πανδοχεύς (pandocheus)
pandocheus
innkeeper
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pandocheus refers to an innkeeper or host who provides lodging and care for travelers. Found only once in the New Testament in Luke 10:35, it describes the Samaritan who tends to the injured man after taking him to a place of shelter. The word emphasizes the role of providing hospitality rather than just owning property.
Its structure combines "all" with a root meaning to receive or entertain, suggesting a place open to everyone. This contrasts with more specific terms for private homes, highlighting the public nature of the service. In this single biblical instance, the innkeeper becomes a crucial figure in Jesus’ parable, illustrating practical compassion across social boundaries.
Translators typically render it as "innkeeper" or "host," capturing the professional aspect of his duty. The rarity of the word in Scripture makes its usage here particularly significant, marking a moment where ordinary commerce intersects with extraordinary mercy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pandocheus appears only once in the New Testament, describing the innkeeper who cared for the injured traveler in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. This figure represents more than just a business owner; he embodies practical hospitality and reliable care for those in need. His role shows how ordinary work can become an act of mercy when we open our resources to help others.
In your daily life, this reminds us that compassion often looks like simple, steady support. Whether you are hosting guests or assisting a neighbor, the call is to provide safety and comfort without hesitation. The innkeeper’s willingness to spend time and money illustrates how faith moves from belief into tangible action, bridging gaps between strangers through kindness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- innkeeper1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πανδοχεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:35
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’
This verse highlights the innkeeper’s responsibility to maintain the traveler’s care, showing that true hospitality involves ongoing commitment beyond initial shelter.