### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ξενία (xenia) `{{G3578}}` derives from ξένος (xenos) `{{G3581}}`, meaning "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest." Consequently, the fundamental meaning of ξενία encompasses the act of receiving and caring for a stranger, which is best translated as "hospitality." By extension, the term can also refer to the physical location where such hospitality is extended, a "lodging" or "place of entertainment." This dual semantic range—denoting both the virtue and its practical manifestation—is crucial for understanding its biblical usage. It reflects a deep-seated ancient concept of guest-friendship, where welcoming travelers was a sacred duty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ξενία (xenia) `{{G3578}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both instances emphasizing the provision of a physical space for a guest:
* **[[Acts 28:23]]**: "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." Here, "lodging" refers to the rented house or dwelling where Paul resided in Rome, serving as a hub for his evangelistic and teaching ministry. It clearly denotes the *place* of hospitality.
* **[[Philemon 1:22]]**: "But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you." In this personal letter, Paul requests Philemon to make ready a "lodging" for him, anticipating his release from prison and subsequent visit. Again, the word signifies a physical space prepared for a guest, highlighting the practical arrangements necessary for travel and fellowship in the early church.
In both contexts, ξενία points to the concrete provision of a place for a sojourner, underscoring the practical dimension of hospitality. While the *act* of welcoming is implied, the word specifically highlights the *provision* of shelter or a place to stay.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully grasp ξενία `{{G3578}}`, it is helpful to consider its lexical family and related concepts:
* **ξένος (xenos) `{{G3581}}`**: The root word, meaning "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest." The entire concept of ξενία is predicated on the interaction with ξένος.
* **φιλοξενία (philoxenia) `{{G5381}}`**: This more common and explicit term translates as "love of strangers" or "hospitality." It combines φίλος (philos, "loving") and ξένος (xenos, "stranger"), emphasizing the virtue and the loving disposition towards guests. Examples include [[Romans 12:13]], [[Hebrews 13:2]], and [[1 Peter 4:9]], where it is listed as a vital Christian virtue. While ξενία can denote the place, φιλοξενία consistently points to the moral quality and practice of hospitality.
* **ξενοδοχέω (xenodocheo) `{{G3579}}`**: A verb meaning "to receive strangers," found in [[1 Timothy 5:10]] describing a qualification for a widow to be supported by the church.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of hospitality is deeply ingrained in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the treatment of the גֵּר (ger) `{{H1616}}`, the resident alien or sojourner. Laws in the Pentateuch repeatedly command kindness to the stranger ([[Exodus 23:9]], [[Deuteronomy 10:19]]), and narratives like Abraham hosting angels ([[Genesis 18]]) or Lot welcoming visitors ([[Genesis 19]]) exemplify this sacred duty. While no single Hebrew word perfectly mirrors ξενία's specific dual meaning, the underlying theological principle is pervasive.
### Theological Significance
The concept of hospitality, whether expressed as ξενία (lodging) or φιλοξενία (love for strangers), holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative:
* **Reflecting God's Character**: God Himself is portrayed as one who welcomes and cares for His people, particularly when they were "strangers and aliens" to Him, bringing them into His household ([[Ephesians 2:19]]). Human hospitality thus becomes an imitation of divine welcome.
* **Christ's Teaching**: Jesus explicitly taught the importance of receiving strangers, identifying Himself with them: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" ([[Matthew 25:35-40]]). Providing ξενία (lodging) is therefore not merely a social grace but a tangible act of service to Christ Himself.
* **Enabling Ministry**: In the early church, ξενία was essential for the spread of the gospel. Apostles and evangelists relied on the hospitality of believers for lodging and support during their missionary journeys. Paul's request for a "lodging" in [[Philemon 1:22]] underscores its practical necessity for continued ministry.
* **Christian Fellowship and Love**: Hospitality is a vital expression of ἀγάπη (agape) `{{G26}}`, the self-sacrificial love that characterizes Christian community. Opening one's home or preparing a place for a fellow believer demonstrates practical love, mutual support, and strengthens the bonds of fellowship. It is a concrete way to "share with the Lord's people who are in need and practice hospitality" ([[Romans 12:13]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ξενία (xenia) `{{G3578}}`, derived from ξένος (xenos) `{{G3581}}` (stranger/guest), denotes both "hospitality" and, by implication, a "place of entertainment" or "lodging." Its two New Testament occurrences in [[Acts 28:23]] and [[Philemon 1:22]] specifically refer to a physical location provided for a guest, particularly in the context of enabling Paul's ministry and travel. While ξενία highlights the practical provision of a place, it is intimately connected to the broader and more frequently used concept of φιλοξενία (philoxenia) `{{G5381}}`, "love of strangers," which emphasizes the virtue of hospitality itself. Theologically, ξενία embodies a core biblical value of welcoming the stranger, reflecting God's own character, facilitating gospel ministry, and serving as a tangible demonstration of Christian love and fellowship within the community of faith. It underscores the profound spiritual significance of providing a place of welcome and rest for others.
TRV