G3830

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word πανδοχεύς (pandocheus) translates to “innkeeper” or “host” and plays a significant role in the biblical context of hospitality. This term highlights the cultural importance of providing shelter and care for travelers in ancient societies. The root of the word is derived from πᾶν (pan), meaning “all,” and δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning “to receive.” Thus, a πανδοχεύς is someone who welcomes all guests, embodying the virtue of hospitality that is deeply embedded in many cultures, particularly in the ancient Near East.

In the New Testament, the most notable occurrence of this term is found in Luke 10:35, where it is used in the context of the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, the Samaritan takes an injured man to an inn and gives the innkeeper instructions to care for him. This highlights the innkeeper’s role in providing care and support, showcasing the theme of compassion that permeates Jesus’ teachings.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: πανδοχεύς, pronounced [pan-dokh-EUS].

Etymology: The word is formed from πᾶν (pan), which means “all” or “every,” and δέχομαι (dechomai), which means “to receive” or “to welcome.” Thus, it denotes one who receives or accommodates all.

Part of Speech: πανδοχεύς is a noun, specifically a masculine noun in Greek.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: “Innkeeper” – The primary meaning of πανδοχεύς refers to someone who manages an inn, receiving and caring for travelers.

Meaning 2: “Host” – This term can also imply a broader meaning, signifying a host who welcomes guests into their home, emphasizing the act of hospitality.

Meaning 3: “Provider of shelter” – It encompasses the notion of providing shelter and care for those in need, highlighting the social responsibilities associated with hospitality.

Exploring Similar Words

ξενοδόχος (xenodoxos) [kseh-no-DOKH-os]: This term specifically refers to someone who receives strangers (ξενος, xenon) and is closely related to hospitality. Unlike πανδοχεύς, which can refer to any type of inn or lodging, ξενοδόχος emphasizes welcoming outsiders.

πανδοχεῖον (pandocheion) [pan-dokh-EI-on]: While this term refers to an inn, πανδοχεύς indicates the person in charge of such a place. Thus, πανδοχεῖον is the establishment, and πανδοχεύς is the individual who runs it.

καταλύμα (kataluma) [kat-a-LEE-ma]: This word also means a lodging place or a place to stay, but it does not specify the role of the person providing the lodging, unlike πανδοχεύς.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: πανδοχεύς is in the nominative case, singular number, and is masculine in gender.

Declension: As a masculine noun, it follows the second declension pattern in Greek, which typically involves specific endings for nominative and accusative forms.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical literature, particularly in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the role of the πανδοχεύς as an innkeeper symbolizes the virtue of hospitality. The innkeeper’s willingness to provide care for the wounded man reflects the societal expectations of kindness towards strangers. Lexicons consistently define πανδοχεύς as a figure embodying hospitality, a critical theme in both the cultural and theological narratives of the time. The portrayal of the innkeeper reinforces the importance of community support and compassion for those in distress.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 10:35: “And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the [πανδοχεύς] (innkeeper), saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’”

Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

John 10:1: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Xenophon, Anabasis: “The Greek soldiers found an innkeeper (πανδοχεὺς) who offered them food and shelter during their travels.”

Example 2: Herodotus, Histories: “The Persian kings established inns (πανδοχεῖα) to accommodate travelers along their expansive road systems.”

Example 3: Plutarch, Moralia: “The generosity of the innkeeper (πανδοχεὺς) was praised, as he provided refuge to the weary traveler.”

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 19:3: “But he urged them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.”

Septuagint Example 2: 2 Kings 4:10: “Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”

Septuagint Example 3: Exodus 22:21: “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term πανδοχεύς signifies an innkeeper or host, emphasizing the ancient value placed on hospitality. The biblical narrative demonstrates the essential role of such individuals in providing care and compassion for travelers in need.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient cultures, hospitality was not only a virtue but a social obligation, often linked to divine favor and protection.

2. The Good Samaritan parable highlights the idea that true kindness transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, as exemplified by the innkeeper’s actions.

3. The role of the πανδοχεὺς reflects a broader societal expectation to care for those in distress, which is a recurring theme in many religious texts.

Strong’s G3830: πανδοχεύς (pandocheus) refers to an innkeeper, embodying the ancient principles of hospitality and care, reflecting cultural values of kindness and community support.