Luke 19:46
Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων
Saying
G3004
λέγων
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 15
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
Γέγραπται
It is written
G1125
Γέγραπται
It is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 15
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκος
house
G3624
οἶκος
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
5 of 15
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
οἶκος
house
G3624
οἶκος
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
7 of 15
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
προσευχῆς
of prayer
G4335
προσευχῆς
of prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
8 of 15
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
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
ἐποιήσατε
have made
G4160
ἐποιήσατε
have made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Isaiah 56:7Even 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.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.
Historical Context
Jeremiah 7 was delivered at the temple gate, warning that the building wouldn't protect a disobedient nation. Jesus deliberately echoes this 'temple sermon,' positioning Himself as prophet announcing imminent judgment. Within a generation, the temple complex would be demolished, never rebuilt, while the church—a 'house of prayer for all nations'—would spread globally.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious institutions meant to facilitate worship become obstacles to genuine encounter with God?
- What does Jesus's Scripture citation teach about the Word's authority in confronting religious corruption?
- Where might we have made sacred spaces into 'dens of thieves' through exploitation or profit-driven ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer (λέγων αὐτοῖς, Γέγραπται, Ὁ οἶκός μου οἶκος προσευχῆς, legōn autois, Gegraptai, Ho oikos mou oikos proseuchēs)—Jesus cites Isaiah 56:7, but significantly, Luke omits 'for all nations,' focusing on prayer's priority. Gegraptai (it stands written) appeals to Scripture's permanent authority. My house (Ὁ οἶκός μου) asserts ownership: this is Jesus's Father's house, making Him rightful Lord. Proseuchē (prayer) defines the temple's purpose—communion with God, not commercial transaction.
But ye have made it a den of thieves (ὑμεῖς δὲ αὐτὸν ἐποιήσατε σπήλαιον λῃστῶν, hymeis de auton epoiēsate spēlaion lēstōn)—quoting Jeremiah 7:11, Jesus condemns not just commerce but robbery. Lēstēs (robber, bandit) implies violence and exploitation, not mere shopkeeping. Jeremiah's context warned that religious ritual without justice brings judgment—within decades, Rome destroyed the temple (AD 70), vindicating Jesus's prophetic critique. The accusation 'ye have made' (epoiēsate, aorist active) assigns direct responsibility to the leaders.