John 2:16
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἄρατε
Take
G142
Ἄρατε
Take
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
7 of 18
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
ἐντεῦθεν
hence
G1782
ἐντεῦθεν
hence
Strong's:
G1782
Word #:
9 of 18
hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιεῖτε
make
G4160
ποιεῖτε
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
an house
G3624
οἶκον
an house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
13 of 18
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father's
G3962
πατρός
Father's
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
15 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Jeremiah 7:11Is 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.Matthew 21:13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.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.Luke 2:49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Historical Context
The dove merchants were distinct from cattle sellers—doves were poor people's offerings (Leviticus 5:7). Jesus' command recognizes their services but demands removal of commercial activity from sacred space. Jeremiah had called the temple a 'den of robbers' (Jeremiah 7:11); Jesus echoes this prophetic tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' claim of 'my Father's house' reveal about His self-understanding?
- How do we distinguish between appropriate church activities and corrupting commercialism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To dove-sellers, Jesus commands: 'Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.' The possessive 'my Father's house' claims unique sonship—the temple is His family's property. The merchants may have been providing needed services, but their method corrupted the temple's purpose. Commerce had displaced worship; profit had replaced prayer. Jesus restores the temple's true function.