Luke: 2:7; Mark 14:14; Luke 10:34; Genesis 42:27; Genesis 43:21
Words matter. And in scripture we must understand that words make a difference. Take for example the word that we translate as “Inn” in Luke’s gospel, chapter 2 and verse 7.
- Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” NIV
- Luke 2:7, “And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” NAS
- Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” KJV
The word translated as inn in these verses is associated with the story of Christ’s birth. At Christmas, many read from the Bible of how Joseph and Mary traveled from their hometown to Bethlehem to register for the census. We have images of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, and when they reach the town, the local motel keeper turns them away because all the rooms were full. Instead, Joseph and Mary had to settle for a cave on the outskirts of town where the shepherds kept their animals. This image is cold and dark and seems to give the idea that Joseph and Mary had no one to care for them, or share with them, in this wonderful event. Yet, this premise may be incorrect. The KJV translates the word as a place to stay as a hotel, public lodging place, or boarding house (pandocheion, pandocei/on (as in Luke 10:34), yet the Greek word used in Luke 2:7 is Kataluma, kata,luma meaning a night resting place or guest chamber within a private residence (also called the innermost room). This is the same word used in Mark 14:14 for the “upper-room” where Jesus and his disciples had their last supper.
The word “Inn” is found five times in the English, twice in the Old Testament and 3 times in the new. The use of the word is very rare, and no where do we find the concept of a hotel or motel, but the word signifies a private residence where people may stay for a fee (as in the case of the parable in Luke 10:34). In the Old Testament it is translated in the KJV only in Genesis 42:27 and 43:21. In both cases, the word translated as “Inn” is the Hebrew word, !Alm’ (maw-lone) which literally means: “lodging place”, or a place to rest for the night. This could be a house where they stayed, or could also be a place they camped along the road.
I believe this word, used in Luke 2:7 to be a guest chamber in the house of one of their relatives who lived in Bethlehem, and when Joseph and Mary showed up at the door, all the other relatives had already shown up and the inner guest chamber was already full for the night. However, they did have a room, within the house, where the animals slept and because the sheep were out in the pasture the room was open, so that is where they gave birth to the Savior of the world. God the Father did not abandon His Son, but rather, made a way for Him. When there was no room in the “inner chamber”, He gave them room where the animals would have been. This reminds us that God always makes a way for us when we trust Him and give Him control.
As you consider this week’s devotion, please answer the following questions.
- Describe a time when you found yourself in need and felt like there was “no room for you in the inn”.
- How were you helped by Ged?
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