### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κέρμα (kérma) derives from the verb κείρω (keirō), which means "to cut," "to shear," or "to clip." Thus, at its most fundamental level, κέρμα denotes "something cut off" or "a clipping." In its specialized and most common usage, particularly in the Hellenistic period, it refers to "a coin" or "money," specifically implying small denominations, change, or coinage that might have been "clipped" from larger pieces of metal. The term carries a nuance of fragmented or individual pieces of currency, rather than large sums or general wealth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κέρμα (kérma) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant passage:
* **[[John 2:15]]**: "And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables."
In this context, κέρμα refers to the coins handled by the money-changers (κολλυβιστής, `{{G2855}}`) in the Temple courts. These money-changers facilitated the exchange of various foreign currencies brought by pilgrims into the specific coinage acceptable for Temple offerings and taxes (typically Tyrian shekels, which were pure silver and lacked pagan imagery). The presence of these commercial activities, including the exchange of κέρμα, within the sacred precincts of the Temple was viewed by Jesus as a profound desecration. His forceful action of "pouring out the changers' money" underscores His indignation at the profanation of God's house, which had been transformed from a place of worship into a marketplace. The specific use of κέρμα here might subtly emphasize the small, individual pieces of currency, highlighting the petty commercialism that had overtaken the spiritual purpose of the Temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κείρω (keirō)**: The root verb, meaning "to cut, shear, clip." This etymological connection underscores the physical origin of coins as "clipped" pieces of metal, or perhaps highlights the idea of "clipping" value.
* **κολλυβιστής (kollubistēs) `{{G2855}}`**: "Money-changer." This term identifies the individuals who dealt with the κέρμα in the Temple, indicating their role in commercial transactions.
* **ἀργύριον (argyrios) `{{G694}}` / ἀργύριον (argyros) `{{G696}}`**: These terms refer to "silver" or "money" in a more general sense. While κέρμα specifically refers to coins or small change, ἀργύριον is a broader term for currency or wealth.
* **χρῆμα (chrēma) `{{G5536}}`**: A general term meaning "money, wealth, possessions." It is a much broader category than κέρμα.
* **δηνάριον (dēnarion) `{{G1220}}`**: "Denarius," a specific Roman silver coin.
* **δραχμή (drachmē) `{{G1406}}`**: "Drachma," a specific Greek silver coin.
The distinction of κέρμα from these more general or specific coin terms lies in its emphasis on the "clipping" or "fragmented" nature of the currency, often implying small change rather than large sums.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of κέρμα in [[John 2:15]] carries profound theological weight. Jesus' act of overturning the tables and scattering the money-changers' κέρμα is a powerful demonstration of His divine authority and zeal for the sanctity of God's house. The Temple, intended as a "house of prayer for all nations" ([[Mark 11:17]], referencing [[Isaiah 56:7]]), had been corrupted by commercial enterprise. The presence and exchange of κέρμα symbolized this spiritual degradation, where financial profit overshadowed genuine worship and devotion.
Jesus' action is not merely a display of anger but a prophetic sign, challenging the prevailing religious practices and foreshadowing the redefinition of the Temple in His own person ([[John 2:19-21]]). The "clippings" of money represent the fragmented, commercialized, and ultimately defiled state of worship that God rejected. This incident serves as a timeless warning against allowing worldly concerns, particularly materialism and greed, to infiltrate and corrupt sacred spaces or spiritual practices. It underscores the call for purity of heart and unadulterated devotion in our relationship with God, reminding us that true worship transcends transactional exchanges.
### Summary
The Greek word κέρμα (kérma) fundamentally signifies "a clipping" and specifically refers to "small coins" or "change." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[John 2:15]] is pivotal, describing the money Jesus scattered during His cleansing of the Temple. This act highlights Jesus' zealous commitment to the purity of God's house, which had been defiled by commercial activities, including the exchange of κέρμα. Theologically, the incident underscores Jesus' authority, His rejection of materialism encroaching upon sacred space, and His call for authentic, uncompromised worship. The "clippings" of money serve as a powerful symbol of the fragmented and corrupted devotion that God abhors, emphasizing the necessity of wholehearted reverence in His presence.
TRV