Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Peter 4:9
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
9. Use hospitality one to another without grudging ] Literally, Be hospitable. The stress laid on this virtue in the New Testament, as in 1Ti 3:2; Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2, brings before us some of the more striking features of the social life of the Christians of the first three centuries. The Christian traveller coming to a strange city was in a position of no little difficulty. The houses of heathen friends, if he had any, were likely to bring trials of one kind or another. He might be taunted and persecuted for his faith or tempted to “run to the same excess of riot with them.” Inns presented too often scenes of drunkenness and impurity, foul words and fouler acts. It was therefore an unspeakable gain for such an one to know that he could find shelter in a Christian home. The fact that he was a Christian, that he brought with him some “letter of commendation” (2Co 3:1) as a safeguard against imposture, was to be enough to secure a welcome. It lay in the nature of things that sometimes strangers might thus present themselves with inconvenient frequency or under inconvenient conditions, and therefore St Peter adds “be hospitable without murmurings.” Men were not to look on it as a trouble or a nuisance, or think themselves hardly treated. They might be entertaining angels unawares (Heb 13:2). Here also God loved a cheerful giver (2Co 9:7).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Use hospitality one to another – On the duty of hospitality, see the Rom 12:13 note; Heb 13:2 note.
Without grudging – Greek, without murmurs; that is, without complaining of the hardship of doing it; of the time, and expense, and trouble required in doing it. The idea of grudging, in the common sense of that word – that is, of doing it unwillingly, or regretting the expense, and considering it as ill-bestowed, or as not producing an equivalent of any kind – is not exactly the idea here. It is that we are to do it without murmuring or complaining. It greatly enhances the value of hospitality, that it be done on our part with entire cheerfulness. One of the duties involved in it is to make a guest happy; and this can be done in no other way than by showing him that he is welcome.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 9. Use hospitality] Be ever ready to divide your bread with the hungry, and to succour the stranger. See Clarke on Heb 13:2.
Without grudging.] . Without grumblings. Do nothing merely because it is commanded, but do it from love to God and man; then it will be without grumbling.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Use hospitality; Christian hospitality in entertaining strangers, those especially that are brought to need your kindness by suffering for the gospel.
Without grudging; or murmuring, either at the expense you make, or the carriage of those ye entertain; q.d. Use hospitality willingly, freely, cheerfully, Rom 12:8; 2Co 9:7.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9. (Rom 12:13;Heb 13:2.) Not the spurioushospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertainingof those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, asthe representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoeverexercised from genuine Christian love.
without grudgingGreek,“murmuring.” “He that giveth, let him do it withsimplicity,” that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality.Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, orupbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Use hospitality,…. Or, “be lovers of strangers”, as the phrase may be rendered, and as it is in the Syriac version; that is, such as are of a distant country, or come from afar, and are unknown by face, especially good men, that are obliged to remove from their native country for the sake of religion, or by one providence or another; and these are to be loved: and love is to be shown them, both negatively, by not vexing them, and making them uneasy in body or mind; by not oppressing them by violence and injustice, and making any exorbitant demands upon them; or by not perverting judgment with respect to them; and positively, by directing, counselling, and advising them, and if need be, by giving them food, and raiment, and lodging: and it is what men have been led to by the very light of nature, as in the instances of Jethro the Midianite towards Moses, and the inhabitants of Melita with Publius, the chief man of the island, towards the Apostle Paul and his company; and is what God enjoined the Israelites by divers laws, since they had been strangers in the land of Egypt; and various are the exhortations to it in the New Testament; and some, by the practice of it, have entertained angels unawares, as Abraham, and Lot; and even Christ himself, as the two disciples travelling to Emmaus; and is what is highly regarded and commended by Christ, and the contrary is resented by him; and therefore it ought to be used and practised frequently; saints should inure themselves to it, be given to it, pursue and follow hard after it; [See comments on Ro 12:13],
[See comments on Heb 13:2]. The apostle adds here, one to another; which clause is left out in the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; the reason of which may be, because the authors of these versions might think this not so consistent with the duty exhorted to, since the objects of it are strangers; but it should be observed, that so were these persons the apostle writes to; see 1Pe 1:1, they were scattered about, and lived in different countries, and were strangers to one another, and therefore the clause is pertinent enough; and the sense is, that as they were in foreign countries, and at a distance one from another, whenever by any providence they were brought where each other were, that they would be hospitable to one another: and that
without grudging: food, raiment, and lodging, or what they want, whether direction or advice, thinking it no trouble to give them either; or without murmurings, as it may be rendered, as if they were burdensome, and they were too chargeable to them, and their stay too long; and without complaints of them, finding fault, and picking quarrels with them, and laying charges against them, in order to get rid of them. This is one branch of charity before recommended.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Using hospitality (). “Friendly to strangers,” old word (from , ), in N.T. only here and 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8. No verb here in the Greek.
