"pr. state of being a guest; then, the reception of a guest or stranger, hospitality, in NT a lodging, Acts 28:23; Phlm. 22*"
Definition and meaning
pr. state of being a guest; then, the reception of a guest or stranger, hospitality, in NT a lodging, Acts 28:23; Phlm. 22*
In the original Greek the word is written: χενία
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of xenia (G3578) across the King James Bible.
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.
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
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Common questions
Strong's G3578 (xenia) is a Greek word that means: pr. state of being a guest; then, the reception of a guest or stranger, hospitality, in NT a lodging, Acts 28:23; Phlm. 22* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word xenia (G3578) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3578 is xenia, a Greek word defined as: pr. state of being a guest; then, the reception of a guest or stranger, hospitality, in NT a lodging, Acts 28:23; Phlm. 22*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
xenia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.