Hospitality to Strangers: Customs and Traditions from the Bible

Hospitality in biblical times was more than a matter of courtesy—it was a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practice. Welcoming strangers into one’s home was considered both a moral duty and a sacred tradition, especially in the harsh and often dangerous landscapes of the ancient Near East. Travelers depended on the kindness of others for food, water, and shelter, and hosts saw such acts not just as generous, but as expressions of righteousness and faithfulness. This ancient custom appears throughout Scripture and carries a strong legacy within Christian history.