Mark 11:15

Authorized King James Version

And 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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔρχονται

G2064

they come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα

G2414

Jerusalem

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσελθὼν

G1525

went

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

ἱερῷ

G2411

the temple

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

#12

ἤρξατο

G756

and began

to commence (in order of time)

#13

ἐκβάλλειν

G1544

to cast out

to eject (literally or figuratively)

#14

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

πωλούντων

G4453

that sold

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἀγοράζοντας

G59

bought

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

#18

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#19

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἱερῷ

G2411

the temple

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

τραπέζας

G5132

the tables

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

#24

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

κολλυβιστῶν

G2855

of the moneychangers

a coin-dealer

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

καθέδρας

G2515

the seats

a bench (literally or figuratively)

#29

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

πωλούντων

G4453

that sold

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#31

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

περιστερὰς

G4058

doves

a pigeon

#33

κατέστρεψεν

G2690

overthrew

to turn upside down, i.e., upset

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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