New Testament

John 2:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus enters the temple and sees merchants selling animals for sacrifices and money changers exchanging currency.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
CBTClear Bible Translation

In the temple he found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and money changers sitting at their tables.

KJVKing James Version

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

worship, sacrifice, corruption

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

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.

The Book of John
Book Summary

The Book of John

John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples

In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.

Premium

Unlock the full John summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of John — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of John summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.