38 Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors (Explained)

Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors: Scripture offers profound wisdom about the sacred practice of hospitality. When we welcome others into our homes and communities, we participate in a tradition honored throughout biblical history.

Opening our doors to visitors isn’t just a social courtesy it’s a spiritual practice with deep theological significance. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that welcoming strangers can be an opportunity to entertain angels unaware and to demonstrate Christ-like love.

Whether you’re preparing to host guests, seeking to create a more welcoming church environment, or simply wanting to embody biblical hospitality in your daily life, these verses provide divine guidance for welcoming others with grace and generosity.

The Sacred Call to Hospitality

1. Hebrews 13:2

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

This verse reminds us that welcoming strangers carries profound spiritual significance. In the ancient world, hospitality could be lifesaving for travelers, and this passage suggests our guests may bring unexpected divine encounters. Consider how you might view visitors not as interruptions but as sacred appointments.

2. Romans 12:13

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Paul includes hospitality among the essential practices of Christian living. The word “practice” implies ongoing effort and intentionality. Think of hospitality as a spiritual discipline that requires cultivation, not just a spontaneous action when convenient.

3. 1 Peter 4:9

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Peter calls believers to welcome others willingly and joyfully, not out of obligation. The “without grumbling” part acknowledges that hospitality can be challenging but encourages a heart attitude of generosity. Examine your heart when welcoming others is your service grudging or genuine?

4. 3 John 1:8

“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

John emphasizes hospitality as collaborative ministry that advances truth. By caring for traveling ministers, believers participated directly in their mission. Consider how your hospitality might support others in their service to God’s kingdom.

5. Genesis 18:2-5

“Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way now that you have come to your servant.’ ‘Very well,’ they answered, ‘do as you say.'”

Abraham’s enthusiastic welcome to strangers (who were actually divine messengers) demonstrates exemplary hospitality in action. He rushed to serve them with his best, not knowing their identity. Think about how you might serve visitors as if entertaining God Himself.

6. Titus 1:8

“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”

Paul lists hospitality among the essential qualities for church leaders, placing it alongside core virtues. This suggests hospitality isn’t merely a social nicety but a spiritual character trait. Reflect on how developing a hospitable spirit might grow other virtues in your life.

Welcoming the Stranger as Christ

7. Matthew 25:35-36

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Jesus directly connects our treatment of strangers with our treatment of Him. This powerful teaching reveals that hospitality is not merely kindness to others but service to Christ Himself. Look for opportunities to welcome those who might be overlooked in your community.

8. Luke 14:12-14

“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”

Jesus challenges conventional hospitality that seeks reciprocity. True Christian welcome extends beyond our comfort zones to include those who cannot repay us. Consider expanding your hospitality to include those from different social circles than your own.

9. Romans 15:7

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Paul grounds our welcome of others in Christ’s prior welcome of us. When we remember how Christ embraced us despite our flaws, we gain motivation to extend that same grace to visitors. Reflect on how Christ has welcomed you and let that inform how you welcome others.

10. Matthew 10:40

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

Jesus establishes a sacred connection between welcoming His disciples and welcoming Him. Hospitality becomes a way of honoring not just the guest but Christ and the Father. Think about how this perspective might transform your attitude toward visitors.

11. Luke 10:38-42

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'”

This familiar story reminds us that true hospitality balances practical service with genuine presence. Martha welcomed Jesus physically, but Mary welcomed His teaching. Consider how you might be fully present with visitors rather than solely focused on preparations.

12. Acts 16:15

“When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.”

Lydia’s immediate response to her conversion was to open her home to Paul and his companions. Her hospitality became a practical expression of her new faith. Consider how hospitality might be one of the first fruits of a heart transformed by Christ.

Hospitality as Kingdom Work

13. Isaiah 58:7

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Isaiah connects true worship with practical hospitality toward those in need. God desires active compassion over empty religious observance. Look for ways your hospitality might address real needs in your community.

14. Job 31:32

“But no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.”

Job lists hospitality among his righteous deeds, showing how he consistently welcomed travelers. This was not exceptional behavior but his regular practice. Consider how hospitality might become a consistent pattern in your life rather than an occasional event.

15. Leviticus 19:33-34

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

God commanded Israel to welcome immigrants based on their own experience as foreigners. This powerful reminder connects hospitality with empathy for the vulnerable. Reflect on how your own experiences of feeling like an outsider might inform your welcome of others.

16. Isaiah 25:6

“On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine the best of meats and the finest of wines.”

Isaiah describes God Himself as a host preparing a magnificent feast for all nations. Our hospitality mirrors God’s character as the ultimate host. Consider how your welcome might reflect God’s generous and inclusive feast.

