John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

◄ John 2:15 ►

New International Version
So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

New Living Translation
Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.

English Standard Version
And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.

Berean Standard Bible
So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

Berean Literal Bible
And having made a whip of cords, He drove out all from the temple, both sheep and oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overthrew the tables.

King James Bible
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

New King James Version
When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.

New American Standard Bible
And He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;

NASB 1995
And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;

NASB 1977
And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the moneychangers, and overturned their tables;

Legacy Standard Bible
And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;

Amplified Bible
He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;

Christian Standard Bible
After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After making a whip out of cords, He drove everyone out of the temple complex with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables.

American Standard Version
and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables;

Contemporary English Version
So he took some rope and made a whip. Then he chased everyone out of the temple, together with their sheep and cattle. He turned over the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins.

English Revised Version
and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He made a whip from small ropes and threw everyone with their sheep and cattle out of the temple courtyard. He dumped the moneychangers' coins and knocked over their tables.

Good News Translation
So he made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the Temple, both the sheep and the cattle; he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins;

International Standard Version
After making a whip out of cords, he drove all of them out of the Temple, including the sheep and the cattle. He scattered the coins of the moneychangers and knocked over their tables.

Majority Standard Bible
So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

NET Bible
So he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple courts, with the sheep and the oxen. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

New Heart English Bible
And he made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

Weymouth New Testament
So He plaited a whip of rushes, and drove all--both sheep and bullocks--out of the Temple. The small coin of the brokers He upset on the ground and overturned their tables.

World English Bible
He made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and having made a whip of small cords, He put all forth out of the temple, also the sheep, and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money-changers, and He overthrew the tables,

Berean Literal Bible
And having made a whip of cords, He drove out all from the temple, both sheep and oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overthrew the tables.

Young's Literal Translation
and having made a whip of small cords, he put all forth out of the temple, also the sheep, and the oxen; and of the money-changers he poured out the coins, and the tables he overthrew,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having made a scourge of ropes, he cast all out of the temple, also sheep, and oxen; and poured out the small coin of money-changers, and overturned the tables;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had made, as it were, a scourge of little cords, he drove them all out of the temple, the sheep also and the oxen, and the money of the changers he poured out, and the tables he overthrew.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had made something like a whip out of little cords, he drove them all out of the temple, including the sheep and the oxen. And he poured out the brass coins of the moneychangers, and he overturned their tables.

New American Bible
He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables,

New Revised Standard Version
Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he made a whip of cord, and drove them all out of the temple, even the sheep and the oxen and the money changers; and he threw out their exchange money, and upset their trays;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he made for himself a whip from rope and cast all of them out of The Temple, and the sheep, the lambs, and money exchangers, and he poured out their money and overturned their tables.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And when he had made a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, the sheep also, and the oxen, and he poured out the money of the money-changers, and overthrew their tables;

Godbey New Testament
and having made a scourge of cords, He cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the money of the exchangers, and over-turned the tables.

Haweis New Testament
and having made a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and scattered the money of the exchangers, and overturned the tables;

Mace New Testament
upon which he made a whip of small cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with their sheep, and oxen; and threw about the changers money, and over-set the tables; and said to the dove-sellers,

Weymouth New Testament
So He plaited a whip of rushes, and drove all--both sheep and bullocks--out of the Temple. The small coin of the brokers He upset on the ground and overturned their tables.

Worrell New Testament
And, having made a scourge of cords, He drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

Worsley New Testament
and having made a whip of small cords He drove them all, out of the temple; with the sheep and the oxen: and He poured out the changers money, and threw down the tables.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
…14In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. 15So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 11:15-17
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. / Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Luke 19:45-46
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling there. / He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be a house of prayer.’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Psalm 69:9
because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

Malachi 3:1-3
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. / But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Isaiah 56:7
I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Jeremiah 7:11
Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 14:21
Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD of Hosts, and all who sacrifice will come and take some pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 23:38
Look, your house is left to you desolate.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Hebrews 9:11-12
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Revelation 21:22
But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

Psalm 119:139
My zeal has consumed me because my foes forget Your words.

Nehemiah 13:8-9
And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. / Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.

Treasury of Scripture

And when he had made a whip of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

he drove.

John 18:6
As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Jump to Previous

Area Bullocks Cast Cattle Change Changers Coin Coins Cords Directions Drove Ground Making Money Money-Changers Overthrew Overturning Oxen Plaited Poured Rushes Scattered Scourge Sending Sheep Small Tables Temple Threw Upset Whip

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John 2

1. Jesus turns water into wine;
12. departs into Capernaum,
13. and to Jerusalem,
14. where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers.
18. He foretells his death and resurrection.
23. Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them.

