New Testament
John 2:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In the temple he found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and money changers sitting at their tables.
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And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
What John 2:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus enters the temple and sees merchants selling animals for sacrifices and money changers exchanging currency. This scene highlights the commercialization of religious practices, where the temple, a place of worship, has become a marketplace. The presence of these sellers indicates a shift in focus from genuine worship to profit-making. The animals sold were often used for sacrifices, which were an important part of Jewish worship. However, the act of selling them in the temple suggests a corruption of the sacred space. Jesus' reaction to this situation is significant, as it sets the stage for his later actions in the temple, where he expresses his anger at the misuse of a holy place. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship and the dangers of allowing commercial interests to overshadow spiritual devotion.
How to apply John 2:14 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own places of worship and practices. Are we allowing distractions or commercial interests to take precedence over genuine worship? It's essential to prioritize our spiritual lives and ensure that our worship remains sincere and focused on God.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple at Passover (John 2:13–22)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 2:14 mean?
John 2:14 describes Jesus entering the temple and finding merchants selling animals and money changers at their tables. This scene illustrates the commercialization of worship, where the temple, intended for spiritual devotion, has been turned into a marketplace.
What is the significance of the money changers in John 2:14?
The money changers in John 2:14 represent the financial exploitation within the temple. Their presence indicates a shift from genuine worship to profit-making, highlighting the corruption of a sacred space.
What does the temple represent in John 2:14?
In John 2:14, the temple represents a place of worship that should be dedicated to God. However, the activities of selling animals and exchanging money show how it has been misused for commercial purposes.
How does John 2:14 relate to worship today?
John 2:14 encourages us to reflect on our own worship practices. It prompts us to consider whether commercial interests or distractions are overshadowing our genuine devotion to God in our places of worship.
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