from a compound of ξένος and δέχομαι; to be hospitable:--lodge strangers.
Transliteration:xenodochéō
Pronunciation:xen-od-okh-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3580 (xenodochéō) is a compound word derived from two significant roots: ξένος (xenos - `{{G3581}}`), meaning "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest," and δέχομαι (dechomai - `{{G1209}}`), meaning "to receive," "to welcome," or "to accept." Literally, therefore, xenodochéō means "to receive strangers" or "to welcome guests." Its semantic range specifically emphasizes the *active* provision of hospitality, particularly involving lodging or shelter for those who are not part of one's immediate household or community. It denotes the practical act of opening one's home and resources to an outsider, thereby fulfilling a fundamental social and religious obligation in the ancient world. Unlike the more general concept of "love of strangers" (philoxenia), xenodochéō points to the concrete performance of this virtue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3580 (xenodochéō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Timothy 5:10]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant, as it is listed among the essential qualifications for a widow who is to be enrolled and supported by the church. The passage reads: "having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality (ἐξενοδόχησεν), if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has assisted those in distress, if she has devoted herself to every good work."
In this context, "having shown hospitality" (ἐξενοδόχησεν) is presented as a past, demonstrable action, indicating a consistent pattern of life. It is not merely a passive inclination but an active service, a tangible expression of godliness and care for others. For the early church, hospitality was not just a social custom but a vital practical necessity, enabling itinerant evangelists, providing refuge for persecuted believers, and fostering community among scattered Christians. The inclusion of xenodochéō in this list underscores its importance as a mark of genuine faith and a life lived in accordance with Christian principles, alongside other acts of service like raising children in the faith and caring for the afflicted.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words and Old Testament concepts illuminate the meaning of G3580 (xenodochéō):
* **ξένος (xenos - `{{G3581}}`):** The core noun meaning "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest." Understanding the "stranger" as the object of this hospitality is crucial.
* **φιλοξενία (philoxenia - `{{G5381}}`):** This noun means "love of strangers" or "hospitality." While xenodochéō describes the *act* of showing hospitality, philoxenia describes the *virtue* or *disposition* of being hospitable. The two are intrinsically linked, with the latter being the motivation for the former.
* **δέχομαι (dechomai - `{{G1209}}`):** The verb meaning "to receive" or "to welcome." This root emphasizes the active and intentional acceptance of the stranger.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of welcoming the stranger (Hebrew: גֵּר - ger, `{{H1616}}`) is deeply embedded in the Old Testament law and narrative. Israel was commanded to love the sojourner because they themselves were sojourners in Egypt [[Deuteronomy 10:19]]. Examples like Abraham hosting the three men at Mamre [[Genesis 18:1-8]] and Lot welcoming the angels in Sodom [[Genesis 19:1-3]] serve as foundational narratives illustrating divine favor upon those who practice hospitality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3580 (xenodochéō) is profound, reflecting core tenets of Christian faith:
1. **Imitating God's Character:** God Himself is the ultimate host, welcoming humanity, who were once alienated strangers, into His family through Christ [[Ephesians 2:19]]. Showing hospitality, therefore, is an act of reflecting God's own gracious and welcoming nature.
2. **A Practical Expression of Agape Love:** Hospitality is a tangible demonstration of *agape* love (`{{G26}}`), extending care and provision to those outside one's immediate circle, often to those who cannot repay. It fulfills the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" [[Mark 12:31]] and specifically to "practice hospitality" [[Romans 12:13]], [[Hebrews 13:2]], [[1 Peter 4:9]].
3. **Christ's Teaching and Identification:** Jesus identified Himself with the stranger and the needy, declaring that acts of hospitality shown to "the least of these" are acts done to Him [[Matthew 25:35, 40]]. Thus, xenodochéō becomes an act of service to Christ Himself.
4. **Facilitating the Gospel and Community:** In the early church, hospitality was crucial for the spread of the Gospel, providing lodging for itinerant apostles and evangelists. It also fostered strong community bonds among believers, creating safe havens and demonstrating the unique fellowship of the church to the outside world.
5. **Potential for Divine Encounter:** The exhortation in [[Hebrews 13:2]], "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares," elevates the act of xenodochéō beyond mere social courtesy to a potential encounter with the divine, underscoring its spiritual weight.
### Summary
G3580 (xenodochéō) encapsulates the active and intentional practice of hospitality, specifically the receiving and lodging of strangers or guests. Though appearing only once in the New Testament in [[1 Timothy 5:10]], its inclusion as a key qualification for a worthy widow highlights its profound importance as a demonstrable Christian virtue. Rooted in the Old Testament command to care for the sojourner, and intrinsically linked to the broader concept of φιλοξενία (philoxenia - `{{G5381}}`), xenodochéō is more than a social custom; it is a theological act. It reflects God's welcoming nature, serves as a practical expression of *agape* love, fulfills Christ's command to care for the needy, and was vital for the growth and sustenance of the early church. Ultimately, xenodochéō represents a tangible manifestation of faith, charity, and open-hearted service to both God and neighbor.
TRV