King James Version

What Does John 2:15 Mean?

John 2:15 in the King James Version says “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 pou...” — study this verse from John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

John 2:15 · KJV

Context

13

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

14

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

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;

16

And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

17

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus makes a whip of cords and drives out the sheep, oxen, and money changers. This deliberate, forceful action demonstrates righteous anger—not loss of control but intentional prophetic action. The whip, fashioned on site, shows premeditation. Christ's gentleness does not preclude appropriate confrontation of evil. The one who would be led as a lamb to slaughter first acts as shepherd driving out those who corrupt the flock.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This temple cleansing occurs early in John's Gospel (a second may occur later, per synoptic accounts). Prophets like Jeremiah had condemned temple corruption. Jesus' action fulfilled Malachi 3:1-3, where the Lord would suddenly come to His temple to purify. The violence was targeted at commerce, not persons—sheep and oxen were driven out.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' temple cleansing inform our understanding of righteous anger?
  2. When is confrontation of religious corruption appropriate and how should it be conducted?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποιήσας2 of 26

“when he had made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

φραγέλλιον3 of 26

“a scourge”

G5416

a whip, i.e., roman lash as a public punishment

ἐκ4 of 26

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

σχοινίων5 of 26

“small cords”

G4979

of uncertain derivation); a rushlet, i.e., grass-withe or tie (generally)

πάντας6 of 26

“them all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐξέβαλεν7 of 26

“he drove”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ8 of 26

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ9 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱεροῦ10 of 26

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

τά11 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τε12 of 26

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

πρόβατα13 of 26

“the sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 26

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς15 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βόας16 of 26

“the oxen”

G1016

an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")

καὶ17 of 26

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν18 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κολλυβιστῶν19 of 26

“the changers”

G2855

a coin-dealer

ἐξέχεεν20 of 26

“poured out”

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

τὸ21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κέρμα22 of 26

“money”

G2772

a clipping (bit), i.e., (specially) a coin

καὶ23 of 26

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰς24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τραπέζας25 of 26

“the tables”

G5132

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

ἀνέστρεψεν26 of 26

“overthrew”

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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