King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:2 Mean?

Hebrews 13:2 in the King James Version says “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Hebrews 13:2 · KJV

Context

1

Let brotherly love continue.

2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

4

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hospitality (philoxenias, φιλοξενίας, literally 'love of strangers') was crucial in ancient world lacking hotels, especially for traveling Christians facing hostility. 'Be not forgetful' (mē epilanthanesthe, μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε) warns against neglecting this duty under pressure—persecution made hosting strangers risky, but believers shouldn't abandon this practice.

The motivation, 'some have entertained angels unawares,' references Abraham hosting three visitors who proved to be divine messengers (Genesis 18:1-15) and Lot entertaining angels (Genesis 19:1-3). The Greek elathon (ἔλαθον, 'unawares' or 'without knowing') suggests we never fully know whom we're serving. Every stranger could be Christ Himself in disguise (Matthew 25:35-40), making hospitality sacred duty.

This challenges modern Western Christianity's privacy-focused, entertainment-oriented culture that views home as personal castle rather than ministry resource. Biblical hospitality isn't hosting parties for friends but welcoming strangers, particularly fellow believers in need. Early Christians' radical hospitality contributed to Christianity's rapid spread—traveling evangelists and persecuted believers found welcome in Christian homes. Reformed theology sees hospitality as stewarding resources for kingdom purposes, recognizing that all we possess belongs to God and should serve His purposes, including caring for His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century travel was dangerous and expensive. Most people traveled on foot, stayed in homes of family or friends, or risked unsafe public inns. Early Christian missionaries and refugees from persecution depended on believers' hospitality. Romans 16 lists many who hosted Paul and church gatherings. 3 John 5-8 praises Gaius for hospitality toward traveling ministers. Conversely, Diotrephes' refusal of hospitality is condemned (3 John 9-10). The cultural context made hospitality essential, not optional. Jewish tradition also emphasized hospitality, recounting Abraham's example. Early Christian 'Didache' gives detailed instructions for hosting traveling prophets, showing how central this practice was to early church life and mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you using your home and resources to practice biblical hospitality toward strangers, particularly fellow believers?
  2. What fears, inconveniences, or preferences prevent you from welcoming strangers as you should?
  3. In what ways could you support Christian missionaries, refugees, or persecuted believers through hospitality?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
τῆς1 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φιλοξενίας2 of 11

“to entertain strangers”

G5381

hospitableness

μὴ3 of 11

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιλανθάνεσθε4 of 11

“Be”

G1950

to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect

διὰ5 of 11

“thereby”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ταύτης6 of 11
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

γὰρ7 of 11

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔλαθόν8 of 11

“unawares”

G2990

to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly

τινες9 of 11

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

ξενίσαντες10 of 11

“have entertained”

G3579

to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange

ἀγγέλους11 of 11

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 13:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:35Genesis 18:1-19:31 Peter 4:9Romans 12:13Matthew 25:43Matthew 25:40

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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