The Greek word kollybistḗs, represented by G2855, serves as the term for a coin-dealer or (money-)changer. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term is derived from a word for a small coin and is used exclusively to describe individuals engaged in financial transactions within the temple in Jerusalem.
The word G2855 is found only in the gospel accounts of Jesus cleansing the temple. In both Matthew and Mark, Jesus went into G1525 the temple G2411 and cast out G1544 those buying and selling, and specifically overthrew G2690 the tables G5132 of the moneychangers (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15). The narrative in John provides further detail, noting that Jesus made G4160 a scourge G5416 and drove G1544 out the merchants, sheep, and oxen, and poured out G1632 the changers' G2855 money G2772 before he overthrew their tables John 2:15.
Several related words illuminate the context of this dramatic event:
- G1544 ekbállō (to eject (literally or figuratively):--bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out)): This verb describes the forceful action Jesus took against the merchants. He is shown to cast out those who sold and bought in the temple Matthew 21:12.
- G2411 hierón (a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts... of the Temple): This word establishes the location of the event. All three uses of G2855 occur when Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem Mark 11:15.
- G5132 trápeza (a table... also a counter for money): This is the specific object associated with the moneychangers. In all accounts, Jesus' disruptive act includes overthrowing their tables John 2:15.
- G2690 katastréphō (to turn upside down, i.e. upset): This verb provides a vivid description of Jesus' action. He overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, physically upending their business Matthew 21:12.
The use of G2855 carries significant weight in its limited appearances:
- Profaning Sacred Space: The presence of moneychangers G2855 highlights commerce occurring within the temple G2411 of God G2316, a place intended for worship. Jesus' decisive action to cast out G1544 these individuals underscores the incompatibility of this business with the sacred nature of the location Matthew 21:12.
- Divine Authority: By driving out those who sold doves G4058, sheep G4263, and oxen G1016 and overturning the tables of the moneychangers, Jesus demonstrates his authority over the temple activities John 2:15.
- Symbolic Judgment: The act of pouring out the changers' G2855 money G2772 and overthrowing their tables G5132 serves as a potent, physical judgment against the commercialization of worship and the defilement of His Father's house John 2:15.
In summary, kollybistḗs G2855 is a highly specific term, exclusively linked to the cleansing of the temple. While it appears only three times, its context is pivotal, defining the individuals whose commercial activities provoked a direct and forceful response from Jesus G2424. The word is central to a narrative that contrasts the sacred purpose of the temple G2411 with the secular business being conducted within it, illustrating a powerful moment of divine judgment.
TRV