Mark 11:15

KJV

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they come {G2064} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}: and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went {G1525} into {G1519} the temple {G2411}, and began {G756} to cast out {G1544} them that sold {G4453} and {G2532} bought {G59} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} overthrew {G2690} the tables {G5132} of the moneychangers {G2855}, and {G2532} the seats {G2515} of them {G846} that sold {G4453} doves {G4058};

Complete Jewish Bible

On reaching Yerushalayim, he entered the Temple courts and began driving out those who were carrying on business there, both the merchants and their customers. He also knocked over the desks of the money-changers, upset the benches of the pigeon-dealers,

Berean Standard Bible

When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves.

American Standard Version

And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:15 records Jesus' powerful and decisive action upon entering the Jerusalem Temple during Passover week, where He confronted and disrupted the commercial activities of moneychangers and animal sellers. This dramatic event, often called the "cleansing of the Temple," served as a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority, His unwavering zeal for the sanctity and true purpose of God's house, and a prophetic indictment of a religious system that had become corrupted by greed and exploitation, neglecting its primary function as a place of prayer for all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This incident immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11), where He was hailed as the Son of David, a messianic figure. Mark's Gospel uniquely places Jesus' initial observation of the Temple (Mark 11:11) on the day of His entry, followed by the cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14) and then the Temple cleansing on the subsequent day. This chronological arrangement in Mark (compared to John's earlier account in [John 2:13-16](/john/2-13-16 "John 2:13-16 - First Temple Cleansing")) emphasizes the deliberate nature of Jesus' actions. The cursing of the fig tree, which yielded no fruit despite its leaves, serves as a symbolic parallel to the Temple, appearing outwardly religious but lacking spiritual fruit and true worship. The Temple cleansing, therefore, is not a spontaneous outburst but a measured, prophetic act of judgment against spiritual barrenness and corruption within the religious establishment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual, cultural, and economic heart of Jewish life, especially during major pilgrimage festivals like Passover. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would flock to Jerusalem, many from foreign lands. For these pilgrims to offer sacrifices, they needed to exchange their foreign currency for the specific Tyrian coinage acceptable for Temple taxes and offerings, and to purchase animals for sacrifice. The outer court of the Temple, known as the Court of the Gentiles, had become a bustling marketplace. While seemingly convenient, this commercialization was rife with exploitation. Moneychangers charged exorbitant exchange rates, and animal sellers inflated prices, preying on the devout pilgrims, particularly the poor who relied on more affordable offerings like doves ([Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Offerings for the Poor")). This commercial activity, though facilitating worship, had overshadowed the Temple's primary purpose as a "house of prayer for all nations" ([Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Declaration of the Temple's Purpose")), effectively excluding Gentiles from worship and turning a sacred space into a den of thieves.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **holiness and sanctity of God's dwelling place**, emphasizing that the Temple was intended for reverent worship and prayer, not commercial gain. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates **Jesus' divine authority and messianic zeal**. His actions are not merely those of a prophet but of one who possesses unique sovereignty over the Temple, acting with the authority of God Himself. This aligns with prophetic expectations of the Messiah cleansing the Temple (e.g., [Malachi 3:1-3](/malachi/3-1-3 "Malachi 3:1-3 - The Messenger of the Covenant")). Thirdly, the event underscores the theme of **corruption and economic injustice** within the religious system. Jesus' outrage is directed not at the act of sacrifice itself, but at the exploitation of the worshippers, particularly the vulnerable. Finally, it serves as a **prophetic sign of judgment** against a religious system that had become outwardly pious but inwardly corrupt and unfruitful, foreshadowing the Temple's eventual destruction and the establishment of a new covenant where God's presence dwells not in a physical building but in His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This term refers to the entire sacred precinct, including the outer courts where the commercial activity took place, distinguishing it from the inner sanctuary (ναός, _naos_). Jesus' cleansing of the _hierón_ signifies His concern for the entire spiritual atmosphere and accessibility of worship, particularly for the Gentiles who were confined to the outer court. The defilement of this area directly impeded their ability to pray and worship.
* **Cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** Derived from `ek` (out of) and `ballō` (to throw), this word denotes a forceful, decisive expulsion or ejection. It implies a strong, authoritative action, not a gentle request or persuasion. Jesus did not merely ask them to leave; He drove them out, demonstrating His power and righteous indignation against the desecration of God's house. This verb is often used elsewhere in the Gospels for casting out demons, highlighting the spiritual nature of the defilement Jesus was addressing.
* **Overthrew (Greek, _katastréphō'_):** From `kata` (down) and `strephō` (to turn), this word means to turn upside down, to overturn, or to ruin. Jesus' act of overturning the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those selling doves was a physical manifestation of His rejection of their practices and a symbolic act of judgment. It was a disruptive, destructive act aimed at dismantling a corrupt system, not merely pausing it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they come to Jerusalem:"** This phrase sets the scene, indicating Jesus' arrival in the holy city, specifically for the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious fervor and pilgrimage. His presence in Jerusalem is deliberate and purposeful, leading to the climactic events of Holy Week.
* **"and Jesus went into the temple,"** Jesus' entry into the Temple is an intentional act, signifying His authority and His direct engagement with the center of Jewish worship. He does not merely pass by but enters with a specific mission, having observed the situation the previous day.
* **"and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple,"** This describes the initial phase of Jesus' action. He directly confronts those engaged in commerce, forcefully expelling both sellers and buyers. This indicates His condemnation of the entire commercial enterprise within the sacred precincts, not just the vendors. The use of "began" suggests a sustained, deliberate action rather than a momentary outburst.
* **"and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers,"** Jesus' action escalates to physical disruption. The moneychangers facilitated the exploitation of pilgrims, and their tables, symbols of their illicit trade, are overturned. This is a powerful, visual act of judgment against financial corruption in the guise of religious service.
* **"and the seats of them that sold doves;"** The overturning of the seats of dove sellers is particularly poignant. Doves were the sacrifices of the poor, and their exploitation was a direct affront to God's care for the vulnerable. This act highlights Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and His condemnation of those who profit from the piety of the poor.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The **Action** itself is highly symbolic, functioning as a **Prophetic Act** that speaks volumes about Jesus' identity and mission. His physical disruption of the marketplace within the Temple serves as a living parable, demonstrating His zeal for God's house and His judgment against corruption. The contrast between the sacred space and the profane activities creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as the very place meant for worship had become a "den of robbers" ([Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Condemnation of Temple Practices")). The vivid verbs "cast out" and "overthrew" contribute to the **Dramatic Tension** of the scene, portraying Jesus not as a passive teacher but as an active, authoritative figure. Furthermore, the mention of "doves" introduces **Pathos**, evoking sympathy for the poor who were being exploited, thereby deepening the moral weight of Jesus' actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cleansing of the Temple is a profound theological statement about the nature of worship, the character of God, and the identity of Jesus. It underscores that true worship must be pure, just, and accessible to all, free from human exploitation and commercialism. Jesus' actions reveal God's zealous concern for the sanctity of His presence and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the vulnerable. This event serves as a critical bridge, connecting Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would purify the Temple with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, and the one who establishes a new covenant of spiritual worship.

