Inn
Summary
A lodging place for travelers, ranging from simple camping spots to more developed caravanserais with basic accommodations.
☩Early Lodging Places
The Hebrew word malon means literally 'a night resting-place' and originally referred to any spot where caravans or travelers encamped for the night. These were selected for proximity to water and pasture, where travelers would pitch their tents and rest on the bare ground. Such was the 'inn' where Moses encountered God on his journey from Midian, and where Joseph's brothers discovered money in their sacks.
☩Caravanserais
Increased commercial traffic led to the establishment of more permanent accommodations. Caravanserais (or khans) were large square buildings with a gateway leading into an enclosed court, surrounded by arcades where travelers could rest and beasts be stabled. A raised platform in the center served for sleeping. Water was usually available, but travelers brought their own food. Such places were often found on remote routes away from towns.
☩The Inn at Bethlehem
The 'inn' where Joseph and Mary sought lodging was likely a kataluma—a guest chamber or lodging place in a private house or village. When this was full, they found shelter in a stable, possibly a cave, where the manger served as a crib for the newborn Jesus. This humble circumstance preserved the family from the evil associations of public inns while meeting all requirements of privacy and shelter.
☩The Good Samaritan's Inn
The inn (pandocheion) in the parable of the Good Samaritan was a more developed establishment with a 'host' or innkeeper who could provide care for the wounded man. The Samaritan paid the innkeeper and promised to cover any additional expenses. This represents a true hostelry rather than a simple khan, showing that more sophisticated lodging was available in populated areas of Palestine.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Inn," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Inn," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Inn," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).