Mark 11:15
New International Version
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,

New Living Translation
When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves,

English Standard Version
And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And they come to Jerusalem. And having entered into the temple, He began to cast out those selling and those buying in the temple. And He overturned the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those selling doves.

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

New American Standard Bible
Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves;

NASB 1995
Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves;

NASB 1977
And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who were selling doves;

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves;

Amplified Bible
Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple [grounds] and began driving out [with force] the people who were selling and buying [animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the seats of those who were selling doves;

Christian Standard Bible
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They came to Jerusalem, and He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers’ tables and the chairs of those selling doves,

American Standard Version
And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

Contemporary English Version
After Jesus and his disciples reached Jerusalem, he went into the temple and began chasing out everyone who was selling and buying. He turned over the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those who were selling doves.

English Revised Version
And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When they came to Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple courtyard and began to throw out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the moneychangers' tables and the chairs of those who sold pigeons.

Good News Translation
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the Temple and began to drive out all those who were buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the stools of those who sold pigeons,

International Standard Version
When they came to Jerusalem, he went into the Temple and began to throw out those who were selling and those who were buying in the Temple. He overturned the moneychangers' tables and the chairs of those who sold doves.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Then they came to Jerusalem. Jesus entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying in the temple courts. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves,

New Heart English Bible
They came to Jerusalem, and he entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

Weymouth New Testament
They reached Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers, and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers,

World English Bible
They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they come to Jerusalem, and Jesus having gone into the temple, began to cast forth those selling and buying in the temple, and He overthrew the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling the doves,

Berean Literal Bible
And they come to Jerusalem. And having entered into the temple, He began to cast out those selling and those buying in the temple. And He overturned the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those selling doves.

Young's Literal Translation
And they come to Jerusalem, and Jesus having gone into the temple, began to cast forth those selling and buying in the temple, and the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling the doves, he overthrew,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus having entered into the temple, began to cast out those selling and buying in the temple; and the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those selling doves he overturned;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they came to Jerusalem. And when he was entered into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the chairs of them that sold doves.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they went to Jerusalem. And when he had entered into the temple, he began to cast out the sellers and the buyers in the temple. And he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the chairs of the vendors of doves.

New American Bible
They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.

New Revised Standard Version
Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they came to Jerusalem; and Jesus entered into the temple of God, and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple; and he overturned the trays of the money-changers and the stands of those who sold doves;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua entered The Temple of God and he began to cast out those who bought and sold in The Temple and he overturned the tables of the money exchangers and the seats of those who were selling doves.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they came into Jerusalem; and Jesus entered the temple, and began to drive out those who sold, and those who bought in the temple; and he overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those who sold doves.

Godbey New Testament
And they come into Jerusalem: and He having come into the temple, began to cast out the buyers and sellers in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money-exchangers, and the seats of those selling doves;

Haweis New Testament
And they came to Jerusalem and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to cast out those who sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those who sold doves;

Mace New Testament
Being arrived at Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple, and began to turn out those that bought and sold there; he overthrew the table of Money-changers, and the stalls of those that sold doves.

Weymouth New Testament
They reached Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers, and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers,

Worrell New Testament
And they come to Jerusalem. And, entering into the temple, He began to cast out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those who sold doves;

Worsley New Testament
Then they came to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to turn out those that sold and bought in the court of the temple, and threw down the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
14Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.” And His disciples heard this statement. 15When 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. 16And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.…

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.’”

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.’”

John 2:13-17
When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. / In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. / 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. ...

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.

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.

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

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.

1 Kings 8:41-43
And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— / for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

Nehemiah 13:4-9
Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God / and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. / While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king ...

2 Chronicles 6:32-33
And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your great name and Your mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

Hosea 9:15
All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them. I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.

Amos 5:21-24
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

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


Treasury of Scripture

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;

and Jesus.

Matthew 21:12-16
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, …

Luke 19:45
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

John 2:13-17
And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, …

the tables.

Deuteronomy 14:25,26
Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: …

Jump to Previous
Bought Cast Changers Doves Drive Entered Entering Jerusalem Jesus Money Moneychangers Money-Changers Offering Overthrew Overturned Overturning Pigeon-Dealers Reached Seats Sellers Selling Sold Stools Tables Temple Throw Trading Upset
Jump to Next
Bought Cast Changers Doves Drive Entered Entering Jerusalem Jesus Money Moneychangers Money-Changers Offering Overthrew Overturned Overturning Pigeon-Dealers Reached Seats Sellers Selling Sold Stools Tables Temple Throw Trading Upset
Mark 11
1. Jesus rides with triumph into Jerusalem;
12. curses the fruitless fig tree;
15. purges the temple;
20. exhorts his disciples to steadfastness of faith, and to forgive their enemies;
27. and defends his actions by the witness of John, who was a man sent of God.














When they arrived in Jerusalem
This phrase marks the beginning of a significant event in Jesus' ministry. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life, was especially crowded during Passover, a time when Jews from all over the world came to worship. The arrival in Jerusalem signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' journey towards His ultimate sacrifice. This event is a pivotal moment in the Passion Week, leading to His crucifixion.

