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;

MARK 11:15KJV
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Mark 11:15 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:15 mean?

Mark 11:15 describes Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem and forcefully driving out those who were buying and selling there, overturning the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those selling doves. This verse shows Jesus taking direct action against commercial activity happening within the temple grounds.

In this scene, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem with his followers and goes straight to the temple, the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The verse highlights how Jesus reacts to people using the temple for business rather than for worship, especially those exchanging money and selling animals for sacrifices. This moment sets the stage for his challenge to the religious practices and leadership of the time.

The Greek behind Mark 11:15

  • ἐξέβαλεν (exebalen, "cast out"): This word means to drive out or expel with force. The Greek here emphasizes that Jesus did not simply ask the merchants to leave but actively removed them, showing a strong reaction.
  • κολλυβιστῶν (kollubistōn, "moneychangers"): These were people who exchanged currency, often charging a fee. Their presence in the temple courts highlights how commerce had become intertwined with worship.
  • τὰς τραπέζας (tas trapezas, "the tables"): The word for tables refers to the physical stands used by the moneychangers. Jesus overturning them is a dramatic gesture, symbolizing his rejection of their activities in the temple.

Why Mark 11:15 matters

  • Mark 11:15 clears up the idea that Jesus was only gentle and passive; here, he takes bold, public action to confront what he sees as a misuse of a sacred space.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness with which Jesus views the temple’s purpose, showing that worship and reverence should not be mixed with profit-making.
  • This event connects to the wider story in Mark, where Jesus challenges the religious authorities and points to deeper issues within the religious system of his day.

Where else these words appear

“overthrew” Greek G2690 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

“moneychangers” Greek G2855 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

“seats” Greek G2515 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
  • Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

“doves” Greek G4058 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.