17. Acts 28:2

“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”

The Maltese islanders demonstrated extraordinary hospitality to Paul and other shipwreck survivors, despite their being strangers. Their practical care met immediate needs in a crisis. Think about how your hospitality might address the specific needs of those you welcome.

18. Genesis 19:1-3

“The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. ‘My lords,’ he said, ‘please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.’ ‘No,’ they answered, ‘we will spend the night in the square.’ But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate.”

Lot’s insistence on protecting visitors from danger, even at personal risk, shows hospitality as ethical courage. In a hostile environment, his home became a sanctuary. Consider how your hospitality might provide safety in a challenging world.

19. Luke 19:5-6

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.”

Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’s home, transforming this tax collector through the gift of divine visitation. Sometimes hospitality involves receiving Christ’s presence in unexpected ways. Remain open to how Christ might visit you through others.

Practical Aspects of Biblical Hospitality

20. 1 Timothy 5:10

“…and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”

Paul includes hospitality among the commendable qualities of a widow worthy of church support. This shows hospitality as an ongoing lifestyle rather than occasional acts. Consider how hospitality might become integrated into your regular rhythms of life.

21. Proverbs 9:1-5

“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense she says, ‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.'”

Wisdom is personified as a generous host inviting all to her feast. This metaphor connects hospitality with spiritual nourishment and growth. Think about how your welcome might offer both physical and spiritual sustenance.

22. Acts 2:46-47

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

The early church practiced hospitality as communal meals in homes, creating spaces for fellowship and spiritual growth. Their joyful gatherings attracted others to the faith. Consider how your hospitality might cultivate authentic community and spiritual conversation.

23. 2 Kings 4:8-10

“One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.'”

The Shunammite woman created a dedicated space for Elisha, recognizing his ministry needs. Her thoughtful hospitality supported God’s work. Consider how you might tailor your hospitality to meet the specific needs of those you welcome.

24. Genesis 24:31-33

“‘Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,’ he said. ‘Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.’ So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet. Then food was set before him, but he said, ‘I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.’ ‘Then tell us,’ Laban said.”

Laban’s welcome included addressing the practical needs of both travelers and their animals. His hospitality was comprehensive and immediate. Think about how your welcome might address various needs of your guests.

25. Luke 24:28-31

“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

The Emmaus disciples’ invitation to Jesus resulted in a profound revelation of His identity. Their simple hospitality created space for a divine encounter. Remember that welcoming others may open unexpected opportunities for spiritual insight.

Hospitality as Spiritual Witness

26. 1 Peter 2:12

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

Peter encourages believers to live exemplary lives that witness to unbelievers. Hospitality can be part of this visible testimony to God’s character. Consider how your welcome might communicate God’s love to those who don’t yet know Him.

27. Acts 10:23

“Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.”

Peter welcomed Gentile messengers into his home, crossing significant cultural and religious boundaries. This act of hospitality preceded his greater realization about God’s inclusive kingdom. Your willingness to welcome those different from yourself may lead to expanded spiritual understanding.

28. 2 John 1:10-11

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”

This cautionary verse shows that hospitality carries spiritual significance. John warns against using hospitality to support false teaching. This reminds us that biblical hospitality is discerning while remaining generous. Reflect on how your hospitality aligns with truth.

29. Acts 16:34

“The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God he and his whole household.”

The Philippian jailer’s hospitality followed his conversion, becoming an immediate expression of his new faith. His welcome included both physical care and spiritual celebration. Consider how your hospitality might flow from and express your faith.

30. Matthew 9:10-13

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”

Matthew welcomed Jesus and invited his fellow outcasts to meet Him. This inclusive hospitality became a powerful opportunity for transformation. Consider how your hospitality might create bridges between different groups and facilitate healing encounters.

31. Luke 7:44-46

“Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.'”

Jesus contrasts Simon’s inadequate hospitality with the woman’s extravagant welcome. This reveals how hospitality can express profound love and gratitude. Reflect on whether your hospitality is merely conventional or flows from deep appreciation.

32. Acts 9:43

“Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.”

Peter’s willingness to stay with Simon (whose profession made him ceremonially unclean) showed growing openness to crossing social boundaries. Sometimes hospitality involves stepping outside comfort zones. Consider whether there are social barriers you might need to cross in your practice of hospitality.

Creating a Culture of Welcome

33. Luke 10:5-7

“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”

Jesus instructed disciples to receive hospitality graciously, becoming guests who bring peace. Good hospitality includes being a good guest who appreciates others’ welcome. Remember that hospitality is reciprocal both giving and receiving welcome.

