Bible Dictionary
Room
In references to seating at meals, a “room” means an honored or uppermost place on the dining couch. Jesus warned against seeking such places for the sake of public distinction.
Definition
In references to seating at meals, “room” means an honored place on the dining couch, especially the highest place on the highest couch around the table.
Biblical Usage
Jesus warned against seeking the uppermost places at meals and in public gatherings. The expression therefore concerns the pursuit of distinction and honor rather than an enclosed chamber.
Historical Background
Meals were taken on couches arranged around the dinner or supper table, with the highest place on the highest couch regarded as the place of greatest honor.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The references to “room” in (Matthew 23:6; Mark 12:39; Luke 14:7,8; 20:46) signify the highest place on the highest couch round the dinner or supper table—the “uppermost seat”, as it is more accurately rendered in (Luke 11:43)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>room.</p><p>See HOUSE.</p>