Matthew 21:13
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
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
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 16
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
unto them
G846
αὐτὸν
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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 #:
4 of 16
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκος
house
G3624
οἶκος
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 16
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 #:
8 of 16
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 #:
9 of 16
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
κληθήσεται
shall be called
G2564
κληθήσεται
shall be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
10 of 16
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
αὐτὸν
unto them
G846
αὐτὸν
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 16
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 #:
14 of 16
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
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.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.Luke 19:46Saying unto them, It is written, My house is 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.Psalms 93:5Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
Historical Context
The temple's outer court (Court of Gentiles) was designated for Gentile worship—filling it with commercial activity excluded Gentiles from prayer space. Money-changers exchanged Roman coins (bearing Caesar's image, considered idolatrous) for temple currency at exorbitant rates. Jesus' cleansing asserted His authority over the temple and its worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious practices or traditions obscure genuine worship in your life?
- What needs cleansing in your personal 'temple' (heart) to restore prayer's primacy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' rebuke 'It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves' combines Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, condemning the temple's corruption. God intended the temple as a place of prayer (worship, communion with God); instead, it became a marketplace where money-changers and merchants extorted worshipers. 'Den of thieves' means a hideout where robbers retreat—the religious establishment used God's house for profit while maintaining external piety.