34. Genesis 29:13

“As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things.”

Laban’s enthusiastic welcome of his nephew Jacob demonstrated family hospitality that honored kinship bonds. Consider how your hospitality might strengthen family connections across generations.

35. Exodus 12:48-49

“A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it. The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.”

God’s Passover instructions included provisions for non-Israelites to participate in sacred meals. This established spiritual inclusion through appropriate preparation. Think about how your hospitality might make space for others to participate in meaningful traditions.

36. Acts 20:20

“You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”

Paul’s ministry included teaching in homes, showing how hospitality created settings for discipleship. Consider how your home might become a place for spiritual growth and learning.

37. 2 Kings 6:22-23

“‘Do not kill them,’ he answered. ‘Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.’ So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.”

Elisha instructed the king to show hospitality to captured enemies, transforming potential violence into peace. This radical hospitality ended conflict. Consider how your welcome might help reconcile relationships or resolve tensions.

38. Mark 6:10-11

“Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Jesus provided instructions for disciples facing both hospitality and rejection. This reminds us that while hospitality should be offered, it cannot be forced. Respect others’ boundaries while remaining ready to welcome.

Conclusion: Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors

These verses reveal that hospitality isn’t merely a social nicety but a spiritual practice with profound theological significance. When we welcome others, we participate in God’s own pattern of welcome and create space for divine encounters.

Biblical hospitality crosses boundaries, meets practical needs, and witnesses to God’s character. It can transform both hosts and guests, creating communities of belonging that reflect God’s kingdom.

As you reflect on these passages, consider how you might intentionally cultivate a spirit of welcome in your home, church, and community. Remember that the simplest act of hospitality a meal shared, a space offered, a genuine welcome extended can become sacred when done in Christ’s name.

Bonus: Practical Ways to Apply These Verses

1. Create a Welcome Ritual: Develop a consistent way to greet visitors to your home or church that communicates genuine care.
2. Prepare a Guest Space: Designate a comfortable area for visitors, whether a guest room or simply a comfortable chair with good lighting.
3. Keep a Hospitality Fund: Set aside resources specifically for unexpected guests or hospitality needs.
4. Practice “Table Fellowship”: Regularly invite others to share meals, remembering that breaking bread together has spiritual significance.
5. Develop Cultural Awareness: Learn about customs and preferences of people from different backgrounds to make diverse visitors feel welcome.
6. Create Welcome Packets: Prepare information for visitors to your church or community with essential information and a personal touch.
7. Extend “Third Place” Hospitality: Practice welcome beyond your home in coffee shops, parks, and public spaces.
8. Practice Active Listening: Make visitors feel truly seen and heard through your attentive presence.
9. Cross Social Boundaries: Intentionally welcome those from different generations, cultures, or socioeconomic backgrounds.
10. Pray for Visitors: Incorporate prayer for those you welcome, asking God to bless them and guide your hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about being hospitable to strangers?

The Bible consistently encourages welcoming strangers, most explicitly in Hebrews 13:2, which reminds us that by showing hospitality to strangers, we may unknowingly entertain angels. Scripture presents hospitality to strangers as both a moral obligation and a spiritual opportunity.

How can I practice biblical hospitality if I’m introverted or have limited resources?

Biblical hospitality focuses on the heart attitude more than elaborate preparations. Start small with brief visits or simple refreshments. Remember Martha and Mary presence is often more valuable than perfection. Hospitality can be practiced through thoughtful notes, creating comfortable spaces, or small acts of kindness that don’t require extensive social interaction.

Does biblical hospitality mean I should welcome everyone into my home?

While scripture encourages generous hospitality, it also acknowledges wisdom and discernment. Jesus sent disciples with awareness that some households might not welcome them (Mark 6:11). 2 John 1:10-11 advises against welcoming those spreading false teaching. Hospitality should be generous while maintaining appropriate boundaries for safety and spiritual integrity.

How can churches better practice biblical hospitality?

Churches can develop intentional welcome systems, train greeters, create comfortable environments for newcomers, and ensure follow-up with visitors. Beyond Sunday mornings, congregations can practice hospitality through community meals, small groups in homes, and outreach to marginalized groups. The most effective church hospitality combines organized systems with authentic personal connections.

What’s the difference between modern hospitality and biblical hospitality?

Modern hospitality often focuses on entertainment, impression management, and reciprocity. Biblical hospitality emphasizes meeting genuine needs, crossing social boundaries, and welcoming others as an act of service to Christ. While modern hospitality may be concerned with perfect presentations, biblical hospitality prioritizes creating space where people experience God’s love and acceptance regardless of circumstances.

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