King James Version

What Does Luke 19:45 Mean?

Luke 19:45 in the King James Version says “And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein , and them that bought;” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein , and them that bought;”

Luke 19:45 · KJV

Context

43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

45

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein , and them that bought;

46

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

47

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought (Καὶ εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν ἤρξατο ἐκβάλλειν τοὺς πωλοῦντας, Kai eiselthōn eis to hieron ērxato ekballein tous pōlountas)—This occurs immediately after the triumphal entry; Jesus enters Jerusalem as King and claims His Father's house. Ekballō (to cast out, drive out) is forceful—the same verb used for exorcising demons. The present tense pōlountas (those selling) and implied agorazō (buying) describe ongoing commerce that had transformed worship into transaction.

The temple's Court of the Gentiles had become a marketplace selling sacrificial animals and exchanging currency. While seemingly facilitating worship, the system had become exploitative—overpriced animals, unfair exchange rates, profit-driven religion. Jesus's action is prophetic sign-act, recalling Malachi 3:1-3 ('the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple... and he shall purify the sons of Levi'). This 'cleansing' marks Jesus's formal challenge to the temple establishment, sealing His fate with authorities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

High priest Caiaphas and family controlled temple commerce through the 'Bazaars of Annas,' profiting enormously from sacrificial sales. Pilgrims required approved animals and temple currency, creating captive market. Josephus confirms the temple courts' commercial activity. Jesus's disruption challenged not just improper worship but corrupt economic-religious power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does religious commercialism today parallel the temple marketplace Jesus confronted?
  2. What does Jesus's forceful action teach about righteous anger over God's house being defiled?
  3. In what ways might we be 'buying and selling' in spaces meant for pure worship of God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

εἰσελθὼν2 of 13

“he went”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς3 of 13

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ4 of 13
G3588

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

ἱερὸν5 of 13

“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)

ἤρξατο6 of 13

“and began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἐκβάλλειν7 of 13

“to cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς8 of 13
G3588

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

πωλοῦντας9 of 13

“them that sold”

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

ἐν10 of 13

“therein”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ11 of 13
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Καὶ12 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀγοράζοντας,13 of 13

“them that bought”

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 19:45 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 19:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:12-13Mark 11:15-17John 2:13-17Deuteronomy 14:25-26

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Luke 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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