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Selected Verse: Matthew 21:12 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Mt 21:12	Strong Concordance	And [2532] Jesus [2424] went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411] of God [2316], and [2532] cast out [1544] all them [3956] that sold [4453] and [2532] bought [59] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] overthrew [2690] the tables [5132] of the moneychangers [2855], and [2532] the seats [2515] of them that sold [4453] doves [4058],
	King James	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,

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
This paragraph contains the account of the barren fig-tree, and of the cleansing of the temple. See also Mar 11:12-19; Luk 19:45-48. Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God ... - From Mar 11:11-15, it is probable that this cleansing of the temple did not take place on the day that he entered Jerusalem in triumph, but on the day following. He came and looked round upon all things, Mark says, and went out to Bethany with the twelve. On the day following, returning from Bethany, he saw the fig-tree. Entering into the temple, he purified it "on that day;" or perhaps he "finished" the work of purifying it on that day, which he commenced the day before. Matthew has mentioned the purifying of the temple, which was performed, probably, on two successive days, or has stated the "fact," without being particular as to the order of events. Mark has stated the order more particularly, and has "divided" what Matthew mentions together. The "temple of God," that is, the temple dedicated and devoted to the service of God, was built on Mount Moriah. The first temple was built by Solomon, about 1005 years before Christ, 1 Kings 6, He took seven years to build it, according to Kg1 6:38. David, his father, had contemplated the design of building it, and had prepared many materials for it, but was prevented because he had been a man of war, Ch1 22:1-9; Kg1 5:5. This temple, erected with great magnificence, remained until it was destroyed by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, 584 years before Christ, Ch2 36:6-7, Ch2 36:19. After the Babylonian captivity the temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel, but with vastly inferior and diminished splendor. The aged people wept when they compared it with the glory of the former temple, Ezr 3:8, Ezr 3:12. This was called the "second" temple. This temple was often defiled in the wars before the time of Christ. It had become much decayed and impaired Herod the Great, being exceedingly unpopular among the Jews on account of his cruelties (see the notes at Matt. 2), was desirous of doing something to obtain the favor of the people, and accordingly, about 16 years before Christ, and in the 18th year of his reign, he commenced the work of repairing it. This he did, not by taking it down entirely at once, but by removing one part after another, until it had become, in fact, a new temple, greatly surpassing the former in magnificence. It was still called by the Jews the "second" temple; and by Christ's coming to this temple thus repaired, was fulfilled the prophecy in Hag 2:9. On this building Herod employed 18,000 men, and completed it so as to be suitable for use in 9 years, or about 8 years before Christ. But additions continued to be made to it, and it continued increasing in splendor and magnificence until 64 a.d. John says Joh 2:20, "forty and six years was this temple in building." Christ was then 30 years of age, which, added to the 16 years occupied in repairing it before his birth, makes 46 years. The word "temple" was given not merely to the sacred edifice or house itself, but to all the numerous chambers, courts, and rooms connected with it on the top of Mount Moriah. The temple itself was a small edifice, and was surrounded by courts and chambers half a mile in circumference. Into the sacred edifice itself our Saviour never went. The high priest only went into the holy of holies, and that but once a year, and none but priests were permitted to enter the holy place. Our Saviour was neither. He was of the tribe of "Judah," and he consequently was allowed to enter no further than the other Israelites into the temple. The works that he is said to have performed in the temple, therefore, are to be understood as having been performed in the courts surrounding the sacred edifice. These courts will now be described. The temple was erected on Mount Moriah. The space on the summit of the mount was not, however, large enough for the buildings necessary to be erected. It was therefore enlarged by building high walls from the valley below and filling up the space within. One of these walls was 600 feet in height. The ascent to the temple was by high flights of steps. The entrance to the temple, or to the courts on the top of the mount, was by nine gates, all of them extremely splendid. On every side they were thickly coated with gold and silver. But there was one gate of special