Without murmuring ( ). Like in Php 2:14. Complaint spoils hospitality. Jesus enjoined the entertainment of strangers (Mt 25:35). Inns were rare and very poor. Hospitality made mission work possible (3Jo 1:5).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Using hospitality. Compare Rom 13:13.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Use hospitality” (Greek philoksenoi) be hospitable or friendly Pro 17:17; Joh 15:14.
2) “One to another without grudging.” (Greek eis) “With relationship to” one another, (Greek aneu) without or void of (Greek gongusmou) griping, murmuring, or complaining. Rom 12:9-10.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
9 Use hospitality, or, Be hospitable. After having generally exhorted them to love one another, he specially mentions one of the duties of love. At that time hospitality was commonly used, and it was deemed in a manner a sacred kind of humanity, as we have stated elsewhere. He then bids them mutually to exercise it, so that no one might require more from others than what he himself was prepared to render. He adds, without murmurings, for it is a rare example that one spends himself and his own on his neighbor without any disparaging reflection. Then the Apostle would have us to show kindness willingly and with a cheerful mind.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) Use hospitality.It is a great pity that again (as in 1Pe. 3:8, and elsewhere) the participial clauses are broken up in our version into separate injunctions. Here it is, properly, being hospitable. This is the first form of charityreceiving Christians who came from other towns (comp. 3Jn. 1:5-6). See how such hospitality covers (to the surprise of the bestowers) a multitude of sins in Mat. 25:35-38.
Without grudging.That is, without murmuring. How frequently Christian hospitality is marred by grumbling at the expense and the trouble which it costs!
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. Hospitality As would often be necessary toward those who might be driven from home, or otherwise suffering.
Without grudging Not murmuring at the cost or trouble.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Pe 4:9. Use hospitality, &c. We have had frequent occasion to remark the especial necessity and importance of hospitality, for the want of inns in the Eastern world. Dr. Robertson, speaking of the little intercourse between nations during the middle ages of Christianity, observes as a proof hereof, “that there were no inns, or houses of entertainment for the reception of travellers, during those ages. Among people (says he) whose manners are simple, and who are seldom visited by strangers, hospitality is a virtue of thefirst rank. This duty of hospitality was so necessary in that state of society which took place during the middle ages, that it was not considered as one of those virtues which men may practise or not, according to the tempers of their minds, and the generosity of their hearts: hospitality was enforced by statutes, and they who neglected this duty, were liable to punishment. The laws of the Slavi were remarkably rigorous: they ordained, that the moveables of an inhospitable person should be confiscated, and his house burned. In consequence of these laws, or of that state of society which made it proper to enact them, hospitality abounded while the intercourse among men was inconsiderable, and secured the stranger a kind reception under every roof where he chose to take shelter. This too proves clearly, that the intercourse among men was rare; for as soon as this increased, what was a pleasure became a burthen, and the entertaining of travellers was converted into a branch of commerce.” See his History of Charles V. vol. 1: p. 326. But by the word hospitality, I conceive all other supply of the wants of our brethren in outward things