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κατάλυμα

katályma

G2646 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A place where one stops or rests during a journey; specifically, a lodging-place, shelter, or guestroom used for temporary accommodation. In broader contexts, it can denote any location where travelers or guests pause for rest or hospitality, sometimes an inn, but more commonly a guest room or upper room in a private residence used for hosting.

Semantic Range

lodging-place, guestroom, chamber for accommodation, shelter for travelers, inn (in some contexts), place to rest or stay

Root / Etymology

From καταλύω (katalyō), 'to loose down, to dissolve, to break up (a camp or journey),' with the verbal noun suffix -μα (-ma), indicating the place or result of an action. Thus, κατάλυμα refers to 'that which is used for staying or resting, a lodging place.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κατάλυμα had the general sense of a shelter or place of rest, such as for travelers or guests, often implying a temporary or makeshift arrangement. In the Septuagint, it is used for various types of lodging or resting places (Gen 42:27, Exod 4:24). In the New Testament, its usage (e.g., Mark 14:14; Luke 2:7) refers not specifically to a public inn but more usually to a guest room provided for visitors in a private home. In Luke 2:7, English translations often render it as 'inn,' but in the context of first-century Judea, it more likely referred to a guest chamber attached to a family home rather than a commercial hostelry. The term contrasts with πανδοχεῖον (pandocheion), which specifically means a public inn or hostel (cf. Luke 10:34). Traditional translations as 'inn' can obscure the private, domestic context indicated in many ancient usages.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

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

Root Family

κατάλυμα (katalyma) — lodging-place, resting-place, guestroom, shelter for travelers

Root καταλῡ- to dissolve, to break up, to bring to rest

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2646-01 κατάλυμά kataluma N NOM N SG guest room lodging place lodging place 2
G2646-02 καταλύματι katalumati N DAT N SG inn in a lodging-place lodging-place 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2646-01 Mark 14:14 κατάλυμά kataluma N NOM N SG guest room lodging place lodging place
G2646-02 Luke 2:7 καταλύματι katalumati N DAT N SG inn in a lodging-place lodging-place
G2646-01 Luke 22:11 κατάλυμα kataluma N NOM N SG guest room lodging place lodging place
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