Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1 PETER 4:9KJV
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1 Peter 4:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 4:9 mean?

1 Peter 4:9 tells believers to be welcoming and generous toward each other, offering hospitality without complaining or feeling burdened by it. The verse encourages a genuine, willing attitude when caring for others in the community.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is writing to early Christians facing hardship and social pressure. In this context, hospitality was more than casual friendliness—it often meant opening one’s home and sharing resources with those in need. Peter’s instruction highlights the importance of doing this gladly, not just out of duty.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 4:9

  • The word for "hospitality" is φιλοξενία (philoxenia), which literally means "love of strangers." This goes beyond simply inviting friends over; it points to welcoming those who may be outsiders or in need.
  • The phrase "without grudging" uses the Greek word γογγυσμός (gongysmos), which refers to murmuring, complaining, or doing something with a bad attitude. Peter is urging believers not just to act hospitably, but to do so with a sincere and cheerful spirit.

Why 1 Peter 4:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian hospitality is not just about the outward act but also the inner attitude—generosity should be free from reluctance or resentment.
  • The instruction fits into a broader section where Peter urges believers to support and serve each other, especially during difficult times.
  • Understanding the original Greek words helps reveal that hospitality in this context is a deep, active care for others, not just social niceness.

Where else these words appear

“hospitality” Greek G5382 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
  • Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

“without” Greek G427 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
  • 1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

“grudging” Greek G1112 · used in 4 verses

  • John 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
  • Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
  • Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

“another” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
  • Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.