward travelers in need.
-
Acts 10:23
So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter calls the men in and provides lodging, showing how hospitality can be the first step in fulfilling a divine mission across cultural boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does xenizō mean in the New Testament?
Why does xenizō have two different meanings?
How is xenizō different from general hospitality?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 3 books)
Acts 7 verses
He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside.
Acts 10:18and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there.
Acts 10:23So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the…
Acts 10:32Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon,…
Acts 17:20For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
Acts 21:16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we…
Acts 28:7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received…