to be here comprehended. Now, for this, the way and measure, indeed, must receive its proportion from the estate and ability of persons. But certainly the great straitening of hands in these things, is more from the straitness of hearts than of means. A large heart, with a little estate, will do much with cheerfulness and little noise, while hearts glued to the poor riches they possess, or rather are possessed by, can scarcely part with any thing, till they be pulled from all. Now, for supply of our brethren’s necessities, one good help is, the retrenching of our own superfluities. Turn the stream into that channel where it will refresh thy brethren, and enrich thyself, and let it not run into the dead sea. Thyvain excessive entertainments, thy gaudy variety of dresses, these thou dost not challenge, thinking it is of thine own; but know, as follows, thou art but steward of it, and this is not faithfully laying out; thou canst not answer for it; yea, it is robbery; thou robbest thy poor brethren that want necessaries, whilst thou lavishest thus on unnecessaries. Such a feast, such a suit of apparel, is direct robbery in the Lord’s eye, and the poor may cry, That is mine which you cast away so vainly, by which both I and you might be profited, Pro 3:27-28. With-hold not good from him therefore to whom it is due, &c.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Pe 4:9 . In this and the following verses two manifestations of love are brought prominently forward, in which its ministering nature is revealed. First: ] cf. Rom 12:13 ; Heb 13:2 ; 3Jn 1:5 ; 1Ti 3:2 , etc. The chief emphasis lies on the words which serve more closely to define the statement: , “ without murmuring ,” i.e. murmuring at the trouble caused by the hospitality shown to brethren. The same thing is said in a more general way, Phi 2:14 : ; cf. 2Co 9:7 : , .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Ver. 9. Without grudgings ] Without shucking and hucking. 2Co 8:12 ; See Trapp on “ 2Co 8:12 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
9 .] hospitable towards one another (see besides reff., Rom 12:13 . “Loquitur non de pomposa hospitalitate Luk 14:12 , sed de Christiana illa et sancta hospitalitate, qua peregrinos egenos, maxime vero propter religionis ver professionem exules Christiani ex sincera caritate promte in des suas recipiunt, eos amanter et benigne complectuntur, tanquam Christi membra et ecclesi concives fovent” &c. Gerhard) without murmuring (see ref. Phil. and note. The opposite to in hospitality is simple open-heartedness, Rom 12:8 ; the consequence of it, “occulta maledicentia, odiosa exprobratio beneficiorum,” as Gerhard here):
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Pe 4:9 . Hospitality is the practical proof of this love ; its practice was necessary to the cohesion of the scattered brotherhood as to the welfare of those whose duties called them to travel. The inns were little better than brothels and Christians were commonly poor. Chrysostom cites the examples of Abraham and Lot ( cf. Heb 13:2 ). The united advocacy of this virtue was successful so much so that the Didache has to provide against abuses such as Lucian depicts in the biography of Peregrinus “a Christian traveller shall not remain more than two or three days if he wishes to settle is unskilled and will not work he is a , makes his Christian profession his merchandise.” , used despite above and below, perhaps because the recipients of hospitality belong necessarily to other Churches. , St. Peter guards against the imperfection of even Christian human nature. Sir 29:25-28 describes how a stranger who outstays his welcome is first set to menial tasks and then driven out.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Use hospitality = Be hospitable. See 1Ti 3:2 and compare Rom 12:13.
one, &c. = to one another.
