Matthew 21:13

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And {G2532} said {G3004} unto them {G846}, It is written {G1125}, My {G3450} house {G3624} shall be called {G2564} the house {G3624} of prayer {G4335}; but {G1161} ye {G5210} have made {G4160} it {G846} a den {G4693} of thieves {G3027}.

He said to them, "It has been written, `My house will be called a house of prayer.' But you are making it into a den of robbers!"

And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 21:13 is part of the narrative often referred to as the "Temple Cleansing," which occurs shortly after Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Upon entering the Temple courts, Jesus found a bustling marketplace where moneychangers and sellers of sacrificial animals operated. While these services were necessary for pilgrims, they had become corrupted, with excessive fees and dishonest practices, turning a sacred space into a commercial hub. Jesus' actions here demonstrate His righteous indignation and authority over the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's House: Jesus' primary rebuke emphasizes the Temple's intended purpose. By quoting Isaiah 56:7, "My house shall be called the house of prayer," He highlights that the Temple was meant to be a place of devotion, communion with God, and worship for all people, including Gentiles.
  • Condemnation of Corruption: The phrase "but ye have made it a den of thieves" (quoting Jeremiah 7:11) is a strong indictment against the exploitation and dishonesty rampant within the Temple's commercial activities. It signifies that the spiritual purpose of the Temple had been utterly perverted by greed and self-interest.
  • Divine Authority and Zeal: Jesus' actions and words powerfully assert His divine authority over the religious establishment. His zeal for the purity of God's worship is palpable, echoing the prophetic tradition of calling out injustice and hypocrisy. This act foreshadows His role as the true Temple and the ultimate sacrifice.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus directly references two Old Testament prophecies, underscoring that His actions were not arbitrary but aligned with God's long-standing will and judgment against spiritual corruption. Isaiah 56:7 speaks to the Temple's purpose for all nations, while Jeremiah 7:11 condemns the people for treating God's house as a hideout for their ill-gotten gains.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of prayer" (Greek: oikos proseuches) emphasizes the Temple's role as a place for direct communication and supplication to God. In contrast, "den of thieves" (Greek: spelaion lestes) paints a vivid picture of a hideout for bandits or robbers, suggesting a place where illicit gains are stored and schemes are hatched, rather than a sanctuary of holiness. This stark contrast highlights the vast chasm between the Temple's divine intention and its corrupted reality.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It challenges us to consider:

  1. The Purity of Worship: Do our places of worship truly prioritize prayer, devotion, and the glory of God, or are they sometimes overshadowed by commercialism, entertainment, or self-serving agendas?
  2. Personal Holiness: Just as the Temple was meant to be a holy place, the New Testament teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This calls us to live lives of integrity, free from spiritual corruption and exploitation.
  3. Zeal for God's Purposes: Jesus' righteous anger against the perversion of God's house encourages us to have a similar zeal for truth, justice, and the pure worship of God in all areas of life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:11 (39 votes)

    Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen [it], saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 56:7 (33 votes)

    Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

  • Luke 19:46 (18 votes)

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

  • Mark 11:17 (15 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.

  • Psalms 93:5 (10 votes)

    Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

  • John 15:25 (2 votes)

    But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Matthew 2:5 (-1 votes)

    And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,