Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, moneychangers played a significant role in the economic and religious life of ancient Israel. These individuals were responsible for exchanging various forms of currency, which was particularly important during religious festivals when Jews from different regions, each with their own local currencies, would come to Jerusalem to worship and offer sacrifices at the Temple.Biblical References: The most notable mention of moneychangers in the Bible occurs in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of Jesus cleansing the Temple. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "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 benches of those selling doves" (Matthew 21:12). This event is also described in Mark 11:15 and John 2:14-15, highlighting the significance of the incident across multiple Gospel accounts. Role and Function: Moneychangers were essential during the Passover and other major Jewish festivals. Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem were required to pay the Temple tax, which had to be in the Tyrian shekel, a currency known for its high silver content and stability. Moneychangers facilitated this exchange, allowing worshippers to convert their local currencies into the acceptable form for Temple offerings. Religious and Ethical Implications: The presence of moneychangers in the Temple courts became a point of contention, as it was perceived that their activities commercialized a sacred space meant for worship and prayer. Jesus' actions in driving out the moneychangers were a demonstration against the corruption and exploitation that had infiltrated the religious practices of the time. He declared, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13). This statement underscores the ethical concerns regarding the integrity of worship and the exploitation of religious duties for financial gain. Cultural and Historical Context: In the broader cultural and historical context, moneychangers were a common feature in ancient marketplaces. Their services were necessary due to the diversity of coinage in circulation, which included Roman, Greek, and local currencies. The need for currency exchange was not unique to Jerusalem but was a widespread practice in major trade centers of the ancient world. Theological Significance: The actions of Jesus in cleansing the Temple have been interpreted as a prophetic act, symbolizing the purification of worship and a call to return to genuine devotion to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious practices and the dangers of allowing commercial interests to overshadow spiritual priorities. In summary, moneychangers were a necessary part of the economic and religious landscape of ancient Israel, facilitating the exchange of currency for Temple offerings. However, their presence in the Temple courts and the associated commercial activities became a focal point for Jesus' critique of the religious establishment, emphasizing the need for purity and sincerity in worship. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15). Every Israelite from twenty years and upwards had to pay (Exodus 30:13-15) into the sacred treasury half a shekel every year as an offering to Jehovah, and that in the exact Hebrew half-shekel piece. There was a class of men, who frequented the temple courts, who exchanged at a certain premium foreign moneys for these half-shekels to the Jews who came up to Jerusalem from all parts of the world. (see PASSOVER.) When our Lord drove the traffickers out of the temple, these money-changers fared worst. Their tables were overturned and they themselves were expelled. Greek 2855. kollubistes -- a moneychanger ... a moneychanger. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kollubistes Phonetic Spelling: (kol-loo-bis-tace') Short Definition: a money-changer Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2855.htm - 6k 2855a. kollubistes -- a moneychanger 2773. kermatistes -- a moneychanger Thesaurus Moneychanger/m/moneychanger.htm - 7k Money-changer Money-box (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |