John 2:14

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

And {G2532} 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}:

In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money.

In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables.

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

Commentary

John 2:14 (KJV) provides a vivid snapshot of Jesus' early public ministry, setting the stage for His profound actions and teachings. It describes the scene in the outer courts of the Jerusalem Temple, where religious commerce had overshadowed spiritual devotion.

Context

This verse immediately precedes Jesus' dramatic action of cleansing the Temple, an event also recorded in the synoptic Gospels (though placed later in their narratives). Following the wedding at Cana, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. The Temple was bustling with pilgrims needing to purchase sacrificial animals and exchange foreign currency for the specific coinage required for the Temple tax.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The activities described were, in themselves, necessary for pilgrims. Many visitors came from distant lands and could not bring their own animals for sacrifice, nor did they possess the Tyrian shekels required for the annual Temple tax. Therefore, sellers of oxen, sheep, and doves, and money changers, facilitated these needs. However, the problem arose when these operations became exploitative, marked by exorbitant prices and dishonest practices. This commercialization transformed the sacred "Court of the Gentiles" – an area intended for all nations to pray – into a noisy marketplace, hindering genuine worship and prayer. The term "temple" here refers to the entire complex (Greek: hieron), not just the inner sanctuary.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity of Worship: Jesus' actions highlight His fierce commitment to the sanctity of God's house and the purity of worship. He was incensed by the desecration of a place meant for spiritual communion.
  • Jesus' Authority: This act demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and zeal, not merely as a prophet, but as the Son of God who had the right to purify His Father's house. This is a powerful declaration of His identity early in His ministry.
  • Condemnation of Commercialism in Faith: The scene serves as a strong rebuke against those who exploit religious practices for personal gain, turning piety into profit.

Related Scriptures

This account in John's Gospel is distinct from the Temple cleansing described in Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, and Luke 19:45-46, which occur near the end of Jesus' ministry. John places this event at the beginning, underscoring its significance as an inaugural act. Jesus' zeal is echoed in John 2:17, quoting Psalm 69:9: "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."

Practical Application

John 2:14 calls believers to examine their own hearts and the nature of their worship. It reminds us that true worship should be sincere, free from commercial exploitation, and focused on God. It challenges us to ensure that our spiritual practices are not corrupted by materialism or self-interest, and to maintain reverence for sacred spaces and the holiness of God. The passage also reminds us of Jesus' unwavering commitment to righteousness and His authority to confront anything that defiles true devotion.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:45 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 19:46 (7 votes)

    Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

  • Mark 11:15 (7 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 11:17 (6 votes)

    And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

  • Deuteronomy 14:23 (5 votes)

    And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

  • Deuteronomy 14:26 (5 votes)

    And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

  • Matthew 21:12 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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,