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What is an…
inn in the Bible
In the modern sense, inns were unknown in the Middle East. The khans or caravanserais, which correspond to the European inn, are not alluded to in the Old Testament.
The “inn” mentioned in Exodus 4:24 KJV was just the halting-place of the caravan.
In later times khans were erected for the accommodation of travellers.
In Luke 2:7, the word καταλύμα (kataluma) translated “inn” by the King James Version indicates a place for loosing the animals from their burdens. Kataluma comes from the Greek verb καταλύω (katalyō), meaning “to loosen down” or “to dissolve.” This can also refer to a temporary place of rest for travelers. This word is used only 3 times in Scripture (Mark 14:14; Luke 2:7; 22:11).
It is translated “guest-chamber” in Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11. And as “inn” in Luke 2:7.
In Luke 10:34, the Greek word translated as “inn” is πανδοχεῖον (pandocheion).
This word comes from the Greek words πᾶς (pas, meaning “all” or “every”) and δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning “to receive” or “to accept”). It is thus believed to refer to a public lodging place for the reception of traveling strangers; it would have someone who attended to the needs of travelers—an inn-keeper.
The Hebrew word מָלוֹן (malon) also refers to a place for travelers. It is used in Genesis 42 and Exodus 24.
Then one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place. And he saw his money; and behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. —Genesis 42:27
Now it happened at the lodging place on the way that Yahweh encountered him and sought to put him to death. —Exodus 4:24 LSB
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