Biblical theme · Character and relationships
Hospitality in the Bible
Welcoming guests and strangers: Abraham at Mamre, the law’s care for the foreigner, homes opened to Jesus and the apostles, and the limits of hospitality.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Welcoming guests and strangers is a recurring practice in Scripture, rooted in Israel’s own memory of being foreigners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33–34Deuteronomy 10:19
The New Testament asks believers to practise hospitality, and Jesus says that welcoming a stranger is welcoming him. Romans 12:13Matthew 25:35–40
Central passages
- Hebrews 13:1–2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers; some have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Leviticus 19:33–34
The foreigner who lives with you shall be as the native-born; love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
- Deuteronomy 10:18–19
God loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing; so love the foreigner.
- Luke 14:12–14
When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, who cannot repay you.
- Matthew 25:35–40
“I was a stranger and you took me in… you did it to me.”
- Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality.
- 1 Peter 4:8–10
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Across Scripture
Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.
Abraham’s welcome
Genesis shows Abraham hurrying to welcome three travellers; Hebrews later encourages hospitality to strangers.
- Genesis 18:1–8 Narrative example
Abraham runs to meet three visitors, washes their feet and prepares a meal.
- Hebrews 13:1–2 Central teaching
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers; some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Love the foreigner
The law commands care for the foreigner, grounded in Israel’s history.
- Leviticus 19:33–34 Central teaching
The foreigner who lives with you shall be as the native-born; love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
- Deuteronomy 10:18–19 Central teaching
God loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing; so love the foreigner.
Open homes
The stories show people opening their homes to prophets, to Jesus and to the apostles.
- Ruth 2:8–16 Narrative example
Boaz welcomes a foreign widow to glean and eat with his workers.
- 2 Kings 4:8–10 Narrative example
A woman of Shunem builds a small room for Elisha to stay whenever he passes.
- Luke 10:38–42 Narrative example
Martha welcomes Jesus into her home; Mary sits and listens.
- Luke 19:1–10 Narrative example
Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house, and Zacchaeus welcomes him joyfully.
Jesus on welcome
Jesus asks his followers to welcome those who cannot repay.
- Luke 14:12–14 Central teaching
When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, who cannot repay you.
- Matthew 25:35–40 Central teaching
“I was a stranger and you took me in… you did it to me.”
- Luke 10:33–35 Narrative example
The Samaritan takes a wounded stranger to an inn and pays for his care.
Practise hospitality
The letters make hospitality an ordinary Christian duty.
- Romans 12:13 Central teaching
Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality.
- 1 Peter 4:8–10 Central teaching
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
- Acts 16:14–15 Narrative example
Lydia, after her baptism, urges Paul and his companions to stay at her house.
- 3 John 5–8 Supporting passage
Gaius is praised for caring for travelling believers who were strangers to him.
Stories that show this theme
- Ruth and Naomi Illustrates the theme
Boaz welcomes Ruth, a foreigner, into his field. Ruth 2:8–12
- The Good Samaritan Illustrates the theme
Care for a wounded stranger. Luke 10:34–35
People associated with this theme
- Abraham
Abraham welcomes three visitors at Mamre. Genesis 18:2–5
- Lydia
Lydia opens her home to Paul and his companions. Acts 16:15
- Martha
Martha welcomes Jesus into her home. Luke 10:38
- Elisha
The Shunammite woman makes a room for Elisha. 2 Kings 4:9–10
Distinctions and questions of interpretation
- Hospitality and discernment
- John tells a church not to receive teachers who deny the truth about Christ. Hospitality does not mean having no boundaries. 2 John 10–11
- Hospitality and repayment
- Jesus specifically commends welcome given to those who cannot return it. Luke 14:12–14
Related themes
- Generosity
Sharing your home and food is generosity in practice. Romans 12:13
- Love
Love for the stranger shows in welcome. Leviticus 19:34
Life situations
- Loneliness
Welcoming others, and being welcomed, speaks to loneliness. Romans 12:13
Questions for reflection
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What reason does Leviticus 19:34 give for loving the foreigner?
- Who does Jesus tell his host to invite in Luke 14:12-14, and why?
- What do the stories of Martha and Zacchaeus show about welcoming Jesus?
- Who could you welcome this month who cannot repay you?