### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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