Inns in biblical times served as places of lodging for travelers, providing shelter and basic necessities. The concept of an inn in the ancient Near East differs significantly from modern-day hotels, often being more rudimentary and sometimes simply a space within a larger family dwelling or a public area where travelers could rest.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament does not frequently mention inns, as hospitality was a cultural expectation, and travelers often relied on the generosity of local residents. However, there are references to lodging places. For example, in Genesis 24:23-25, Rebekah offers lodging to Abraham's servant, indicating the custom of providing shelter to travelers. Similarly, in Judges 19:15-21, the Levite and his concubine seek lodging in Gibeah, highlighting the expectation of hospitality.

New Testament Context

The most notable mention of an inn in the New Testament is in the account of Jesus' birth. Luke 2:7 states, "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The Greek word used here, "kataluma," can also mean a guest room or lodging place, suggesting that Mary and Joseph were unable to find space in a more private or suitable area, possibly due to overcrowding from the census.

Another reference is found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:34-35, the Samaritan takes the injured man to an inn and cares for him, paying the innkeeper to continue the care. This passage illustrates the use of inns as places of refuge and care, albeit with a commercial aspect.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Inns during biblical times were often simple and could be part of a caravanserai, a roadside inn with a central courtyard for travelers and their animals. These establishments were strategically located along trade routes and were essential for long-distance travel. Inns provided basic shelter and sometimes food, but travelers often had to bring their own provisions.

The lack of formal inns in many areas underscores the importance of hospitality in ancient cultures. Offering lodging to strangers was a significant social duty, and failing to do so could bring shame upon a household or community.

Theological Implications

The biblical references to inns, particularly in the nativity account, carry theological significance. The absence of room at the inn for Mary and Joseph symbolizes the humble and unassuming circumstances of Jesus' birth. It reflects the broader theme of God's kingdom breaking into the world in unexpected and lowly ways, challenging societal norms and expectations.

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the inn serves as a backdrop for demonstrating love and compassion beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions exemplify the call to love one's neighbor, a central tenet of Christian teaching.

Overall, inns in the Bible, while not frequently mentioned, play a role in illustrating themes of hospitality, humility, and divine providence.Inns

There appear to be three descriptions of these buildings in the East. Some are simply places of rest, (by the side of a fountain, if possible,) which, being at proper distances on the road, are thus named, though they are mere naked walls; others have an attendant, who subsists either by some charitable donation, or the benevolence of passengers; and others are more considerable establishments, where families reside to take care of them, and furnish many necessary provisions.

4999. taberne -- "hut," a tavern, spec. Treis Tabernai, "Three ...
... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition "hut," a tavern, spec. Treis Tabernai, "Three
Taverns," a stopping place on the Appian Way NASB Word Usage Inns (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4999.htm - 6k

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... Chapter 4 Travelling in Palestine"Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House
Officers, Taxation, Publicans. It was the very busiest ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

But we are not Here Concerned with the Nature and Existence of the ...
... He woke up one fine morning and discovered that the public things, which for eight
hundred years he had used at once as inns and sanctuaries, had all been ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 10 but we are.htm

Accordingly, as this Man's Fame was Becoming Always the More ...
... For whenever he arrived, [1464] as [1465] a traveller in foreign parts, at a
hospice,"and these were inns which Marcellus himself had supplied in his large ...
/.../4 accordingly as this mans.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... Justin must, therefore, be mistaken], because there was no room for them
in the inn. [Eastern inns had landlords like our own. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/x the birth of jesus.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... superior. The inns are much more agreeable than we found them on the road
from Geneva to Ancona. We arrived at Florence on the 10th. ...
/.../chapter xiii the third continental.htm

The Schoolboy of Madaura
... Pauses were made at inns with walls thick as the ramparts of citadels, their interiors
bordered by stables built in arcades, heaped up with travellers' packs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the schoolboy of madaura.htm

Separation and Service.
... All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their
consciences seared, and their hearts sealed against the Truth. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/taylor/separation and service/separation and service.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... journey. The inns in Palestine have four walls, with a door in front, and
with a great empty space for camels and horses inside. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

Means Employed by the Enemies of Jesus for Carrying Out their ...
... They hastened to all the inns to seek out those persons whom they knew to be enemies
of our Lord, and offered them bribes in order to secure their appearance. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iv means employed by.htm

I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... little Augustin, with other children of his age, would have a chance to admire the
out-riders and equipages of the Imperial Mail, halted before the inns of the ...
/.../bertrand/saint augustin/i an african free-town subject.htm

Inns (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Inns (1 Occurrence). Acts 28:15 From there the
brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far ...
/i/inns.htm - 6k

Inn (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of
the law barristers; as, the Inns of Court; the Inns of Chancery; Serjeants' Inns...
/i/inn.htm - 17k

Innumerable (12 Occurrences)

/i/innumerable.htm - 10k

Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) A senior; an elder; a predecessor. 10. (n.) One of the senior members of
the Inns of Court or of Chancery. 11. (n.) An ensign or flag. 12. ...
/a/ancient.htm - 98k

Innocents (2 Occurrences)

/i/innocents.htm - 20k

What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.org

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