Jesus entered the temple courts
The temple courts refer to the outer courts of the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically the Court of the Gentiles. This area was meant to be a place of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7). The Temple was the heart of Jewish worship and the place where God's presence dwelt among His people. Jesus' entry into the temple courts symbolizes His authority over religious practices and His role as the true High Priest.

and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there
The buying and selling in the temple courts were related to the sacrificial system. Pilgrims needed to purchase animals for sacrifices, and money changers exchanged foreign currency for the temple tax. However, this commercial activity had become exploitative and distracted from the temple's true purpose. Jesus' actions reflect His zeal for pure worship and His condemnation of corruption within religious practices, echoing the prophetic call for justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 7:11).

He overturned the tables of the money changers
Money changers were necessary because the temple tax had to be paid in a specific currency. However, they often charged exorbitant fees, exploiting worshippers. By overturning their tables, Jesus demonstrated His authority to cleanse the temple and restore it to a house of prayer. This act fulfills the prophecy of Malachi 3:1-3, where the Lord comes to purify the temple.

and the seats of those selling doves
Doves were the offerings of the poor, as prescribed in Leviticus 5:7. By targeting those selling doves, Jesus highlighted the exploitation of the most vulnerable worshippers. His actions emphasize His concern for justice and compassion for the marginalized. This cleansing of the temple foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice, which would render the sacrificial system obsolete, as He becomes the perfect offering for sin (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, demonstrating righteous anger and authority in cleansing the temple.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is located, a significant place for Jewish worship and pilgrimage.

3. Temple Courts
The outer area of the temple where commercial activities were taking place, intended for worship and prayer.

4. Money Changers
Individuals who exchanged foreign currency for temple currency, often exploiting worshippers.

5. Sellers of Doves
Merchants selling animals for sacrifices, which were required for temple rituals.
Teaching Points
Righteous Anger
Jesus' actions demonstrate that there is a place for righteous anger when God's holiness is compromised. Believers should discern when to stand against injustice and corruption.

Purity of Worship
The temple was meant to be a place of prayer and worship, not commerce. Christians should ensure that their worship is sincere and not distracted by worldly concerns.

Authority of Christ
Jesus' authority over the temple signifies His divine authority. Believers should recognize and submit to Christ's authority in all areas of life.

Integrity in Ministry
Those involved in ministry should maintain integrity and avoid exploiting others for personal gain, reflecting the purity Jesus sought in the temple.

House of Prayer
The church today should be a place of prayer and spiritual refuge, welcoming all who seek God.(15-19) And Jesus went into the temple.--See Notes on Matthew 21:12-17.

Verse 15. - And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple. Not the holy place, nor the holy of holies (into which the high priest might alone enter), but into the temple court; for into that the people went to pray, and to witness the sacrifices which were being offered before the holy place; for this court was, so to speak, the temple of the people. Our Lord was not a Levitical priest, because he was not sprung of Levi and Aaron. Therefore he could not enter the holy place, but only the outer court of the temple. And began to cast out (ἐκβάλλειν) - it was a forcible expulsion - them that sold and them that bought in the temple. There were two occasions on which our Lord thus purged the temple - one at the beginning of his public ministry, and the other at the end of it, four days before his death. There was a regular market in the outer court,' the court of the Gentiles, belonging to the family of the high priest. The booths of this market are mentioned in the rabbinical writings as the booths of the son of Hanan, or Annas. But this market is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It seems to have sprung up after the Captivity. Our Lord adopted these strong measures

(1) because the temple courts were not the proper places for merchandise, and

(2) because these transactions were often dishonest, on account of the avarice and covetousness of the priests. The priests, either themselves or by their families, sold oxen and sheep and doves to those who had need to offer them in the temple. These animals were, of course, needed for sacrifices; and there was good reason why they should be ready at hand for those who came up to worship. But the sin of the priests lay in permitting this buying and selling to go on within the sacred precincts, and in trading dishonestly. There were other things needed for the sacrifices, such as wine, and salt, and oil. Then there were also the money-changers (κολλυβιστής, from κόλλυβος, a small coin) - those who exchanged large coins for smaller, or foreign money for the half-shekel. Every Israelite, whether rich or poor, was required to give the half-shekel, neither less nor more. So when money had to be exchanged, an allowance or premium was required by the money-changer. Doves or pigeons were required on various occasions for offerings, chiefly by the poor, who could not afford more costly offerings. From these also the priests had their gain. The seats of them that sold the doves. These birds were often sold by women, who were provided with seats.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they arrived
ἔρχονται (erchontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem,
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

[Jesus] entered
εἰσελθὼν (eiselthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative 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
ἱερὸν (hieron)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

[and] began
ἤρξατο (ērxato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 756: To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.

to drive out
ἐκβάλλειν (ekballein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

those who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative 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.

were buying
ἀγοράζοντας (agorazontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 59: To buy. From agora; properly, to go to market, i.e. to purchase; specially, to redeem.

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

selling
πωλοῦντας (pōlountas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4453: To sell, exchange, barter. Probably ultimately from pelomai; to barter, i.e. To sell.

[there].
ἱερῷ (hierō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

He overturned
κατέστρεψεν (katestrepsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2690: To overturn, overthrow. From kata and strepho; to turn upside down, i.e. Upset.

the
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.

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.

the
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.

seats
καθέδρας (kathedras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2515: A seat, chair. From kata and the same as hedraios; a bench.

of those
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.

selling
πωλούντων (pōlountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4453: To sell, exchange, barter. Probably ultimately from pelomai; to barter, i.e. To sell.

doves.
περιστερὰς (peristeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4058: A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon.


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