King James Version

What Does Mark 11:15 Mean?

Mark 11:15 in the King James Version says “And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the templ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon : and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15

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;

16

And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

17

And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. of all: or, an house of prayer for all nations


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple... Temple cleansing demonstrates authority. This passage demonstrates Christ's divine authority and teaching, challenging religious traditions while establishing kingdom principles. Reformed theology sees here the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and the pattern for New Covenant faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish context and Roman occupation shaped these interactions. Archaeological and historical evidence confirms Gospel accounts' accuracy. Early church fathers interpreted these Christologically, seeing fulfillment in Christ and application to church practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge modern assumptions about religion, discipleship, or salvation?
  2. What specific application should this truth have in your daily life and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

And

G2532

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

ἔρχονται2 of 33

they come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς3 of 33

into

G1519

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

Ἱεροσόλυμα4 of 33

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ5 of 33

And

G2532

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

εἰσελθὼν6 of 33

went

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

7 of 33
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 33

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς9 of 33

into

G1519

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

τὸ10 of 33
G3588

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

ἱερῷ11 of 33

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)

ἤρξατο12 of 33

and began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἐκβάλλειν13 of 33

to cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς14 of 33
G3588

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

πωλούντων15 of 33

that sold

G4453

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

καὶ16 of 33

And

G2532

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

ἀγοράζοντας17 of 33

bought

G59

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

ἐν18 of 33

in

G1722

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

τῷ19 of 33
G3588

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

ἱερῷ20 of 33

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)

καὶ21 of 33

And

G2532

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

τὰς22 of 33
G3588

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

τραπέζας23 of 33

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

τῶν24 of 33
G3588

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

κολλυβιστῶν25 of 33

of the moneychangers

G2855

a coin-dealer

καὶ26 of 33

And

G2532

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

τὰς27 of 33
G3588

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

καθέδρας28 of 33

the seats

G2515

a bench (literally or figuratively)

τῶν29 of 33
G3588

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

πωλούντων30 of 33

that sold

G4453

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

τὰς31 of 33
G3588

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

περιστερὰς32 of 33

doves

G4058

a pigeon

κατέστρεψεν33 of 33

overthrew

G2690

to turn upside down, i.e., upset


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 11:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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