New Testament
Mark 11:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he taught them, saying, "Doesn't Scripture say, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you've turned it into a den of thieves."
Compare translations
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
What Mark 11:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the people in the temple, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the sacredness of the temple as a place for worship. He quotes Scripture to remind them that God's house is meant to be a place where all nations can come to pray. However, he criticizes them for turning it into a 'den of thieves,' indicating that they have corrupted its purpose by engaging in dishonest practices, likely related to money and commerce. This highlights a significant disconnect between the intended use of the temple and the reality of what was happening there. Jesus' teaching serves as a call to restore the temple's sanctity and to ensure that it remains a place of genuine worship and connection with God, rather than a venue for exploitation and greed.
How to apply Mark 11:17 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own places of worship and ensure they are focused on prayer and genuine connection with God. It encourages us to avoid turning sacred spaces into places of greed or distraction, fostering an environment of integrity and respect.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple (Mark 11:15–19)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 11:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 11:17
Related Bible verses
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 11:17 mean?
Mark 11:17 shows Jesus teaching in the temple, emphasizing that it should be a place of prayer for all nations. He criticizes the people for turning it into a den of thieves, highlighting the corruption and misuse of the temple's purpose.
What is the significance of 'house of prayer' in Mark 11:17?
The phrase 'house of prayer' in Mark 11:17 signifies the intended purpose of the temple as a sacred space for worship and connection with God. Jesus uses this phrase to remind the people of the temple's true role in spiritual life.
What does Mark 11:17 teach us about worship?
Mark 11:17 teaches that worship should be sincere and focused on prayer, rather than being tainted by greed or corruption. It encourages individuals to maintain the sanctity of their places of worship.
How does Mark 11:17 relate to integrity in worship?
Mark 11:17 highlights the importance of integrity in worship by showing that the temple should be a place free from exploitation. It serves as a reminder to ensure that our worship spaces reflect honesty and respect.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.