The term "guestchamber" refers to a room or space designated for hosting guests, particularly in the context of biblical times. This concept is most notably mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of the Last Supper. The guestchamber is a significant location in the narrative of Jesus' final days before His crucifixion.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 14:14-15 : "Wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

2. Luke 22:11-12 : "and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there."

In these passages, Jesus instructs His disciples to find a guestchamber where they can prepare and partake in the Passover meal. The term "guestchamber" is translated from the Greek word "kataluma," which can also mean an inn or lodging place. However, in this context, it specifically refers to a private room within a house, set apart for special occasions or visitors.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In first-century Judea, it was customary for homes to have a designated space for hosting guests, especially during significant religious festivals like Passover. The guestchamber mentioned in the Gospels is described as a "large upper room," indicating it was spacious enough to accommodate Jesus and His twelve disciples. This room was likely located on the second floor of a house, accessible by an external staircase, a common architectural feature in ancient Jewish homes.

The preparation of the guestchamber for the Passover meal involved setting up the space with necessary furnishings and provisions, such as tables, cushions for reclining, and the elements required for the Passover Seder. This preparation underscores the importance of hospitality and readiness in Jewish culture, especially during sacred observances.

Theological Significance:

The guestchamber holds profound theological significance as the setting for the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper or Communion. During this meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood, which would be sacrificed for the salvation of humanity. This act established a new covenant, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and foreshadowing His impending crucifixion.

The choice of a guestchamber for this pivotal event highlights themes of hospitality, fellowship, and divine preparation. It serves as a reminder of the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers and the communal aspect of Christian worship and remembrance.

Symbolism and Application:

In a broader sense, the guestchamber can be seen as a symbol of the believer's heart, a place prepared and set apart for Christ to dwell. Just as the disciples made ready the physical space for the Passover, Christians are called to prepare their hearts and lives to receive and honor Jesus. The guestchamber thus becomes a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the welcoming of Christ's presence in one's life.

The concept of the guestchamber also encourages believers to practice hospitality, reflecting the love and grace of God through acts of kindness and service to others. By opening their homes and hearts, Christians can create spaces where the presence of Christ is felt and His message of salvation is shared.The spare room on the upper floor of an Eastern dwelling (Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11). In Luke 2:7 the word is translated "inn" (q.v.). GUEST-CHAMBER

gest'-cham-ber: The translation of

(1) (lishkah) (1 Samuel 9:22, the King James Version "parlor"), and

(2) (kataluma) (Mark 14:14 parallel Luke 22:11).

The lishkah was probably a room in which the sacrificial feasts were held. Kataluma is derived from kataluo, which means "to slacken," i.e. the ropes of the beasts of burden, and hence, "to lodge." Kataluma has accordingly often the sense of "inn," but as used in Mark and Luke it has the narrower meaning of a room in which to eat.

2646. kataluma -- a lodging place
... guest chamber, inn. From kataluo; properly, a dissolution (breaking up of a journey),
ie (by implication) a lodging-place -- guestchamber, inn. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2646.htm - 6k

Despised and Rejected by Friend and Foe
... And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the good man of the house, 'The Master
saith, "Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xiv despised and rejected.htm

A Secret Rendezvous
... And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith,
Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/a secret rendezvous.htm

The New Passover
... And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith,
Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the new passover.htm

The Lord's Supper
... And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where
is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? 12. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the lords supper.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... Perhaps his guestchamber was the largest in Bethany; perhaps the house was nearest
to the Synagogue; or there may have been other reasons for it, unknown to us ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

Guestchamber (2 Occurrences)
... to eat. Multi-Version Concordance Guestchamber (2 Occurrences). Mark
14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman ...
/g/guestchamber.htm - 8k

Goodman (6 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The
Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with ...
/g/goodman.htm - 10k

Guest-chamber (4 Occurrences)
Guest-chamber. Guestchamber, Guest-chamber. Guest-room . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV). Guestchamber, Guest-chamber. Guest-room . Reference Bible.
/g/guest-chamber.htm - 8k

Guest (24 Occurrences)

/g/guest.htm - 15k

Wheresoever (17 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The
Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with ...
/w/wheresoever.htm - 11k

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