Lexical Summary aulizomai: To lodge, to spend the night Original Word: αὐλίζομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abide, lodge, spend the nightMiddle voice from aule; to pass the night (properly, in the open air) -- abide, lodge. see GREEK aule NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aulé Definition to lodge in the open, to lodge NASB Translation spend the night (1), spent the night (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 835: αὐλίζομαιαὐλίζομαι: deponent; imperfect ηὐλιζόμην; 1 aorist ηὐλίσθην (Veitch, under the word; Buttmann, 51 (44); Winer's Grammar, § 39, 2); (αὐλή); in the Sept. mostly for לוּן; 1. properly, to lodge in the courtyard especially at night; of flocks and shepherds. 2. to pass the night in the open air, bivouac. 3. universally, to pass the night, lodge: so Matthew 21:17; Luke 21:37 (ἐξερχόμενος ηὐλίζετο εἰς τό ὄρος, going out to pass the night he retired to the mountain; cf. Buttmann, § 147, 15). (In Greek writings from Homer down.) The verb describes the act of spending the night or finding lodging. In the New Testament it appears only with reference to Jesus Christ: Contexts of the Two Occurrences 1. Bethany (Matthew 21:17) 2. Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37) Old Testament Background The Septuagint uses the same verb family for patriarchs, prophets, and travelers who stop for the night (e.g., Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:13), often in open courtyards or exposed settings. Such usage highlights: Cultural and Historical Insights • Lodging frequently occurred in enclosed yards or garden plots, not purpose-built inns. Theological Significance 1. Voluntary Humility Jesus, the rightful King, chooses simple overnight shelters rather than royal quarters, foreshadowing His self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8). 2. Separation for Prayer and Preparation Each lodging marks a transition to climactic teaching or redemptive act—temple cleansing, eschatological discourse, Gethsemane, and ultimately the cross. 3. Fulfillment of Prophecy The Mount of Olives setting anticipates His ascension (Acts 1:12) and future return to the same locale, harmonizing prophetic timelines. Practical Ministry Applications • Ministers may emulate Christ by balancing public engagement with private withdrawal for renewal. Related Concepts and Scriptures • Jesus’ itinerant lifestyle: Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58. Summary The verb portrays more than a simple overnight stay; it frames key moments in the Lord’s final week, revealing His humility, devotion to prayer, and fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Through these brief but vivid notices, Scripture unites geography, hospitality, and eschatology in the unfolding redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:17 V-AIP-3SGRK: Βηθανίαν καὶ ηὐλίσθη ἐκεῖ NAS: to Bethany, and spent the night there. KJV: Bethany; and he lodged there. INT: Bethany and passed the night there Luke 21:37 V-IIM/P-3S Strong's Greek 835 |