Lexical Summary pandocheus: Innkeeper Original Word: πανδοχεύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance innkeeper, host. From the same as pandocheion; an innkeeper (warden of a caravanserai) -- host. see GREEK pandocheion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pas and dechomai Definition an innkeeper, a host NASB Translation innkeeper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3830: πανδοκεύςπανδοκεύς, see πανδοχεύς. STRONGS NT 3830: πανδοχεύςπανδοχεύς, πανδοχεως, ὁ (πᾶς and δέχομαι (hence, literally, 'one who receives all comers')), for the earlier and more elegant πανδοκεύς (so Tdf.; (cf. Winers Grammar, 25 note)), an inn-keeper, host: Luke 10:35. (Polybius 2, 15, 6; Plutarch, de sanit. tuenda c. 14.) The single New Testament appearance of πανδοχεῖ, “innkeeper,” occurs within Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 10:30-37. After binding the wounded traveler’s wounds, the merciful Samaritan “took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper” (Luke 10:35), promising reimbursement for any further expenses. The innkeeper thus becomes a supporting character who safeguards and sustains the injured man during the Samaritan’s absence. Position within Luke’s Narrative Luke presents the parable immediately after a lawyer’s inquiry: “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). By introducing the innkeeper, Luke highlights a chain of compassionate action that moves beyond initial aid to ongoing care. The Samaritan initiates mercy; the innkeeper prolongs it. Their cooperation illustrates love that “bears all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7) and models how divine compassion is mediated through multiple hands. Social and Economic Role of the First-Century Innkeeper First-century inns were typically modest establishments located on Roman roads, serving merchants, travelers, and pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. The innkeeper functioned as proprietor, host, and guardian of guests’ property. Two denarii—about two days’ wages for a laborer—would have covered roughly two weeks’ lodging, indicating that the Samaritan provided abundantly. The promise to settle any balance reveals an expectation of honest bookkeeping on the innkeeper’s part, underscoring integrity as integral to hospitality. Hospitality in Biblical Theology Scripture consistently commends hospitality: The innkeeper’s role aligns with this thread, demonstrating that love for neighbor is not limited to dramatic rescues but extends to routine service. Hebrews 13:2 exhorts believers, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,” a principle exemplified here. Ministry Significance 1. Collaborative Compassion: The Samaritan entrusts the wounded man to the innkeeper, illustrating how ministry often requires partnerships. Pastors, deacons, medical staff, counselors, and congregation members each contribute to holistic restoration. Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections Early Christian commentators sometimes viewed the Samaritan as a figure of Christ, rescuing humanity left for dead by sin. In this reading, the inn signifies the church, and the innkeeper represents pastors and elders charged with nurturing believers until the Lord’s return and final recompense (Luke 10:35b). Regardless of allegorical detail, the passage accentuates Christ-like mercy and the church’s role in ongoing care. Related Scriptural Motifs • Different Greek terms describe lodging elsewhere (for example, κατάλυμα in Luke 2:7). The contrast draws attention to varied contexts of hospitality—from Bethlehem’s crowded quarters to the roadside inn of Luke 10. Practical Takeaways for Church and Believer • Cultivate trustworthy structures—benevolence funds, shelters, counseling centers—where suffering people can heal. Thus πανδοχεῖ, though appearing only once, invites believers to embody sustained, organized, and cooperative mercy, ensuring that those rescued on the roadside find a home where their wounds may truly mend. |
    |