John 2:14
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
5 of 16
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βόας
oxen
G1016
βόας
oxen
Strong's:
G1016
Word #:
8 of 16
an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
10 of 16
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 11:15And 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 11:17And 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.
Historical Context
The Court of Gentiles, the temple's outer area, had become a marketplace. Money changers exchanged Roman currency (with graven images) for temple shekels. While these services were necessary, they had become exploitative—prices were inflated, and the space meant for Gentile worship was commercialized.
Questions for Reflection
- How can legitimate religious activities become corrupted and exploitative?
- What 'temple marketplaces' exist in contemporary Christianity that might grieve Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In the temple, Jesus finds 'those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.' This commerce served legitimate religious need—pilgrims needed animals for sacrifice and temple currency for offerings. Yet the location (apparently in the Court of Gentiles) and exploitation had corrupted the temple's purpose. Jesus sees not just religious activity but religious corruption.