Today we will talk about bible verses about hospitality. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Hospitality is more than having people over; it is a way we show God’s love with open hands and open hearts. As we read, let us slow down and let these verses shape how we welcome others. We will see examples of kindness, stories of tables shared, and clear commands that teach us to care for strangers, the poor, and those who are in need. We will learn practical ways to put these bible verses about hospitality into action in our homes, churches, and neighborhoods. Let us be encouraged to practice simple, everyday welcome — a meal, a listening ear, a safe place to rest — and to trust God will use it. Join us as we explore these passages, reflect together, and grow in the small acts of love that make a big difference.
Hebrews 13:2
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
bible verses about hospitality
Welcoming Strangers — bible verses about hospitality
As we read bible verses about hospitality, we find that welcoming strangers is a clear call. We see that hospitality begins with noticing someone who is outside our circle and choosing to make room. The Bible teaches us that strangers are not just unknown faces; they are people made in God’s image who need respect, care, and sometimes shelter or food. When we welcome them, we practice humility and trust. We avoid rushing or judging, and instead we offer warmth and a listening ear. Hospitality toward strangers can be simple — a cup of water, a seat by the fire, a friendly word — but it has deep spiritual meaning. It reminds us that God can use ordinary acts to show love to the world. We, as a community, are invited to build habits of welcome so that our homes and churches are safe places for those on the margins. In these bible verses about hospitality, we learn that God notices and rewards kindness to strangers. This helps us keep our hearts open and our hands ready to serve, remembering that kindness can change a life in unexpected ways.
Hebrews 13:2
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
Matthew 25:35
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in;” – Matthew 25:35
Romans 12:13
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
1 Peter 4:9
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Leviticus 19:34
“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:34
Generosity and Sharing — bible verses about hospitality
When we study bible verses about hospitality, generosity stands out as its beating heart. Hospitality is not just opening a door; it is opening our hearts and resources. We, as God’s people, are called to share what we have in ways that help others flourish. This means sharing food, money, time, and gifts. The Bible praises the cheerful giver and reminds us that generosity blesses both the receiver and the giver. We do not give to earn praise, but to step into God’s pattern of love. Generosity in hospitality also stretches us; it asks us to trust God with our possessions and to see abundance in Him rather than scarcity in ourselves. When we share, we practice a gospel reality — that all we have is a trust from God to be used for good. These bible verses about hospitality teach us to be practical, to make space for others at our table, and to let our sharing be marked by joy rather than compulsion. In doing so, our homes and gatherings become places where God’s provision is visible and lives are changed by simple acts of kindness.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom: for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” – Luke 6:38
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Hebrews 13:16
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Proverbs 11:25
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Proverbs 11:25
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
Serving Others — bible verses about hospitality
In reading bible verses about hospitality, we find service is a core practice. Service means doing the humble tasks that help people feel welcome and cared for. We follow Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. That example resets our priorities. When we serve, we do not look for recognition. Instead we ask, “How can we meet this need?” Serving also shapes our character. It softens pride and grows compassion. Our acts of service can be practical — preparing a meal, washing dishes, opening our home — and they can be spiritual — offering prayer, listening, offering comfort. Hospitality powered by service shows people they belong. It also creates discipleship opportunities, where simple kindness leads people to see God’s love. These bible verses about hospitality teach us that serving is not a one-time event but a lifestyle. When we make ourselves available, we join God’s work of healing and building community. We grow as we give, and others are blessed through our hands.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
John 13:14-15
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15
Galatians 5:13
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Philippians 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Matthew 20:28
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
Welcoming Believers and Travelers — bible verses about hospitality
We learn from bible verses about hospitality that welcoming fellow believers and travelers builds the body of Christ. In the early church, houses were meeting places and places of rest. We are encouraged to help missionaries and traveling teachers, to share what we have, and to support one another in faith. Hospitality here is both practical and spiritual. We, working together, open our homes so others can be refreshed and encouraged. Such welcome helps strengthen ministry and spreads the gospel. The Bible shows that when we help those on a journey for the sake of Christ, we are partnering with God’s mission. We do not act from showy religion but from love that is simple and true. Welcoming believers also models unity — we demonstrate that our faith is not only private but lived with others. These bible verses about hospitality remind us that acts of welcome have eternal impact because they help people keep going on their spiritual journeys.
3 John 1:5
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;” – 3 John 1:5
3 John 1:8
“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” – 3 John 1:8
Romans 16:23
“Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.” – Romans 16:23
Acts 16:15
“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” – Acts 16:15
Acts 28:7
“There was an estate there of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.” – Acts 28:7
Caring for Widows, Orphans, and the Poor — bible verses about hospitality
As we study bible verses about hospitality, we see a strong call to care for the vulnerable. God’s heart is for those who have no one to care for them. We are told to look after widows, orphans, and the poor with justice and compassion. Hospitality here often takes the shape of protection, steady help, and steady presence. We, as God’s people, must not pass by those in need. Instead, we must act with practical love — giving food, shelter, and advocacy. Caring for vulnerable people is not optional; it is central to living out our faith. When we open our homes or provide resources to those in need, we reflect God’s own character of mercy. These bible verses about hospitality push us beyond comfort and invite us into costly compassion. They help us build communities where everyone is seen and valued. We are shaped by these teachings to make sure our hospitality reaches those who need the most care.