Berean Study Bible

So He made a whip out of cords
The phrase "made a whip out of cords" signifies Jesus' deliberate and intentional action. The Greek word for "made" (ποιέω, poieō) implies a purposeful creation, indicating that Jesus' actions were not impulsive but rather a calculated response to the desecration of the temple. The "cords" (σχοινίον, schoinion) were likely materials readily available in the temple area, possibly used for tying animals. This act symbolizes Jesus' authority and righteous indignation against the commercialization of sacred space, reflecting His zeal for the purity of worship.

and drove all from the temple courts
The term "drove" (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō) is a forceful verb, often used in the context of casting out demons, suggesting a powerful expulsion. The "temple courts" (ἱερόν, hieron) refer to the outer courts of the temple, specifically the Court of the Gentiles, which had been turned into a marketplace. This action underscores Jesus' mission to restore the temple as a house of prayer for all nations, as prophesied in Isaiah 56:7, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's covenant.

both sheep and cattle
The mention of "sheep and cattle" highlights the commercial activities taking place within the temple precincts. These animals were sold for sacrifices, and their presence in the temple courts indicates the extent to which commerce had overshadowed worship. This phrase serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system's original intent, which was to point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Himself, who would cleanse not just the temple, but the hearts of believers.

He scattered the coins of the money changers
"Scattered" (σκορπίζω, skorpizō) conveys a sense of disorder and disruption. The "coins" (νόμισμα, nomisma) were the currency exchanged for temple offerings, often at exploitative rates. The "money changers" (κολλυβιστής, kollubistēs) were those who facilitated this exchange, profiting from pilgrims. By scattering their coins, Jesus challenges the corruption and exploitation within the temple, calling for a return to genuine worship and integrity.

and overturned their tables
The act of "overturned" (ἀνατρέπω, anatrepō) signifies a complete upheaval of the existing order. The "tables" (τράπεζα, trapeza) were the physical structures supporting the corrupt practices. This dramatic action symbolizes the overturning of the old covenant system, foreshadowing the new covenant established through Jesus' death and resurrection. It serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's authority to cleanse and renew, both in the temple and in the hearts of His followers.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) And the sheep, and the oxen.--For this read, both the sheep and the oxen. The change is of only one word, but it gives an entirely different sense. The driving out with the scourge was not of "all (men) and sheep and oxen," but of "all," i.e., both sheep and oxen.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - And when he had made a scourge of small cords (σχοινία of twisted rushes from the scattered fodder or litter of the cattle). This feature of the Lord's action was not repeated at the close of the ministry. Observe that John singles out this punitive element in the first public appearance of the Lord for especial notice, and adds it to the otherwise resistless force which he was accustomed to wield by the glance of his eye or the tones of his voice. The "scourge," as Godet says, is a symbol, not an instrument. It was in Christ's hands a conspicuous method of expressing his indignation, and augmenting the force of his command, by an indication that he meant to be obeyed there and then. He drove them all out of the temple court (ἱερόν); that is, the intrusive sellers of the sacrificial beasts, the herdsmen, and traffickers. Also (τὰ τε) the sheep and the oxen, which moved at once in a vast group, turning, fleeing to the great exits; and he poured out on the ground, and with his own hand, the coins of the exchangers (κολλυβιστῶν), and overthrew the tables. "Christ had," as Hengstenberg says, "a powerful confederate in the consciences of the offenders." The presentiment of coming revolution and overthrow aided the impression produced by that majestic countenance and commanding glance, manner, and voice, that so often made men feel that they were utterly and absolutely in his power (cf. John 18:6, note).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[So]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He made
ποιήσας (poiēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

a whip
φραγέλλιον (phragellion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5416: A scourge, lash, whip. Neuter of a derivative from the base of phragelloo; a whip, i.e. Roman lash as a public punishment.

out of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

cords
σχοινίων (schoiniōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4979: A cord, rope. Diminutive of schoinos; a rushlet, i.e. Grass-withe or tie.

[and] drove
ἐξέβαλεν (exebalen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

temple courts,
ἱεροῦ (hierou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

both
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

sheep
πρόβατα (probata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263: A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

cattle.
βόας (boas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1016: An ox, cow, bull. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox, i.e. An animal of that species.

He poured out
ἐξέχεεν (execheen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1632: Or ekchuno ek-khoo'-no from ek and cheo; to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

coins
κέρματα (kermata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2772: A small coin; plur: small change. From keiro; a clipping, i.e. a coin.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

money changers
κολλυβιστῶν (kollybistōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2855: From a presumed derivative of kollubos; a coin-dealer.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

overturned
ἀνέτρεψεν (anetrepsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 396: To overturn (lit. or met.), subvert, overthrow, corrupt. From ana and the base of trope; to overturn.

[their]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tables.
τραπέζας (trapezas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5132: Probably contracted from tessares and peze; a table or stool, usually for food; also a counter for money.

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NT Gospels: John 2:15 He made a whip of cords (Jhn Jo Jn)