(פָּקִד, ἐπισκέπτομαι ). Little mention is made in the Bible of ceremonies or complimentary visits of a social character. (See COURTESY). Guests were welcomed with water to wash their feet (Genesis 18:4; Genesis 24:32; Judges 19:21; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44, etc.; comp.; Shaw, Travels, p. 208); just as in modern times coffee, tobacco, and frequently other refreshments are offered, and the beard is sometimes sprinkled with perfumed water (Arvielux, 3, 186; Harmer, 2; 77, 83; 3, 179). A repast was speedily prepared (Genesis 8:4; Judges 19:21; compo Niebluhr, Bed. p. 58; Arvielux, 4, 342), and the guest's animals were provided for (Genesis 21:32; Judges 19:21). (See HOSPITALITY). — Presents are common today in visits (Harmer, 2, 13). (See GIFT). It was regarded as a sacred duty to visit the sick Siracch; 7:39; Matthew 25:36; Matthew 25:3), and the Talmudists had the proverb "To neglect to visit the sick is the same as to shed blood" (see Schö ttgen, Hor. Heb. 1, 230 sq.); a principle of humanity that was recognised even among the ‘ heathen (see Kupe, Observ. 1, 129 sq.).

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Visit'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/v/visit.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.

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Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Bible Encyclopedias
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