"to receive as a guest, entertain, Acts 10:23; 28:7; Heb. 13:2; pass. to be entertained as a guest, to lodge or reside with, Acts 10:6, 18, 32; 21:16; to strike with a feeling of strangeness, to surprise; pass. or mid. to be struck with surprise, be staggered, be amazed, 1 Pet. 4:..."
Definition and meaning
to receive as a guest, entertain, Acts 10:23; 28:7; Heb. 13:2; pass. to be entertained as a guest, to lodge or reside with, Acts 10:6, 18, 32; 21:16; to strike with a feeling of strangeness, to surprise; pass. or mid. to be struck with surprise, be staggered, be amazed, 1 Pet. 4:4, 12; intrans. to be strange; χενίζοντα, strange matters, novelties, Acts 17:20*
In the original Greek the word is written: χενίζω
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 xenizo (G3579) across the King James Bible.
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3579 (xenizo) is a Greek word that means: to receive as a guest, entertain, Acts 10:23; 28:7; Heb. 13:2; pass. to be entertained as a guest, to lodge or reside with, Acts 10:6, 18, 32; 21:16; to strike with a feeling of strangeness, to surpri... It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.
The word xenizo (G3579) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3579 is xenizo, a Greek word defined as: to receive as a guest, entertain, Acts 10:23; 28:7; Heb. 13:2; pass. to be entertained as a guest, to lodge or reside with, Acts 10:6, 18, 32; 21:16; . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
xenizo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.