magnificence: this was called the Beautiful Gate, Act 3:2. It was on the east side, and was made of Corinthian brass, one of the most precious metals in ancient times. See the Introduction to 1 Corinthians, section 1. This gate was 50 cubits, or 75 feet, in height. The whole temple, with all its courts, was surrounded by a wall about 25 feet in height. This was built on the wall raised from the base to the top of the mountain, so that from the top of it to the bottom, in a perpendicular descent, was in some places not far from 600 feet. This was particularly the case on the southeast corner; and it was here, probably, that Satan wished our Saviour to cast himself down. See the notes at Mat 4:6. On the inside of this wall, between the gates, were piazzas or covered porches. On the eastern, northern, and western sides there were two rows of these porches; on the south, three. These porches were covered walks, about 20 feet in width, paved with marble of different colors, with a flat roof of costly cedar, which was supported by pillars of solid marble, so large that three men could scarcely stretch their arms so as to meet around them. These walks or porches afforded a grateful shade and protection to the people in hot or stormy weather. The one on the east side was distinguished for its beauty, and was called Solomon's porch, Joh 10:23; Act 3:11. It stood over the vast terrace or wall which he had raised from the valley beneath, and which was the only thing of his work that remained in the second temple. When a person entered any of the gates into this space within the wall he saw the temple rising before him with great magnificence; but the space was not clear all the way up to it. Going forward, he came to another wall, enclosing considerable ground, considered more holy than the rest of the hill. The space between this first and second wall was called "the court of the Gentiles." It was so called because Gentiles might come into it, but they could proceed no further. On the second wall and on the gates were inscriptions in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, forbidding any Gentile or unclean person from proceeding further on pain of death. This "court" was not of equal dimensions all the way round the temple. On the east, north, and west it was quite narrow. On the south it was wide, occupying nearly half of the whole surface of the hill. In this court the Gentiles might come. Here was the place where much secular business was transacted. This was the place occupied by the buyers and sellers, and by the money-changers, and which Jesus purified by casting them out. The enclosure within the second wall was nearly twice as long from east to west as from north to south. This enclosure was also divided. The eastern part of it was called "the court of the women;" so called because women might advance thus far, but no farther. This court was square. It was entered by three gates; one on the north, one on the east directly opposite to the Beautiful gate, and one on the south. In passing from the court of the Gentiles to that of the women, it was necessary to ascend about 9 feet by steps. This court of the women was enclosed with a double wall, with a space between the walls about 15 feet in width, paved with marble. The inner of these two walls was much higher than the one outside. The court of the women was paved with marble. In the corners of that court were different structures for the various uses of the temple. It was in this court that the Jews commonly worshipped. Here, probably, Peter and John, with others, went up to pray, Act 3:1. Here, too, the Pharisee and publican prayed - the Pharisee near the gate that led forward to the temple; the publican standing far off, on the other side of the court, Luk 18:9-14. Paul also was seized here, and charged with defiling the temple by bringing the Gentiles into that holy place, Act 21:26-30. A high wall on the west side of the court of the women divided it from the court of the Israelites, so called because all the males of the Jews might advance there. To this court there was an ascent of fifteen steps. These steps were in the form of a half circle. The great gate to which these steps led was called the gate "Nicanor." Besides this, there were three gates on each side, leading from the court of the women to the court of the Israelites. Within the court of the "Israelites" was the court of the "priests," separated by a wall about 1 1/2 foot in height. Within that court was the altar of burnt-offering and the laver standing in front of it. Here the priests performed the daily service of the temple. In this place, also, were accommodations for the "priests" when not engaged in conducting the service of the temple, and for the Levites who conducted the music of the sanctuary. The temple, properly so called, stood within this court. It surpassed in splendor all the other buildings of the holy city; perhaps in magnificence it was unequalled in the world. It fronted the east, looking down through the gates Nicanor and the Beautiful Gate, and