apparently a primary word; foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer:--host, strange(-r).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **xénos**, represented by `{{G3581}}`, is a primary term for what is **foreign** or **strange**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is versatile, encompassing the literal idea of an alien or **stranger**, the figurative concept of something being novel, and by implication, the role of a **guest** or the one who entertains, a **host**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3581}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is central to Jesus' teaching on compassion, where He identifies with the vulnerable: "I was a **stranger**, and ye took me in" [[Matthew 25:35]]. This establishes a moral imperative to provide hospitality, a theme echoed when the righteous are questioned, "When saw we thee a **stranger**, and took thee in?" [[Matthew 25:38]]. Conversely, the unrighteous are condemned for failing to minister to the **stranger** ([[Matthew 25:43]], [[Matthew 25:44]]). The term also describes a state of spiritual alienation; believers were once "**strangers** from the covenants of promise" [[Ephesians 2:12]], but are now "no more **strangers**" [[Ephesians 2:19]]. Figuratively, it denotes something novel or unfamiliar, such as "**strange** doctrines" [[Hebrews 13:9]] or "**strange** gods" [[Acts 17:18]]. Finally, it can describe the entertainer of guests, as when Gaius is called Paul's **host** [[Romans 16:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the different facets of being an outsider or providing hospitality:
* `{{G3927}}` **parepídēmos** (pilgrim): This word, defined as a resident **foreigner**, is used alongside **xénos** to describe the self-confessed status of the faithful as "**strangers** and **pilgrims** on the earth" [[Hebrews 11:13]].
* `{{G3941}}` **pároikos** (foreigner): This term, meaning a by-dweller or alien resident, appears in the declaration that believers are "no more **strangers** and **foreigners**" [[Ephesians 2:19]], emphasizing their new status as insiders.
* `{{G526}}` **apallotrióō** (to estrange away): This verb describes the act of alienation. Before Christ, Gentiles were "**aliens** from the commonwealth of Israel," a state directly linked to being "**strangers** from the covenants" [[Ephesians 2:12]].
* `{{G3579}}` **xenízō** (to be a host... be strange): Derived from **xénos**, this verb can mean to **entertain** or **lodge**, but is also used when believers are told not to "think it **strange** concerning the fiery trial" [[1 Peter 4:12]], which itself is not a "**strange** thing" (**xénos**).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3581}}` is significant, framing key aspects of Christian identity and ethics.
* **The Mandate for Hospitality:** The word establishes a divine standard for compassion. By stating, "I was a **stranger**, and ye took me in," Jesus elevates the act of welcoming a **stranger** to a direct service rendered to Himself [[Matthew 25:35]]. The faithfulness of believers is partially measured by how they treat **strangers** [[3 John 1:5]].
* **Redemption from Alienation:** A core theological truth is the believer's journey from being an outsider to an insider. Gentiles, who were once **strangers** and **aliens**, "without **God** `{{G112}}` in the **world** `{{G2889}}`" [[Ephesians 2:12]], are brought into God's family and become "**fellowcitizens** `{{G4847}}` with the **saints** `{{G40}}`" [[Ephesians 2:19]].
* **The Believer as a Pilgrim:** The term defines the Christian's relationship with the world. Like the patriarchs of old, believers are to confess that they are "**strangers** and **pilgrims** `{{G3927}}` on the **earth** `{{G1093}}`" [[Hebrews 11:13]], indicating their ultimate citizenship is not worldly.
* **A Warning Against Novelty:** In its figurative sense, `{{G3581}}` serves as a caution. Believers are warned not to be carried away by "**strange** doctrines" [[Hebrews 13:9]] or to be surprised by trials as if they were a "**strange** thing" [[1 Peter 4:12]], reinforcing the need to remain grounded in established truth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3581}}` **xénos** is a dynamic word that moves from the literal to the theological. It defines the physical **stranger** in need of welcome [[Matthew 25:35]], the spiritual **alien** brought near by Christ [[Ephesians 2:12]], and the **novel** idea that stands outside of established truth [[Hebrews 13:9]]. Whether as a **stranger**, a **guest**, or a **host**, the concept of **xénos** is foundational to understanding the believer's duty of hospitality, their transformed identity in God's household, and their transient position in the world.
TRV