This page gives you King James Version verses about welcoming strangers, arranged by the moments when hospitality is hardest to offer: the unfamiliar face at church, the new neighbor, the person who arrives at the door with nothing but a need. It is written for Christians who want Scripture to shape how they open their homes, their tables and their hearts. These verses share one thread: God counts the stranger among those He loves, and He asks His people to do the same.
Verses for Opening Your Door to Someone New
Some of the most direct commands about strangers appear in the Law, where Israel is reminded of its own history as foreigners. These verses ask you to remember where you came from before you decide how to treat the person standing in front of you.
Leviticus 19:34
But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
(KJV)
This verse asks you to treat a newcomer as one of your own, because you once lived as an outsider yourself. Before your next conversation with someone unfamiliar, recall a time you felt out of place, and let that memory soften the way you speak to them.
Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(KJV)
The writer reminds you that some visitors may carry more than you expect. Let this push you to notice strangers as possible guests rather than interruptions, and be ready to offer a meal or a chair when the chance comes.
Romans 12:13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
(KJV)
Paul lists hospitality alongside sharing with the needy, presenting it as a regular practice rather than an occasional favor. Pick one week this month to intentionally invite someone new for coffee or a simple supper.
Verses for the Moment a Stranger Feels Alone
Many strangers arrive carrying grief, fear or loneliness they do not name. These verses speak to what God does for those who have no one, and they show you how to join Him in that work.
Psalm 146:9
The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
(KJV)
This psalm shows God personally watching over strangers, widows and orphans, the people easiest to overlook. Reading it reminds you that your welcome echoes His own care, so when you greet a new face, do it as one who knows God is already near.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19
18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. 19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
(KJV)
Here God is described as loving the stranger and providing food and clothing for him. Consider one practical need you could meet this week, such as a meal, a ride or a warm coat, and let it be a small reflection of that same provision.
Matthew 25:35
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in…
(KJV)
Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger in need of shelter, and He treats welcome as welcome offered to Him. When a new person comes to your church or street, quietly remind yourself that you may be opening your door to Christ Himself.
Verses for Making Room at Your Table
Hospitality is not only a feeling of goodwill. It is a shared meal, a seat made ready and a conversation that continues past the first hello. These verses encourage you to make that welcome concrete.
Luke 14:13-14
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
(KJV)
Jesus teaches that the best guests are often those who cannot repay you. Think of someone in your circle who has no way to return the kindness, and make them your next invitation.
1 Peter 4:9
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
(KJV)
Peter calls for hospitality without grumbling, which means welcoming people even when the timing is inconvenient. The next time an unexpected guest appears, let your first words be warm rather than apologetic.
Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them , he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground…
(KJV)
Abraham runs to meet three travelers and bows low before them, a picture of eager welcome. Practice that posture by stepping toward a newcomer, rather than waiting for them to find you.
Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
(KJV)
This proverb says that kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, who will repay it. Let that truth shape how you give, so that generosity toward a stranger becomes an act of worship rather than obligation.
Verses for Welcoming Strangers as Christ Welcomed You
The deepest reason to welcome strangers is that Christ first welcomed you while you were still far from Him. These verses root hospitality in the gospel itself.
Romans 15:7
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
(KJV)
Paul asks believers to receive one another just as Christ received them. When someone is awkward, different or hard to like, remember how patiently you were received, and extend that same patience to them.
Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God…
(KJV)
Paul tells the Ephesians that they are no longer strangers but fellow citizens in God’s household. Let this change how you see the newcomer: not as an outsider to manage, but as someone you might one day call family.
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering…
(KJV)
Paul urges believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness and patience. Before you greet someone new, pause and ask God to fill you with those qualities, so your welcome carries the warmth of Christ.
Matthew 10:40
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
(KJV)
Jesus says that whoever receives a messenger receives Him, and the one who sent Him. Treat each new arrival with that dignity, understanding that your welcome does not end with them but reaches toward the God who sends them.
How to Use These Verses
Write two or three of these verses on a card and keep it by your front door or in your car. When you see someone unfamiliar, read the card before you speak, so the first thing you bring to the encounter is Scripture rather than hesitation.
Read the verses aloud when you prepare your home for guests, and pray through them with the specific names of people you hope to welcome. Over time, the words will move from the page into your habits, making hospitality feel less like a task and more like a natural expression of faith.
A Short Prayer for Welcoming Strangers
Lord, you have welcomed me when I had no claim to a place at your table, and I thank you for that grace. Open my eyes to the people you bring across my path, especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome. Soften my fears and make room in my home, my schedule and my heart for them. Let my kindness point them toward you, and let them see something of your love in the way I greet them. Amen.
