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

HEBREWS 13:2KJV
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Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:2 mean?

Hebrews 13:2 urges readers not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, because in doing so, some people have unknowingly welcomed angels. The verse highlights the importance of kindness to those we do not know, suggesting that such acts may have greater significance than we realize.

The letter to the Hebrews was written to early Christians, encouraging them to live out their faith in practical ways. In this verse, the writer reminds them that hospitality was a valued practice in their culture and faith tradition. The mention of "entertaining angels unawares" alludes to stories in the Hebrew Scriptures where people, like Abraham, hosted visitors who turned out to be messengers from God.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:2

  • "Strangers" (ξένος, xenos, G5381): This word refers to people who are not part of one's household or community. The command is not just about being polite, but about actively welcoming those who are unfamiliar or outsiders.
  • "Entertained" (ξενίζω, xenizō, G3579): The Greek word means to receive as a guest or to show hospitality. It emphasizes more than a casual greeting; it involves caring for someone’s needs.
  • "Unawares" (λανθάνω, lanthanō, G2990): This word means to do something without realizing it. The verse points out that people may have hosted angels without knowing their true identity, highlighting the unseen value in acts of hospitality.

Why Hebrews 13:2 matters

  • Hebrews 13:2 reminds readers that everyday kindness can have spiritual significance, even if we do not see the results immediately.
  • The verse connects to a broader biblical theme of welcoming the outsider, showing that hospitality is not just a social custom but a spiritual practice.
  • By referencing the possibility of "entertaining angels," the writer encourages believers to treat every guest with honor, since the true impact of their actions may be hidden.

Where else these words appear

“strangers” Greek G5381 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

“unawares” Greek G2990 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
  • Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • 2 Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

“Be” Greek G1950 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
  • Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
  • Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

“entertained” Greek G3579 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.