מָלוֹן

מָלוֹן

a lodgment, i.e. caravanserai or encampment

Definition

The Hebrew noun מָלוֹן (mâlôwn) refers to a place of lodging or overnight stay. Its primary meaning is a temporary stopping place, such as a lodging place for travelers (Genesis 42:27, 43:21) or a place to camp for an army (2 Kings 19:23, Isaiah 10:29). In Exodus 4:24, it describes the specific 'lodging place' where God confronted Moses. The word can also refer to a more permanent or notable encampment, as seen in Joshua 4:3, 8, where it denotes the place where the Israelites lodged after crossing the Jordan River.

Biblical Usage

מָלוֹן is used eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative contexts. It appears in stories of travel and journey, such as Joseph's brothers finding their money in their sacks at the 'lodging place' (Genesis 42:27, 43:21). It describes the site of a divine encounter (Exodus 4:24) and a significant Israelite encampment (Joshua 4:3, 8). In prophetic literature, it is used metaphorically for military encampments or stops on an invasion route (2 Kings 19:23, Isaiah 10:29). Jeremiah 9:2 uses it poetically, expressing a desire for a traveler's lodging in the wilderness to escape his people.

Etymology

מָלוֹן is a noun derived from the root לוּן (lûn, H3885), which means 'to lodge,' 'to pass the night,' or 'to abide.' This root conveys the core idea of staying overnight or dwelling temporarily. The noun form specifically denotes the place where this lodging occurs.

Semantic Range

While primarily a practical term for a stopping place, מָלוֹן gains theological significance in key narratives. In Exodus 4:24, the 'lodging place' becomes the scene of a life-and-death encounter between God and Moses, highlighting God's sovereign claim on His chosen leader. In Joshua 4, the 'lodging place' at Gilgal marks the first camp in the Promised Land, symbolizing transition and God's faithfulness. Its use in prophetic oracles (Isaiah 10:29) underscores God's control over the movements of armies. Understanding this word enriches the reading of Israel's journey narratives, reminding us that God meets His people in the ordinary stops along the way. In the ancient Near East, formal inns as known today were rare. A מָלוֹן was typically a simple, communal stopping place—often just a sheltered area near a water source—where caravans, travelers, or armies could rest for the night. It offered basic protection and was a vital part of the travel infrastructure. This contrasts with modern conceptions of an 'inn,' which implies a commercial establishment with private rooms. מָלוֹן (mâlôwn, H4411) — a general place for lodging or encamping.\nאוֹרְחָה (ʼôrᵉchâh, H4559) — a caravan, company of travelers, or the act of traveling itself.\nפּוּנְדָּק (pûndâq, H4663) — a later term for a 'lodging place' or 'inn' (only in Luke 10:34 in the Greek New Testament, reflecting a Hellenistic-era concept).

Word Details