New Testament
Mark 11:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overthrew the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves.
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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;
What Mark 11:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem and sees people buying and selling goods, which angers him. He begins to drive them out, overturning the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. This act symbolizes his disapproval of the commercialization of the temple, which was meant to be a sacred place for worship. Jesus' actions highlight the importance of maintaining the sanctity of spiritual spaces and the need to prioritize genuine worship over profit-making activities. By cleansing the temple, he demonstrates his authority and calls for a return to true devotion and respect for God’s house. This event is significant as it marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, showcasing his role as a reformer and his commitment to purifying religious practices that had strayed from their intended purpose.
How to apply Mark 11:15 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our own practices in worship and community. Are we prioritizing genuine connection with God, or are we allowing distractions and commercial interests to take precedence? It challenges us to keep our spiritual spaces sacred and focused on worship.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple (Mark 11:15–19)
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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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Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 11:15 mean?
Mark 11:15 describes Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem and driving out those who were buying and selling there. This act signifies his disapproval of the commercialization of a sacred space, emphasizing the need for genuine worship.
What is the significance of Jesus cleansing the temple in Mark 11:15?
The significance of Jesus cleansing the temple in Mark 11:15 lies in his demonstration of authority and his call for reform in religious practices. It highlights the importance of keeping worship spaces sacred and focused on true devotion.
What does the phrase 'money changers' mean in Mark 11:15?
In Mark 11:15, 'money changers' refers to individuals who exchanged currency for temple offerings. Their presence in the temple was seen as a commercialization of worship, which Jesus opposed.
Why did Jesus overturn the tables in Mark 11:15?
Jesus overturned the tables in Mark 11:15 to protest against the buying and selling happening in the temple. He aimed to restore the temple's sanctity and remind people of its purpose as a place of worship.
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