1 Peter 4:9

KJV

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

KJV (with Strong's)

Use hospitality {G5382} one to another {G1519}{G240} without {G427} grudging {G1112}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Welcome one another into your homes without grumbling.

Berean Standard Bible

Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

American Standard Version

using hospitality one to another without murmuring:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 4:9 issues a direct command to believers to practice hospitality towards one another, emphasizing not only the act of welcoming but also the crucial attitude with which it must be offered—without reluctance or complaint. This exhortation is set within Peter's broader counsel on how Christians are to live faithfully in light of the approaching end of all things and amidst increasing persecution, underscoring hospitality as a vital expression of fervent love and mutual support within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Peter's first epistle, specifically [1 Peter 4:7-11](/1_peter/4-7-11 "1 Peter 4:7-11 - Living in Light of the End"). Peter transitions from discussing suffering for Christ (in [1 Peter 4:1-6](/1_peter/4-1-6 "1 Peter 4:1-6 - Suffering for Christ")) to practical instructions for Christian living in the "last days." The preceding verse, [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Fervent Love"), commands believers to "have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." Hospitality in [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Use Hospitality") is presented as a concrete, tangible outworking of this fervent, self-sacrificial love. It is followed by instructions on using spiritual gifts for mutual edification ([1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Using Spiritual Gifts")), indicating that hospitality is a fundamental aspect of communal life and service within the body of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, structured public lodging was rare and often disreputable. Travelers, missionaries, and those displaced by persecution (like many of Peter's audience, who were "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" as per [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting")) relied heavily on private hospitality. Opening one's home was not merely a social courtesy but a vital act of survival and solidarity. For early Christians, hospitality was particularly significant as it facilitated the spread of the gospel, provided safe havens for persecuted believers, and fostered community among those who were often marginalized by society. It was a practical demonstration of the new family bonds forged in Christ, transcending ethnic and social barriers.
* **Key Themes:** The command to "use hospitality" in [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Use Hospitality") contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Peter. Firstly, it embodies the theme of **Christian Love and Community**, showing how love for one another ([1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Fervent Love")) is expressed practically. Secondly, it reinforces the idea of **Living as Sojourners and Strangers**, acknowledging the transient nature of believers' earthly existence and the need for mutual support on their spiritual journey. Thirdly, it speaks to **Suffering and Persecution**, as hospitality provided crucial refuge and encouragement for those facing hardship for their faith. Finally, it aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on **God's Welcoming Nature**, reflecting the divine hospitality extended to humanity through Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament, as seen in [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Welcome One Another").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hospitality (Greek, _philóxenos'_):** From *philos* (friend, love) and *xenos* (stranger, guest), this word literally means "fond of guests" or "lover of strangers." It encapsulates the act of welcoming and providing for those outside one's immediate family or familiar circle, often involving opening one's home and resources. This term highlights the counter-cultural nature of the virtue, as it calls for love towards those who are unfamiliar or even perceived as "other."
* **One to another (Greek, _allḗlōn'_):** This genitive plural pronoun emphasizes reciprocity and mutual responsibility within the community. It signifies that hospitality is not a one-way street but a shared practice among believers, fostering communal interdependence and care. It implies that every member of the Christian community has both the capacity and the obligation to extend and receive hospitality, building up the body of Christ.
* **Grudging (Greek, _gongysmós'_):** Derived from *gongýzō* (to grumble or murmur), this term refers to a reluctant, resentful, or complaining attitude. Its inclusion highlights that the *manner* of hospitality is as crucial as the act itself; it must be offered cheerfully and willingly, without internal or external complaint. This word points to the inner disposition of the heart, warning against a service rendered out of obligation or resentment rather than genuine love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Use hospitality":** This is an imperative command, urging believers to actively engage in the practice of welcoming and caring for others. The verb implies a deliberate and consistent effort to open one's life, home, and resources to those in need, embodying the "love of strangers." It's not an optional suggestion but a required Christian virtue.
* **"one to another":** This phrase specifies the primary recipients of this hospitality – fellow believers within the Christian community. It underscores the importance of mutual support, fellowship, and practical love among the scattered saints, especially in times of persecution and societal marginalization. It fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of Christian brotherhood.
* **"without grudging":** This crucial qualification addresses the attitude with which hospitality is to be extended. It forbids any form of murmuring, complaining, or reluctance, demanding that the act be performed with cheerfulness, generosity, and genuine willingness. This ensures that the hospitality is a true expression of love, untainted by resentment or a desire for repayment, and thus honors God.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's concise command in [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Use Hospitality") employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Use hospitality"), which conveys the non-negotiable and urgent nature of this virtue for believers. This direct command emphasizes that hospitality is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental duty. Furthermore, the phrase "without grudging" creates a powerful **Contrast**, highlighting the crucial distinction between genuine, joyful hospitality and a reluctant, resentful offering. This contrast underscores that the spirit and attitude behind the act are as vital as the act itself, preventing a mere outward show of duty. The verse also demonstrates **Conciseness**, packing profound theological and practical truth into a brief, memorable statement, making it easy to recall and apply in daily Christian living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to practice hospitality without grudging is deeply rooted in the character of God and the nature of the Christian faith. It reflects God's own welcoming posture towards humanity, who, though strangers and alienated by sin, were welcomed into His family through Christ. This divine hospitality serves as the ultimate model for believers. Practicing hospitality is an act of love that builds up the body of Christ, strengthens community bonds, and provides practical support to those in need, especially in times of hardship. It demonstrates a selfless, outward-focused love that prioritizes the well-being of others over personal comfort or convenience, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the Needs of Saints")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Entertaining Strangers")
* [3 John 1:5-8](/3_john/1-5-8 "3 John 1:5-8 - Supporting Missionaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by isolation, individualism, and suspicion of strangers, the call to "use hospitality one to another without grudging" remains profoundly relevant. It challenges believers to intentionally cultivate a spirit of openness, generosity, and welcome, both within the church and beyond. This isn't just about inviting people to dinner, though that is a beautiful expression of it; it's about creating spaces—physical, emotional, and spiritual—where others feel seen, valued, and safe. True hospitality requires moving beyond our comfort zones, overcoming busyness, and genuinely investing in the lives of others, not out of obligation but out of a cheerful heart overflowing with Christ's love. It is a powerful witness to the transforming power of the gospel, demonstrating the radical love that defines God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I practically "use hospitality" in my daily life, beyond just opening my home?**
* **What might be some "grudging" attitudes or internal resistances that prevent me from offering hospitality cheerfully?**
* **How does extending hospitality to others reflect God's character and His welcome of me?**
* **How can my church community better embody the spirit of hospitality towards newcomers and those in need?**

