Brief Overview of ξενίζω (Strong’s G3579: xenízō)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words adds depth to New Testament interpretation. The Greek word ξενίζω (xenízō), which appears in Acts 10:6, is significant because it reflects the cultural practice of hospitality in the ancient world, particularly in the context of early Christian communities. The word denotes the act of receiving or hosting a stranger, a concept closely related to Christian teachings about kindness, generosity, and care for others. By exploring ξενίζω, we gain insight into how ancient Greek culture shaped early Christian practices of hospitality and how this concept was embedded in New Testament texts.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ξενίζω (xenízō), pronounced kse-nee’-zo.

Etymology: ξενίζω derives from the root word ξένος (xénos), which means “stranger” or “foreigner.” The verb ξενίζω literally means “to entertain a stranger” or “to host” and by extension can refer to the act of providing hospitality or causing someone to stay as a guest.

Part of Speech: ξενίζω is a verb. It functions as an active verb in the New Testament, primarily indicating actions of hosting or accommodating others, especially strangers. The verb is used in contexts where someone is invited to stay or is surprised by something unfamiliar, highlighting both hospitality and amazement.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Host or Entertain as a Guest: The primary meaning of ξενίζω is to provide hospitality or to host someone, especially a stranger. In Acts 10:6, the word is used to describe Simon the tanner, who is hosting Peter in his home, indicating the traditional practice of offering lodging to a guest.

2. To Be Surprised or Astonished: In some contexts, ξενίζω can take on the meaning of being astonished or surprised, often in the sense of being surprised by something unusual or foreign.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ξένος (xénos) [pronunciation: kse’-nos]: This noun means “stranger” or “foreigner,” and it is the root word from which ξενίζω derives. While ξενίζω refers to the action of hosting or accommodating a stranger, ξένος refers to the person being hosted.

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2. καταλύω (katalýō) [pronunciation: kat-al’-yoo-oh]: This word means “to lodge” or “to take up a temporary residence,” but it does not necessarily imply the act of hosting a stranger like ξενίζω does.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: ξενίζω appears in different tenses in the New Testament, depending on the context. In Acts 10:6, it is used in the present tense to describe the ongoing action of hosting. The verb is generally used in the active voice, indicating that the subject is performing the action of hosting. It can appear in various moods such as indicative (to state a fact), imperative (to give a command), or subjunctive (to express a possibility).

Person and Number: The verb ξενίζω is conjugated according to the subject performing the action. In Acts 10:6, it is in the third person singular, describing Simon the tanner as the one doing the hosting.

For more detailed information on Greek grammar, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon insights from sources like BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the dual meanings of ξενίζω, both in the context of hospitality and astonishment. In the New Testament, ξενίζω is most frequently associated with hosting guests, particularly in a missionary or Christian community setting. The theological implications of this word suggest that hospitality was not just a social practice but a spiritual duty in the early church. Classical Greek texts also use ξενίζω to describe situations where someone is made to feel like a stranger or outsider, further reinforcing its association with both literal and figurative forms of hospitality.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 10:6: “He is staying [ξενίζεται] with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

2. Acts 10:23: “So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging [ξενίζειν].”

3. Acts 28:7: “There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality [ξενίζειν] for three days.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The Greeks hosted [ξενίζω] the foreign envoys with great honor.”

Xenophon Anabasis “The host was known for his generous hospitality [ξενίζω].”

Septuagint 1 Kings 17:20 “Elijah was hosted [ξενίζω] by the widow in Zarephath.”

Noteworthy Summary

ξενίζω is a rich word in the New Testament that conveys both the act of hospitality and the sense of astonishment. Rooted in the cultural practice of receiving and caring for strangers, it reflects a fundamental value in early Christian ethics. Acts 10:6 shows its usage in a practical setting where Simon hosts Peter, emphasizing the importance of hospitality in spreading the gospel.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greece, hospitality (ξενίζω) was often viewed as a sacred obligation, with divine implications.

2. Early Christians adopted the concept of ξενίζω as a way to reflect God’s love through acts of hospitality.

3. The word ξενίζω can also be used to describe feelings of amazement or surprise, particularly when encountering something unexpected.