* [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House"): "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." This verse is quoted in [John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Disciples Recall Psalm 69:9") in connection with the Temple cleansing, highlighting Jesus' passionate devotion to God's glory and the purity of His worship.
* [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - House of Prayer for All Nations"): "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." Jesus directly quotes this prophecy in [Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Declaration of the Temple's Purpose"), emphasizing the universal purpose of the Temple that had been obstructed by commercialism.
* [Jeremiah 7:11](/jeremiah/7-11 "Jeremiah 7:11 - Den of Robbers"): "Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD." Jesus also echoes this prophetic condemnation in [Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Condemnation of Temple Practices"), directly linking the corruption in the Temple to ancient Israel's unfaithfulness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The cleansing of the Temple in Mark 11:15 is not merely a historical account but a timeless challenge to all who claim to worship God. It compels us to examine the purity of our own worship, both individually and corporately. Are our hearts and churches truly "houses of prayer," focused on God's glory and accessible to all, or have they become cluttered with distractions, self-interest, or even subtle forms of exploitation? Jesus' zeal reminds us that genuine faith demands integrity, justice, and an unwavering commitment to God's priorities over personal gain or convenience. It calls us to confront anything that hinders true communion with God or creates barriers for others seeking Him, ensuring that our spiritual spaces—our lives, our homes, our churches—reflect the holiness and selfless love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might commercialism or self-interest subtly creep into our personal worship or corporate church life today?**
* **How does Jesus' zeal for the Temple challenge our own levels of passion and commitment to God's house and His purposes?**
* **Are there "tables" or "seats" in our lives or communities that need to be overturned to ensure justice and accessibility for all, especially the vulnerable?**
* **How can we ensure that our worship spaces, whether physical or metaphorical, truly serve as "houses of prayer for all nations"?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus cleanse the Temple if sacrifice was a part of Jewish worship?**

Answer: Jesus' actions were not a condemnation of sacrifice itself, which was a divinely ordained aspect of Old Covenant worship. Instead, He condemned the corrupt practices surrounding the sacrificial system. The moneychangers and sellers were exploiting pilgrims, particularly the poor, by charging exorbitant rates for currency exchange and sacrificial animals. The outer court, intended as a place of prayer for Gentiles, was being used as a bustling marketplace, effectively hindering their worship. Jesus' zeal was directed at the **desecration** of a sacred space and the **exploitation** of worshippers, ensuring the Temple could fulfill its intended purpose as "a house of prayer for all nations" ([Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Declaration of the Temple's Purpose")), rather than a "den of robbers" ([Mark 11:17](/mark/11-17 "Mark 11:17 - Jesus' Condemnation of Temple Practices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cleansing of the Temple in Mark 11:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the true and final Temple. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem was a place where God's presence dwelt and sacrifices were offered for sin, it was always a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus declares in [John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple") to "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling all the Old Testament sacrificial laws and making the physical Temple obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His resurrection then established Him as the new, living Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are now incorporated into this new spiritual Temple, becoming living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), with the Holy Spirit dwelling within them ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Jesus' cleansing of the physical Temple foreshadows His greater work of purifying His people, cleansing them from sin, and establishing a new covenant of worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), where access to God is no longer limited by location or commercial transaction but is freely granted through Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 2:13

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

John 2:17

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Matthew 21:12

¶ And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Matthew 21:16

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Luke 19:45

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

Luke 19:47

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

Deuteronomy 14:25

Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: