The Greek word kermatistḗs, represented by G2773, refers to a changer of money or a money-broker. It appears only 1 time in 1 verse in the New Testament, specifically identifying those handling coins as part of the commerce taking place within the temple grounds.
The sole use of G2773 is in John 2:14, where Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem. The text states that he "found G2147 in G1722 the temple G2411 those that sold G4453 oxen G1016 and G2532 sheep G4263 and G2532 doves G4058, and G2532 the changers of money G2773 sitting G2521" John 2:14. This verse sets the scene for the cleansing of the temple, placing the changers of money alongside animal sellers as fixtures of the marketplace that had been established within the sacred precincts.
Several related words from this passage help to define the context of this activity:
- G4453 pōléō: This word means to sell, identifying the primary commercial action occurring in the temple alongside the work of the money changers John 2:14.
- G2411 hierón: This refers to a sacred place, specifically the entire precincts of the Temple. Its use underscores the inappropriate location of the commercial dealings involving the changers of money John 2:14.
- G2521 káthēmai: Meaning to sit down, this word describes the posture of the changers of money. It implies they were not merely passing through but had established a settled, ongoing business within the temple area John 2:14.
The theological significance of G2773 is derived entirely from the pivotal event in which it appears.
- Profanation of Sacred Space: The presence of the changers of money was part of a larger commercial enterprise that turned the temple G2411 into what Jesus called "an house of merchandise" John 2:16. Their activity represented a violation of a place meant for worship.
- Demonstration of Divine Authority: Jesus's forceful response, which included pouring out the money of the changers John 2:15, was a powerful declaration of His authority over the temple G2411, which He identified as "my Father's house" John 2:16.
- Obstruction of Worship: By conducting business in G1722 the temple G2411, these men and others who sold G4453 goods created a barrier to the temple's true purpose, replacing an atmosphere of reverence with one of profit.
In summary, while kermatistḗs G2773 is a highly specific and rare biblical term, its single appearance is crucial. It identifies a key group whose actions contributed to the desecration of the temple, thereby prompting Jesus's zealous and authoritative act of cleansing the sacred space and restoring its focus from commerce to worship.
TRV