Luke 19:45
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὸν
the temple
G2411
ἱερὸν
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
5 of 13
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 #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
High priest Caiaphas and family controlled temple commerce through the 'Bazaars of Annas,' profiting enormously from sacrificial sales. Pilgrims required approved animals and temple currency, creating captive market. Josephus confirms the temple courts' commercial activity. Jesus's disruption challenged not just improper worship but corrupt economic-religious power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious commercialism today parallel the temple marketplace Jesus confronted?
- What does Jesus's forceful action teach about righteous anger over God's house being defiled?
- In what ways might we be 'buying and selling' in spaces meant for pure worship of God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought (Καὶ εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν ἤρξατο ἐκβάλλειν τοὺς πωλοῦντας, Kai eiselthōn eis to hieron ērxato ekballein tous pōlountas)—This occurs immediately after the triumphal entry; Jesus enters Jerusalem as King and claims His Father's house. Ekballō (to cast out, drive out) is forceful—the same verb used for exorcising demons. The present tense pōlountas (those selling) and implied agorazō (buying) describe ongoing commerce that had transformed worship into transaction.
The temple's Court of the Gentiles had become a marketplace selling sacrificial animals and exchanging currency. While seemingly facilitating worship, the system had become exploitative—overpriced animals, unfair exchange rates, profit-driven religion. Jesus's action is prophetic sign-act, recalling Malachi 3:1-3 ('the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple... and he shall purify the sons of Levi'). This 'cleansing' marks Jesus's formal challenge to the temple establishment, sealing His fate with authorities.