Hebrews 13:2
Hebrews 13:2 in Multiple Translations
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Take care to keep open house: because in this way some have had angels as their guests, without being conscious of it.
Don't forget to show love for strangers too, because by doing so some have welcomed angels without knowing it.
Be not forgetfull to intertaine strangers: for thereby some haue receiued Angels into their houses vnwares.
of the hospitality be not forgetful, for through this unawares certain did entertain messengers;
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this some have entertained angels unawares.
And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels.
Do not forget to be hospitable to needy travelers [LIT]. You need to know that by being hospitable, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 13:2
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Hebrews 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 13:2
Study Notes — Hebrews 13:2
- Context
- Cross References
- Hebrews 13:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 13:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 13:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
- Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 13:2
- Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 13:2
- Sermons on Hebrews 13:2
Context — Brotherly Love
2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
3Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them. 4Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25:35 | 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 took Me in, |
| 2 | Genesis 18:1–3 | Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without complaining. |
| 4 | Romans 12:13 | Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. |
| 5 | Matthew 25:43 | I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ |
| 6 | Matthew 25:40 | And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 7 | Leviticus 19:34 | You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 10:18–19 | He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 9 | Titus 1:8 | Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 17:10–16 | So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah. |
Hebrews 13:2 Summary
This verse reminds us to be kind and welcoming to people we don't know, because we never know who they might be or what God might be doing in their lives. By showing hospitality to strangers, we can reflect God's love and kindness, just as Abraham did when he welcomed three strangers who turned out to be angels (Genesis 18:1-8). We can apply this verse by being intentional about serving and loving those around us, whether it's a neighbor, a coworker, or a stranger in need (Matthew 25:31-46). By doing so, we can experience the joy and blessing of serving God and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to show hospitality to strangers?
Showing hospitality to strangers means being welcoming and generous to those we don't know, as seen in the example of Abraham in Genesis 18:1-8, who showed kindness to three strangers who turned out to be angels.
Why is it important to show hospitality to strangers?
Showing hospitality to strangers is important because it reflects our love for God and our neighbors, as commanded in Leviticus 19:34 and Matthew 22:37-40, and it can also lead to unexpected blessings and encounters, as seen in this verse.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being intentional about welcoming and serving those around us, whether it's a neighbor, a coworker, or a stranger in need, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46, where He equates serving others with serving Him.
What is the significance of entertaining angels without knowing it?
The phrase 'entertained angels without knowing it' suggests that our actions of kindness and hospitality can have spiritual significance, even if we're not aware of it, and it encourages us to treat everyone with kindness and respect, as we would want to treat Jesus Himself, as seen in Matthew 25:40.
Reflection Questions
- How can I show hospitality to strangers in my daily life, whether it's through a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand?
- What are some ways I can create a welcoming environment in my home and community for those who may feel like strangers?
- How can I balance the desire to show hospitality to strangers with the need to be wise and discerning in my interactions with others?
- What are some potential blessings or consequences of showing hospitality to strangers, and how can I be open to the unexpected ways God may work through these interactions?
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 13:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 13:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 13:2
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 13:2
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 13:2
Sermons on Hebrews 13:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 1 by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for our lives. He highlights five different threads of the gospel, emphasizin |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 15-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his encounter with three men, who are believed to be angels. Abraham shows great hospitality to them, offering them |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It |
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Why Christ Became a Servant of the Jews by John Piper | John Piper emphasizes that Christ became a servant to the Jews to fulfill God's promises and to demonstrate His truthfulness, urging the church to welcome one another across differ |
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Surrounded by Angels by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon transcript titled "Surrounded by Angels," Basilia Schlink shares her experiences of ministering in slum areas with a traveling chapel. Despite facing threats and att |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Abraham, showcasing his journey of faith, obedience, and the consequences of both listening to God and following human advice. It emphasizes the |
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Unreached Peoples: The Tajik People of Central Asia by Paul Hattaway | This sermon focuses on the history, culture, and people of the Tajik community in Central Asia, highlighting their resilience, unique heritage, and warm hospitality. It explores th |






