King James Bible Dictionary

General references
Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 19:33-34; Leviticus 24:22; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Deuteronomy 27:19; Proverbs 9:1-5; Proverbs 23:6-8; Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 22:2-10; Matthew 25:34-46; Luke 14:12-14; Romans 12:13; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 1:7-8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9-11; 3 John 1:5-8
Guest; Strangers

Instances of:

Pharaoh to Abraham
Genesis 12:16

Melchizedek to Abraham
Genesis 14:18

Abraham to the angels
Genesis 18:1-8

Lot to the angel
Genesis 19:1-11

Abimelech to Abraham
Genesis 20:14-15

Sons of Heth to Abraham
Genesis 23:6; Genesis 23:11

Laban to Abraham's servant
Genesis 24:31

Laban to Jacob
Genesis 29:13-14

Isaac to Abimelech
Genesis 26:30

Joseph to his brethren
Genesis 43:31-34

Pharaoh to Jacob
Genesis 45:16-20; Genesis 47:7-12

Jethro to Moses
Exodus 2:20

Rahab to the spies
Joshua 2:1-16

Man of Gibeah to the Levite
Judges 19:16-21

Pharaoh to Hadad
1 Kings 11:17; 1 Kings 11:22

David to Mephibosheth
2 Samuel 9:7-13

The widow of Zarephath to Elijah
1 Kings 17:10-24

The Shunammite to Elisha
2 Kings 4:8

Elisha to the Syrian spies
2 Kings 6:22

Job to strangers
Job 31:32

Martha to Jesus
Luke 10:38; John 12:1-2

Pharisees to Jesus
Luke 11:37-38

Zaccheus to Jesus
Luke 19:1-10

The tanner to Peter
Acts 10:6; Acts 10:23

Lydia to Paul and Silas
Acts 16:15

Publius to Paul
Acts 28:2

Phebe to Paul
Romans 16:2

Onesiphorus to Paul
2 Timothy 1:16

Of Gaius
3 John 1:5-8

Rewarded, instances of:

Rahab's
Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:22-25

Widow of Zarephath's
1 Kings 17:10-24
Feasts; Strangers

Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19:33,34) and the poor, (Leviticus 23:14) seq. Deuteronomy 15:7 And concerning redemption (Leviticus 25:23) seq., etc. are framed in accordance with the spirit of hospitality. In the law compassion to strangers is constantly enforced by the words "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34) And before the law, Abraham's entertainment of the angels, (Genesis 18:1) seq., and Lot's, (Genesis 19:1) are in exact agreement with its precepts, and with modern usage. Comp. (Exodus 2:20; Judges 13:15; 19:17,20,21) In the New Testament hospitality is yet more markedly enjoined; and in the more civilized state of society which then prevailed, its exercise became more a social virtue than a necessity of patriarchal life. The good Samaritan stands for all ages as an example of Christian hospitality. The neglect of Christ is symbolized by inhospitality to our neighbors. (Matthew 25:43) The apostles urged the Church to "follow after hospitality," (Romans 12:13) cf. 1 Timothy 5:10 To remember Abraham's example, (Hebrews 13:2) to "use hospitality one to another without grudging," (1 Peter 4:9) while a bishop must be a "lover of hospitality (Titus 1:8) cf. 1 Timothy 3:2 The practice of the early Christians was in accord with these precepts. They had all things in common, and their hospitality was a characteristic of their belief. In the patriarchal ages we may take Abraham's example as the most fitting, as we have of it the fullest account. "The account," says Mr. Lane, "of Abraham's entertaining the three angels related in the Bible, presents a perfect picture of the manner in which a modern Bedawee sheikh receives travellers arriving at his encampment." The Oriental respect for the covenant of bread and salt, or salt alone, certainly sprang from the high regard in which hospitality was held.

HOSPITAL'ITY, noun [Latin hospitalitas.] The act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.

A bishop--must be given to hospitality 1 Timothy 3:2.

Hospitality I have found as universal as the face of man.