John 2:14 - He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
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What does "John 2:14" mean?
This verse from John 2:14 describes Jesus's arrival at the temple in Jerusalem and what he found happening there. Let's break down the meaning:
"He found in the temple..." Jesus is visiting the temple, which was the center of Jewish religious life.
"...those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves..." These animals were being sold for sacrifices. Jewish law required people to offer sacrifices for various reasons, such as atonement for sins or as thanksgiving. People who lived far from Jerusalem or who didn't raise their own animals would need to purchase them at the temple.
"...and the changers of money sitting." The temple tax had to be paid in a specific currency, usually Tyrian shekels. Pilgrims coming from different regions would have Roman or Greek currency, which they needed to exchange for the acceptable temple currency. The money changers provided this service, charging a fee for the exchange.
In essence, the verse describes a bustling marketplace within the temple precincts. This marketplace had developed to facilitate the sacrificial system and other temple practices. However, it had become corrupted by greed and exploitation, turning a sacred place into a commercial center. This is why Jesus was angered, as described in the subsequent verses.
John 2:14 - He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
What does "John 2:14" mean?
This verse from John 2:14 describes Jesus's arrival at the temple in Jerusalem and what he found happening there. Let's break down the meaning:
"He found in the temple..." Jesus is visiting the temple, which was the center of Jewish religious life.
"...those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves..." These animals were being sold for sacrifices. Jewish law required people to offer sacrifices for various reasons, such as atonement for sins or as thanksgiving. People who lived far from Jerusalem or who didn't raise their own animals would need to purchase them at the temple.
"...and the changers of money sitting." The temple tax had to be paid in a specific currency, usually Tyrian shekels. Pilgrims coming from different regions would have Roman or Greek currency, which they needed to exchange for the acceptable temple currency. The money changers provided this service, charging a fee for the exchange.
In essence, the verse describes a bustling marketplace within the temple precincts. This marketplace had developed to facilitate the sacrificial system and other temple practices. However, it had become corrupted by greed and exploitation, turning a sacred place into a commercial center. This is why Jesus was angered, as described in the subsequent verses.