φιλοξενία (philoxenia)
philoxenia
hospitality
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun philoxenia describes a specific kind of love directed toward strangers or guests. Unlike affection for family or friends, this term captures the deliberate welcome extended to those outside one’s immediate circle. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet its presence is significant in both contexts.
Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2 link this hospitality directly to Christian duty. The sources highlight that philoxenia is not merely polite hosting but an active expression of brotherly love. It involves opening one’s home and resources to travelers or those in need, recognizing the stranger as a recipient of divine care.
Etymologically, the word combines philos (love) and xenos (stranger). This combination underscores that the love is intentional and chosen, not instinctive. By prioritizing the welcome of the unknown, early Christians practiced a radical inclusivity that challenged social boundaries. The term remains a concise call to extend warmth and safety to anyone who knocks.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philoxenia combines a deep love with a welcome for those we do not yet know. It asks us to open our homes and hearts to strangers, seeing them not as outsiders but as people worthy of care. This is more than polite hosting; it is an active choice to share what we have with someone who has no claim on us.
In Romans 12:13, this love is linked to contributing to the needs of others. It reminds us that faith is lived out in practical ways, especially toward those who cannot repay us. Hebrews 13:2 adds a sense of wonder, noting that such kindness might secretly bless others or even meet heavenly visitors. This perspective turns ordinary acts of welcome into moments of divine connection.
When we practice this kind of love, we reflect the heart of God toward the lonely and the new. It challenges us to look beyond our usual circles and find joy in serving those on the margins. May your home be a place where strangers feel seen, valued, and safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hospitality1×
- Of hospitality1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλοξενίας1×
- φιλοξενίαν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:13
contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.
This verse grounds philoxenia in practical generosity toward fellow believers, showing it as a tangible expression of community care.
-
Hebrews 13:2
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Here the word carries a sense of mystery and reward, suggesting that welcoming strangers may unknowingly honor heavenly beings.