New Testament
Matthew 21:13
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He told them, "Scripture says, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you've turned it into a den of thieves!"
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And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
What Matthew 21:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the people in the temple, emphasizing the importance of prayer and worship. He quotes Scripture to remind them that the temple is meant to be a sacred space for connecting with God. However, he criticizes them for turning it into a marketplace, where money and profit take precedence over spiritual devotion. This act of commercializing the temple undermines its true purpose and disrespects its sanctity. Jesus' strong words highlight the need for reverence in places of worship and serve as a warning against prioritizing material gain over spiritual integrity. His actions in the temple demonstrate his authority and commitment to restoring the true meaning of worship, urging people to reflect on their intentions and actions in their relationship with God.
How to apply Matthew 21:13 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own places of worship and our intentions when we engage in spiritual practices. Are we treating our time with God as sacred, or are we allowing distractions and material concerns to take precedence? We should strive to create environments that honor prayer and connection with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple (Matthew 21:12–17)
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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 Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:13 mean?
Matthew 21:13 shows Jesus expressing his disapproval of how the temple was being used for commercial purposes instead of prayer and worship. He emphasizes that the temple should be a sacred space for connecting with God.
What is the meaning of 'house of prayer' in Matthew 21:13?
In Matthew 21:13, 'house of prayer' refers to the temple as a place dedicated to worship and communication with God. Jesus highlights that this sacred purpose is being undermined by the activities of those profiting from the temple.
How does Matthew 21:13 apply to modern worship?
Matthew 21:13 encourages us to reflect on how we treat our places of worship today. It challenges us to ensure that our spiritual practices remain focused on genuine connection with God rather than being distracted by material concerns.
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