Hospitality is more than offering someone a warm meal or a place to stay. In Scripture, it is a sacred calling—an outward expression of the heart of God Himself. Throughout the Bible, hospitality is shown not just as a nice gesture, but as an act of love, service, and obedience. It reflects the nature of a God who welcomes us in, even when we were strangers.
In biblical times, to welcome a traveler, a widow, or a stranger into your home was not just cultural—it was spiritual. It mirrored God’s gracious invitation to humanity. The hospitality of Abraham, the kindness of the widow of Zarephath, and the generosity shown by Lydia in the New Testament are more than stories. They are examples of a lifestyle rooted in trust, faith, and love.
When we open our doors, our hands, and our hearts to others, we open a space for God’s love to flow through us. True hospitality is not limited by resources or status. It is about attitude, willingness, and compassion. In a world that often builds walls, hospitality builds bridges. These 35 verses will remind you that hospitality is not only a command but also a blessing—for both the giver and the receiver.
Bible Verses About Hospitality
1. Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
2. Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3. 1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
4. Luke 14:13-14
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
5. Matthew 25:35
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
6. Titus 1:8
But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
7. Genesis 18:2-5
He saw three men standing nearby… he bowed low to the ground and offered them rest and food.
8. Acts 16:15
If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.
9. 3 John 1:5-6
You are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.
10. Leviticus 19:34
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.
11. Job 31:32
No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open.
12. Acts 28:2
The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all.
13. Deuteronomy 10:19
And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
14. 1 Timothy 5:10
She is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people.
15. Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?
16. Luke 10:34-35
He went to him and bandaged his wounds… and took care of him.
17. 1 Kings 17:9-10
I have commanded a widow there to supply you with food.
18. Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
19. Luke 19:5-6
Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today. So he welcomed him gladly.
20. Matthew 10:40
Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
21. Philemon 1:22
Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
22. Exodus 22:21
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
23. Genesis 24:31
Come in, O blessed of the Lord. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house.
24. Acts 2:46
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
25. 1 Samuel 25:6
Say to him: Long life to you! Good health to you and your household!
26. Zechariah 7:9-10
Show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the foreigner or the poor.
27. Matthew 10:42
If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple… they will certainly not lose their reward.
28. Luke 7:44-45
You gave me no water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears.
29. Ruth 2:10
Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?
30. Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
31. 2 Kings 4:10
Let’s make a small room on the roof with a bed, table, chair, and lamp for him.
32. Luke 24:29
Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them.
33. Romans 15:7
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
34. Proverbs 14:21
Blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
35. James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it if you do nothing?
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Hospitality
The Bible paints a vivid picture of hospitality as an essential part of Christian life. It’s not about impressing others with a perfect home or gourmet meals. It’s about making room for people, for compassion, and for God’s presence. Hospitality requires a generous spirit and a humble heart.
It sees the stranger, the broken, and the outsider and says, “You are welcome here.” Scripture reminds us that when we welcome others, we are welcoming Christ Himself. It’s in these quiet acts of kindness that heaven often touches earth. May we not just talk about love, but show it in practical ways. True hospitality is not just an event, it’s a way of living.
Say This Prayer
Lord, thank You for welcoming me with open arms and unconditional love. Help me to reflect that same heart to others. Teach me to open my doors with joy, to give with compassion, and to love without limits. Let my home be a place where Your Spirit dwells and where others feel seen, safe, and valued. May I never miss an opportunity to serve You by serving those You send my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.