New Testament
Matthew 21:13
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 is addressing the people in the temple, emphasizing the importance of prayer and worship.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He told them, "Scripture says, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you've turned it into a den of thieves!"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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