New Testament
Luke 19:46
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He said to them, 'It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.'
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Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
What Luke 19:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus quotes scripture to emphasize the importance of the temple as a place dedicated to prayer and worship. He criticizes the people for turning it into a marketplace, where dishonest practices occur. By calling it a 'den of thieves,' He highlights the corruption and exploitation happening in what should be a sacred space. This act of cleansing the temple demonstrates Jesus' authority and His desire for genuine worship. It serves as a reminder that places of worship should be respected and used for their intended purpose, rather than for profit or deceit. Jesus' actions challenge us to reflect on how we treat sacred spaces and the importance of maintaining their integrity. This moment in the temple is a powerful statement about the need for purity in worship and the rejection of practices that distract from true devotion to God.
How to apply Luke 19:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives and the spaces we dedicate to worship. Are we treating our places of prayer with respect? It challenges us to ensure that our worship is sincere and free from distractions or dishonest practices, fostering a genuine connection with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple (Luke 19:45–48)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 19:46
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'My house shall be a house of prayer'?
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that the temple is meant to be a sacred space for prayer and worship. By stating 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' He highlights the importance of dedicating places of worship to genuine communication with God, rather than allowing them to become venues for commercial activities or corruption.
Why does Jesus call the temple a 'den of thieves'?
Jesus refers to the temple as a 'den of thieves' to condemn the dishonest practices occurring there. Merchants were exploiting worshippers by overcharging for sacrifices and goods needed for worship. This term underscores the corruption that had infiltrated a place meant for holiness and reverence, contrasting the intended purpose of the temple with its current state.
How does this verse reflect Jesus' authority?
This verse demonstrates Jesus' authority as He takes a stand against the corruption in the temple. By cleansing the temple and asserting its true purpose, He shows His role as a reformer and protector of genuine worship. His actions challenge the religious leaders and the people to recognize the need for integrity in their practices and to return to true devotion.
What can we learn about worship from Luke 19:46?
Luke 19:46 teaches us that worship should be sincere and focused on God, free from distractions and corrupt practices. It encourages us to reflect on how we approach our own worship, ensuring that our hearts and spaces are dedicated to genuine prayer and connection with God, rather than being influenced by materialism or dishonesty.
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