### FAQ
**What does "hospitality" mean in a modern context, given that ancient travel customs are different?**
Answer: While ancient hospitality often involved providing lodging for travelers due to a lack of inns, its core meaning of "love of strangers" (from the Greek *philoxenia*) extends to contemporary life. In a modern context, hospitality encompasses creating welcoming environments in our homes, churches, and communities. This can involve inviting new believers, singles, families, or those in need for meals or fellowship; actively seeking out and embracing newcomers in church or social settings to make them feel seen and valued; or offering practical help and support to those experiencing hardship. The essence remains the same: a cheerful, selfless act of welcome and care, as encouraged in [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality").

**Why is the "without grudging" part so important?**
Answer: The phrase "without grudging" (Greek *aneu gongysmou*) is crucial because it addresses the *attitude* behind the act of hospitality. It warns against offering hospitality out of mere obligation, resentment, or a desire for recognition. True Christian hospitality, as taught in [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Use Hospitality"), must flow from a cheerful, willing, and loving heart. If done with a grumbling spirit, the act loses its spiritual value and fails to genuinely reflect the love of Christ. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God loves a cheerful giver, as stated in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "use hospitality one to another without grudging" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Host, who, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), welcoming sinners and outcasts into His presence and fellowship without grudging. Jesus consistently extended radical hospitality to those marginalized by society, eating with tax collectors and sinners ([Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), healing the sick, and opening the Kingdom of God to all who would believe. His sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of divine hospitality, inviting humanity, who were once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Gentiles Without Hope")), into the very family of God. Believers are called to imitate this selfless, joyful welcome, knowing that in serving others, especially the least of these, they are serving Christ Himself ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Our present acts of hospitality are a foretaste of the grand, eternal hospitality of God, where all believers will feast with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Philippians 2:14

¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Titus 1:8

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.