UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to show hospitality, to receive a stranger as a guest, hospitality

Semantic entry: 34.57

Semantic domains: Association

Subdomains: Show Hospitality

Definition: to receive and show hospitality to a stranger, that is, someone who is not regarded as a member of the extended family or a close friend

Notes: To receive a stranger as a guest is sometimes expressed idiomatically as ‘to let a stranger sit at one’s table,’ ‘to offer a bed to a stranger,’ or ‘to let a stranger enter one’s house.’

Sense 2: to be surprised

Semantic entry: 25.206

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Surprise, Astonish

Definition: (compare ξένος ‘unknown, surprising,’ 28.34: ξένος) to experience a sudden feeling of unexpected wonder

Notes: The experience of ‘surprise’ may be expressed idiomatically in some languages, for example, ‘to be left with one’s mouth open’ or ‘to have one’s eyes made wide open.’

Forms: ξενίζομαι