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,

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went {G1525} into {G1519} the temple {G2411} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} cast out {G1544} all them {G3956} 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 that sold {G4453} doves {G4058},

Yeshua entered the Temple grounds and drove out those who were doing business there, both the merchants and their customers. He upset the desks of the money changers and knocked over the benches of those who were selling pigeons.

Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves.

And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

Commentary

Matthew 21:12 details a powerful and decisive act by Jesus Christ shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event, often referred to as the "cleansing of the temple," demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and His fervent zeal for the sanctity of God's house.

Context

This incident occurs during Holy Week, just days before Jesus' crucifixion. The "temple of God" (Greek: hieron) refers to the entire temple complex, specifically the outer court known as the Court of the Gentiles. This area was intended as a place for all people, including non-Jews, to pray and worship. However, it had been transformed into a bustling marketplace.

  • Selling and Buying: Pilgrims traveling long distances needed to purchase animals for sacrifice.
  • Moneychangers: Temple taxes had to be paid in a specific currency (Tyrian shekels), necessitating money exchange, often at exploitative rates.
  • Corruption: The activities, while seemingly practical, were marred by profiteering, dishonesty, and disrespect, obstructing genuine worship and prayer, especially for Gentiles who were relegated to this outer court.

Jesus' action was a direct challenge to the religious establishment and a prophetic statement against the corruption that had infiltrated sacred spaces. It echoes the prophecy found in Malachi 3:1-3, which speaks of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple to purify it.

Key Themes

  • Purity of Worship: Jesus' primary concern was that the temple, intended as a "house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13), had become a "den of thieves." This underscores the importance of sincere and uncorrupted worship.
  • Jesus' Authority: This act was a bold assertion of Jesus' divine authority over the temple and its practices. He did not merely protest; He took decisive action, demonstrating His kingship and His role as the Son of God.
  • Zeal for God's House: The parallel account in John 2:13-17 highlights the disciples' recollection that "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (John 2:17), referencing Psalm 69:9. This zeal drove His actions.
  • Judgment on Corruption: Jesus' overturning of tables and casting out of merchants symbolized a judgment against the spiritual and commercial corruption that had defiled a holy place.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "temple of God" (Greek: hieron tou theou) emphasizes that this was not merely a building but a place consecrated to the Almighty. The "moneychangers" (Greek: kollubistes) were literally "coin-clippers" or "small-coin dealers," highlighting their focus on minute transactions and potential for petty exploitation. "Sold doves" points to the exploitation of the poor, as doves were the sacrifices prescribed for those who could not afford larger animals (Leviticus 12:8).

Practical Application

The cleansing of the temple holds profound relevance for believers today:

  • Purity of Worship: We are called to ensure that our worship, both individually and corporately, is pure and focused on God, free from distractions, commercialism, or self-serving motives.
  • Personal Temple: As believers, our bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and "cleanse" them of anything that defiles or distracts from true devotion to God.
  • Spiritual Authority: Jesus' actions remind us of His ultimate authority over all things, including religious institutions and our personal lives. He desires genuine reverence and obedience.
  • Combating Corruption: The passage encourages us to be vigilant against any form of exploitation or hypocrisy that might creep into spiritual practices or communities.
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Cross-References

  • John 2:14 (22 votes)

    And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

  • John 2:17 (22 votes)

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

  • Luke 19:45 (14 votes)

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

  • Luke 19:47 (14 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,

  • Mark 11:15 (12 votes)

    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;

  • Mark 11:18 (12 votes)

    And the scribes and chief priests heard [it], and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

  • Leviticus 1:14 (10 votes)

    And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD [be] of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.