Mark 11:15

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;

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};

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,

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.

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

Mark 11:15 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, often referred to as the "cleansing of the Temple." This event demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and His zeal for the purity of God's house, challenging the established religious practices of His day.

Context

This incident occurs shortly after Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:9-10) during Passover week, a time when the city was crowded with pilgrims. The day before, Jesus had entered the Temple and observed the scene (Mark 11:11), suggesting a deliberate and informed action. This cleansing is distinct from an earlier Temple cleansing recorded in John 2:13-16, indicating Jesus' consistent concern for the sanctity of worship. The event is often linked conceptually with Jesus' cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21), both symbolizing judgment on unfruitful religious practices.

Key Themes

  • Holiness of God's House: Jesus' actions underscore that the Temple, intended as a "house of prayer" (Mark 11:17), had been desecrated by commercial activities. It was a place of worship, not a marketplace.
  • Divine Authority and Zeal: Jesus demonstrates His unique authority over the Temple and its operations. His passionate response, described as "casting out" and "overthrowing," reveals a profound zeal for God's glory and justice, as prophesied in Psalm 69:9.
  • Corruption and Exploitation: The moneychangers and sellers of sacrificial animals (especially doves, which were offerings for the poor, Leviticus 12:8) were exploiting pilgrims, particularly the poor, by charging exorbitant rates for currency exchange and sacrifices. Jesus condemned this economic injustice.
  • Prophetic Action: This powerful act served as a prophetic warning and judgment against a religious system that had become corrupt and lost its true purpose.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "cast out them that sold and bought" (Greek: ekballo - ἐκβάλλω) implies a forceful, decisive expulsion, not merely a gentle request.
  • "Moneychangers" (Greek: kollubistes - κολλυβιστής) refers to those who exchanged foreign currency, which pilgrims brought, into the specific Tyrian coinage required for the Temple tax and offerings. These exchanges often involved unfair rates.
  • The selling of "doves" was particularly poignant, as doves were the prescribed sacrifice for the poor who could not afford a lamb (Leviticus 12:8). Their exploitation highlighted the systemic injustice.

Practical Application

The cleansing of the Temple remains a powerful reminder for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Examine Our Worship: Ensure that our personal worship and communal church gatherings are focused on God, free from distractions, commercialism, or anything that diminishes His glory. Our hearts are to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
  • Uphold Justice: Be vigilant against exploitation and injustice, especially towards the vulnerable, within religious contexts and beyond.
  • Maintain Purity: Strive for purity in our intentions and actions, ensuring our faith is genuine and not merely a performance or a means to personal gain.
  • Recognize Christ's Authority: Acknowledge Jesus' supreme authority over all aspects of life and worship.
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Cross-References

  • John 2:13 (13 votes)

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

  • John 2:17 (13 votes)

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

  • Matthew 21:12 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 19:47 (7 votes)

    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 (-1 votes)

    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: