Brief Overview of ξένος (Strong’s G3581: xenos)

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the meaning of key Greek words such as ξένος (xenos) opens up deeper insights into the cultural, social, and theological themes of the New Testament. The word xenos, which occurs in Matthew 25:35, is particularly significant because it captures the concept of “stranger” or “foreigner.” This term resonates in both ancient Greek culture and New Testament teachings, where the treatment of outsiders—especially through hospitality—reflects broader ethical and theological principles. In ancient contexts, the concept of xenos was not merely about nationality or origin; it carried moral and social implications about how communities interacted with those outside their familiar circles.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ξένος (xenos), pronounced xen-os.

Etymology: The term xenos comes from the root meaning “foreign” or “strange,” and in Greek, it could refer to a person who is unfamiliar, a guest, or someone from a different place. In some instances, it can also imply the role of a host who receives guests, showing hospitality.

Part of Speech: Xenos is a noun. In most contexts, it functions as a masculine noun, but it can also be used in a broader sense to describe both men and women who are strangers or outsiders.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Stranger or Foreigner: The most common meaning of xenos is a stranger or foreigner, someone who is not from the local community or group. This is the meaning found in Matthew 25:35, where Jesus speaks of the care shown to strangers as an act of righteousness.

2. Guest: Xenos can also refer to a guest, reflecting the concept of hospitality. In ancient Greek culture, welcoming and caring for guests was a sacred duty, and this meaning of the word emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between host and guest.

3. Host: Interestingly, xenos can at times take on the meaning of a host. This fluid use of the word highlights the interconnected nature of hospitality, where both guest and host share a relationship of mutual respect and care.

Exploring Similar Words

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1. πάροικος (paroikos) [pronunciation: par-oy’-kos]: This word means “sojourner” or “resident alien,” someone living temporarily in a foreign place. While xenos emphasizes the foreign nature of the person, paroikos focuses more on the temporary residence of a stranger.

2. μετοικος (metoikos) [pronunciation: met-oy’-kos]: This term describes a person who has moved from one country to live in another. It implies more of a settled stranger, unlike xenos, which can refer to a transient guest.

3. ξενία (xenia) [pronunciation: xen-ee’-ah]: Related to xenos, this term means hospitality or the act of hosting strangers. It reflects the broader cultural expectations of how foreigners or guests should be treated.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As a noun, xenos follows the second declension, typically appearing in the nominative, genitive, and accusative cases depending on its grammatical role in the sentence. It is masculine in form but can describe both male and female individuals.

Declension: Xenos is part of the second declension in Greek, and its singular forms are xenos (nominative), xenou (genitive), and xenon (accusative). In the plural, it becomes xenoi (nominative), xenon (genitive), and xenous (accusative).

For further reading on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Across various lexicons, xenos is consistently associated with the idea of a stranger or foreigner, yet it also emphasizes the cultural expectation of hospitality. Theologically, in the New Testament, xenos is often linked with Christ’s teachings on loving one’s neighbor and extending care to those on the margins of society. The stranger becomes a symbol of those in need of love and attention. The word’s usage in classical Greek similarly reflects this, where strangers were often viewed as guests to be protected, and where hospitality carried religious and moral weight.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 25:35: “For I was a stranger [ξένος], and you took me in.”

2. Ephesians 2:19: “So then you are no longer strangers [ξένοι] and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

3. Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers [ξένοι], for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The xenos was welcomed and treated with respect.”

Homer Odyssey “The xenos arrived at the palace, where he was given food and shelter.”

Septuagint Exodus 22:21 “You shall not wrong a xenos or oppress him, for you were xenoi in the land of Egypt.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word xenos (Strong’s G3581) is rich in meaning and significance, reflecting the ancient values of hospitality and care for outsiders. In the New Testament, it encapsulates both the ethical duty to welcome the stranger and the broader theological vision of God’s inclusive love. From its cultural roots in Greek society to its theological depth in the Christian message, xenos is a word that challenges us to think about how we treat those who are different or unfamiliar.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek culture, xenia was a sacred bond of hospitality between host and guest, often governed by unwritten rules of mutual respect and care.

2. The word xenos can refer both to a stranger and to a guest, emphasizing the relational nature of hospitality in the ancient world.

3. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently used the concept of xenos to challenge social norms and call for radical love and inclusion of outsiders.