James 1:27
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:27
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Psalm 68:5
“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” – Psalm 68:5
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” – Proverbs 19:17
Love and Neighborliness — bible verses about hospitality
When we look at bible verses about hospitality, we find that hospitality is a way to love our neighbors. Loving our neighbor is not just a feeling; it is action. We are to show kindness to those near us and not ignore their needs. Hospitality helps us practice this love daily. It teaches us to be present and to create belonging. We, together, are called to widen our circle so that our neighbor is anyone in need — not just someone who lives next door. The Bible gives the story of the Good Samaritan as a clear example: love looks like stopping, providing care, and paying for help. Hospitality does the same thing on a smaller, ongoing scale. By inviting people in, we show God’s love and help heal isolation. These bible verses about hospitality remind us that real love is practical, steady, and available whenever someone needs it.
Luke 10:27
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” – Luke 10:27
Leviticus 19:18
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22:39
Galatians 5:14
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Galatians 5:14
Romans 13:9
“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Romans 13:9
Blessings and Rewards of Hospitality — bible verses about hospitality
As we meditate on bible verses about hospitality, we see that hospitality brings blessings. The Bible shows that when we welcome others, God notices and often rewards that kindness in both small and large ways. Blessings might come in the form of joy, stronger relationships, or unexpected help when we need it. Sometimes God uses hospitality as a way to connect people to His plans. The idea of reward does not mean we give kindness just to get something back; instead, it encourages us that our faithful service matters. God’s economy is different from the world’s: giving often opens doors to receiving help and growing in faith. We are reminded that the ordinary act of welcoming someone could be how God moves in our lives. These bible verses about hospitality keep us hopeful and faithful, pushing us to continue welcoming others even when it’s hard, because God blesses those who open their hearts and homes.
Matthew 10:40
“He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” – Matthew 10:40
Luke 14:13-14
“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” – Luke 14:13-14
Proverbs 11:25
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Proverbs 11:25
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” – Luke 6:35
Wisdom and Discernment in Hospitality — bible verses about hospitality
We know from bible verses about hospitality that welcome must be mixed with wisdom. Loving people does not mean ignoring safety or common sense. The Bible asks us to be both kind and prudent. Wisdom helps us protect the vulnerable and provide the right kind of help. For example, being hospitable does not mean putting our families at risk; it means finding safe ways to serve. We also use discernment to know when to give and when to guide someone to longer-term help. Wisdom comes from God, and we can ask Him to lead us. We, together, should learn how to balance open hearts with wise boundaries so our hospitality is sustainable and truly helpful. These bible verses about hospitality teach us to be watchful, thoughtful, and dependent on God’s guidance as we welcome others.
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
Proverbs 27:12
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” – Proverbs 27:12
Proverbs 22:3
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” – Proverbs 22:3
Nehemiah 4:14
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” – Nehemiah 4:14
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5
Fellowship, Meals, and Shared Tables — bible verses about hospitality
Many bible verses about hospitality point to the power of sharing food and fellowship. Meals in the Bible are often places of teaching, healing, and community. When we break bread together, we listen, we laugh, and we grow closer. Hospitality at the table is not only about food; it is about building relationships. The early church met in homes and shared meals as a way to care for one another and to encourage faith. These small, regular gatherings create trust and belonging. We, as a group, can use meals to practice generosity and to include those who might otherwise be alone. Sharing a table can be a first step toward deeper care. These bible verses about hospitality remind us that the simple act of eating together holds spiritual value and helps us live out the gospel in everyday life.
Acts 2:46
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” – Acts 2:46
Luke 24:30
“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.” – Luke 24:30
1 Corinthians 11:33
“Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.” – 1 Corinthians 11:33
Acts 20:7
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” – Acts 20:7
Matthew 26:26
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26
God’s Welcome and Our Imitation — bible verses about hospitality
As we reflect on bible verses about hospitality, the greatest pattern is God’s own welcome. God invites people to come to Him, to rest, and to belong. He treats us with grace and includes those the world often pushes aside. When we follow Jesus, we are called to imitate God’s welcome. That means offering forgiveness, accepting people who are different, and making room for the outcast. God’s hospitality is wide and generous; He calls us to be reflections of that love. We, together, must listen to how God welcomes us and then practice that same openness. When we imitate God’s hospitality, we join in His work of drawing people to Himself. These bible verses about hospitality remind us that our welcome can point people to God’s heart and make His grace visible in everyday life.
Romans 15:7
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7
Ephesians 2:19
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Ephesians 2:19
Isaiah 56:7
“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for my house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” – Isaiah 56:7
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20
Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Final Thoughts
I have walked through many bible verses about hospitality with you, and I am grateful for the invitation to learn together. Hospitality is a simple but powerful way to show God’s love. It asks us to open our homes, our tables, and our hearts. When we welcome others, we join God in caring for the lonely, the poor, and the weary. We also grow ourselves — in compassion, in wisdom, and in faith.
We can begin today with small steps: a meal, a listening ear, or help when someone has need. As we practice hospitality, our actions will reflect the passages we read. Let us encourage one another to be generous, to serve, and to welcome with care and discernment. In doing so, we create places where people meet Jesus through ordinary kindness.
May our homes and communities become open doors of mercy. Let us take to heart these bible verses about hospitality and live them out in ways that bless others and honor God. We will keep learning, keep practicing, and keep welcoming — together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)