grudging = murmuring. See Act 6:1.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
9.] hospitable towards one another (see besides reff., Rom 12:13. Loquitur non de pomposa hospitalitate Luk 14:12, sed de Christiana illa et sancta hospitalitate, qua peregrinos egenos, maxime vero propter religionis ver professionem exules Christiani ex sincera caritate promte in des suas recipiunt, eos amanter et benigne complectuntur, tanquam Christi membra et ecclesi concives fovent &c. Gerhard) without murmuring (see ref. Phil. and note. The opposite to in hospitality is simple open-heartedness, Rom 12:8; the consequence of it, occulta maledicentia, odiosa exprobratio beneficiorum, as Gerhard here):
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Pe 4:9. , mutually) This relates to those who dwelt in different cities or districts.-, murmurings) These are avoided by preserving an equality of duties, or by not nicely weighing their inequality.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
hospitality: Rom 12:13, Rom 16:23, 1Ti 3:2, Tit 1:8, Heb 13:2, Heb 13:16
without: 2Co 9:7, Phi 2:14, Phm 1:14, Jam 5:9
Reciprocal: Gen 18:2 – three Gen 18:6 – three Gen 24:18 – General Gen 24:19 – General Gen 24:25 – General Gen 26:30 – General Deu 15:9 – thine eye Jdg 19:20 – let all thy wants 1Sa 25:11 – Shall I then 2Ki 4:10 – Let us 1Ch 16:3 – to every one Neh 5:17 – an hundred Job 31:32 – The stranger Pro 22:9 – He that hath a bountiful eye Isa 21:14 – brought Isa 61:3 – that he Mat 25:14 – and delivered Mat 25:35 – I was an Luk 19:13 – delivered Act 10:23 – and lodged Act 11:29 – every Rom 12:8 – giveth 1Ti 4:14 – Neglect 1Ti 5:10 – if she have lodged
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Pe 4:9. Hospitality one to another. This is the treatment to be shown by the brethren toward each other, and is different from that which pertains to “strangers” (Heb 13:2). Since the disciples of Christ have a common relation to Christ, they ought to feel “at home” when in each other’s company. Without grudging denotes that, it will be without murmuring or complaining. When brethren extend the hospitality of their homes to each other, it should not be in the attitude of “have-to” duty, as if they were dealing with “objects of charity.”
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Pe 4:9. hospitable one to another without murmuring. The duty of hospitality occupies a very notable place in the New Testament teaching, in respect both of private Christians and of those in office (cf. e.g. Rom 12:13; 1Ti 3:2; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 1:8; Heb 13:2; 3Jn 1:5-8, etc.). The characteristic Eastern virtue became of still more urgent importance among Christians in the early times of their uncertainty and trial, when families were broken up, friends divided, and homeless wanderings made a necessity. Taking it for granted, however, that the laws of hospitality are honoured, and that believers who have the power will be ready to open the door to every needy brother, Peter deals here with the spirit in which all should be done. It should be without grudging, or rather (as the Rhemish Version and the Revised render it; while the A. V. has the support of Wycliffe, Tyndale, Cranmer, and the Genevan), without murmuring, that is, without giving vent to hard or selfish thoughts about the cost and trouble. The word (which is strange to Classical Greek) occurs again in Joh 7:12, Act 6:1, Php 2:14, in all which cases the A. V. renders it murmuring. Only when hospitality is offered in this spirit does it answer to the high strain of love which should prevail among Christian brethren.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
As a principal act and eminent exercise of charity, the apostle advises to use hospitality to their poor brethern, without grudging or murmuring at the charge: hospitality is a necessary, a commendable, and a commanded, duty; St. Paul requires, that we be given to hospitality. Rom 12:13
Observe farther, the apostle doth not barely say, use hospitality, but use it one to another: it is a mutual duty; whence it appears, that though hospitality towards the poor be a commanded duty, yet hospitality among the rich is no sin, but a duty likewise, to give reciprocal entertainments; for though our Saviour says, Luk 14:12. When thou makest a dinner, or a supper, call not thy friends and rich neighbours; the prohibition is not absolute, he doth not forbid the inviting of the rich, but chargeth us not to forget the poor: we may treat both, if we have enough for both; but if not, what we have to spare must be for them that have nothing, not for them that have enough already, for we must prefer works of pious charity before acts of civil courtesy: Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
4:9 {7} Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
(7) Of all the duties of charity, he commends one, namely that which was at that time most necessary, that is, hospitality, which he would have be voluntary and most courteous and bountiful.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Offering hospitality without complaining is one way to demonstrate love for the brethren (cf. Mat 25:35). A host might incur persecution by giving hospitality to a known Christian in Peter’s day.
"In certain cultures that are strongly family-oriented, the bringing of strangers into a house may be somewhat shocking. Yet Christians overcome these conventions because God’s love has made them into a single great family." [Note: Blum, p. 246.]