2646. kataluma

Lexical Summary

kataluma: Inn, lodging place, guest room

Original Word: καταλύμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: kataluma
Pronunciation: kat-al'-oo-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-al'-oo-mah)
KJV: guestchamber, inn
NASB: guest room, inn
Word Origin: [from G2647 (καταλύω - destroy)]

1. (properly) a dissolution (breaking up of a journey)
2. (by implication) a lodging-place

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

guest chamber, inn.

From kataluo; properly, a dissolution (breaking up of a journey), i.e. (by implication) a lodging-place -- guestchamber, inn.

see GREEK kataluo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kataluó (in the sense of to lodge)
Definition
a lodging place
NASB Translation
guest room (2), inn (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2646: κατάλυμα

κατάλυμα, καταλυματος, τό (from καταλύω, c.; which see), an inn, lodging-place: Luke 2:7 (for מָלון, Exodus 4:24); an eating-room, dining-room (A. V. guest-chamber): Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11; in the same sense for לִשְׁכָּה, 1 Samuel 9:22. (Polybius 2, 36, 1 (plural); 32, 19, 2; Diodorus 14, 93, 5; (others; cf. Winer's Grammar, 25, 93 (89)).)

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Scope

The term designates a place of temporary lodging supplied by a host—more a “guest room” than a commercial inn. It functions as a neutral space where travelers or invited guests find shelter, refreshment, and fellowship.

Biblical Occurrences

1. Luke 2:7 – The Holy Family is denied access to such a room in Bethlehem: “because there was no room for them in the guest room”.
2. Mark 14:14 – Jesus instructs two disciples to follow a man carrying water and say, “The Teacher asks, ‘Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’”.
3. Luke 22:11 – Parallel to Mark, confirming the location for the Last Supper.

Historical Background

First-century Judean homes often contained a multi-purpose upper chamber reached by an outside stairway. This space served as a reception room for travelers or honored company. The refusal of available space in Luke 2:7 reflects the crowded conditions of a census rather than deliberate hostility, yet it underscores the humble circumstances into which the Messiah entered. By contrast, the fully prepared upper room in Jerusalem typifies readiness and welcome for the climactic Passover meal.

Theological Significance

• Incarnation Humility: The absent guest room in Bethlehem highlights the voluntary abasement of Christ (Philippians 2:6-8).
• Sovereign Provision: Though no room was offered at His birth, a precisely arranged room stands ready for His final Passover, affirming God’s meticulous governance of redemptive history.
• Covenant Fellowship: The guest room becomes the setting where the New Covenant is instituted—“This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). A place of ordinary hospitality is transformed into a sacred venue of salvation history.
• Hospitality Motif: Scripture consistently elevates hospitality (Hebrews 13:2). The contrasting receptions given to Jesus invite personal reflection on whether one makes room for the Lord.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Encouragement to Provide Space: Churches and households are exhorted to maintain welcoming environments for missionaries, the persecuted, and the needy (3 John 8).
• Preparation for Communion: As the guest room was prepared beforehand, believers are to examine and ready themselves before sharing the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:28).
• Mission Strategy: The early church later used upper rooms for prayer and teaching (Acts 1:13; Acts 20:8). Modern ministry can likewise employ homes as strategic centers for discipleship.

Related Themes and Scriptures

Hospitality – Genesis 18:1-8; Romans 12:13

God’s Provision of Place – Exodus 33:21-22; John 14:2

Upper Room Gatherings – Acts 1:13-14; Acts 9:37-40

Conclusion

Across the Gospels the guest room functions as both a sign of human response to Jesus and a stage for God’s unfolding plan. Whether barred or offered, the space points to the larger question confronting every heart: will there be room for the Lord and His mission?

Forms and Transliterations

καταλυμα κατάλυμα κατάλυμά καταλύματα καταλυματι καταλύματι καταλύματί κατάλυσις kataluma katalumati katalyma katályma katálymá katalymati katalýmati

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 14:14 N-NNS
GRK: ἐστὶν τὸ κατάλυμά μου ὅπου
NAS: Where is My guest room in which
KJV: is the guestchamber, where
INT: is the guest room of me where

Luke 2:7 N-DNS
GRK: ἐν τῷ καταλύματι
NAS: there was no room for them in the inn.
KJV: for them in the inn.
INT: in the inn

Luke 22:11 N-NNS
GRK: ἐστὶν τὸ κατάλυμα ὅπου τὸ
NAS: to you, Where is the guest room in which
KJV: is the guestchamber, where
INT: is the guest room where the

Strong's Greek 2646
3 Occurrences

κατάλυμά — 2 Occ.
καταλύματι — 1 Occ.