onward to the Mount of Olives. From the Mount of Olives on the east there was a beautiful and commanding view of the whole sacred edifice. It was there that our Saviour sat when the disciples directed his attention to the goodly stones with which the temple was built, Mar 13:1. The entrance into the temple itself was from the court "of the priests," by an ascent of twelve steps. The "porch" in front of the temple was 150 feet high and as many broad. The open space in this perch through which the temple was entered was 115 feet high and 37 broad, without doors of any sort, The appearance of this, built, as it was, with white marble, and decorated with plates of silver, from the Mount of Olives was exceedingly dazzling and splendid. Josephus says that in the rising of the sun it reflected so strong and dazzling an effulgence that the eye of the spectator was obliged to turn away. To strangers at a distance, it appeared like a mountain covered with snow, for where it was not decorated with plates of gold it was extremely white and glistening. The temple itself was divided into two parts. The first, called the "sanctuary" or holy place; was 60 feet in length 60 feet in height, and 30 feet in width. In this was the golden candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The "holy of holies" or the "most holy place," was 30 feet each way. In the first temple this contained the ark of the covenant, the tables of the law, and over the ark was the mercy-seat and the cherubim. Into this place no person entered but the high priest, and he but once in the year. These two apartments were separated only by a vail, very costly and curiously performed. It was this vail which was rent from the top to the bottom when the Saviour died, Mat 27:51. Around the walls of the "temple," properly so called, was a structure three stories high, containing chambers for the use of the officers of the temple. The temple was wholly leveled to the ground by the Romans under Titus and Vespasian, and was effectually destroyed, according to the predictions of the Saviour. See the notes at Mat 24:2. The site of it was made like a plowed field. Julian the apostate attempted to rebuild it, but the workmen, according to his own historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, were prevented by balls of fire breaking out from the ground. See Warburton's "Divine Legation of Moses." Its site is now occupied by the Mosque of Omar, one of the most splendid specimens of Saracenic architecture in the world. And cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple - The place where this was done was not the temple itself, but the outer court "or the court of the Gentiles." This was esteemed the least sacred part of the temple; and the Jews, it seems, did not consider it profanation to appropriate this to any business in any way connected with the temple service. The things which they bought and sold were at first those pertaining. to the sacrifices. It is not improbable, however, that the traffic afterward extended to all kinds of merchandise. It gave rise to much confusion, noise, contention, and fraud, and was exceedingly improper in the temple of the Lord. The tables of the money-changers - Judea was subject to the Romans. The money in current use was Roman coin; yet the Jewish law required that every man should pay a tribute to the service of the sanctuary of "half a shekel," Exo 30:11-16. This was a Jewish coin, and the tribute was required to be paid in that coin. It became, therefore, a matter of convenience to have a place where the Roman coin might be exchanged for the Jewish half shekel. This was the "professed" business of these men. Of course, they would demand a small sum for the exchange; and, among so many thousands as came up to the great feasts, it would be a very profitable employment, and one easily giving rise to much fraud and oppression. The seats of them that sold doves - Doves were required to be offered in sacrifice - Lev 14:22; Luk 2:24 - yet it was difficult to bring them from the distant parts of Judea. It was found much easier to purchase them in Jerusalem. Hence, it became a business to keep them to sell to those who were required to offer them. Mark adds Mar 11:16 that he "would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple." That is, probably, any of the vessels or implements connected with the traffic in oil, incense, wine, etc., that were kept for sale in the temple. Mat 21:13 And said It is written ... - This is written in Isa 56:7. The first part of this verse only is quoted from Isaiah. The rest - "but ye have made it a den of thieves" - was added by Jesus, denoting their abuse of the temple. Thieves and robbers live in dens and caves. Judea was then much infested with them. In their dens thieves devise and practice iniquity. These buyers and sellers imitated them. They made the temple a place of gain; they cheated and defrauded; they took advantage of the poor, and, by their being under a necessity of purchasing these articles for sacrifice, they "robbed" them by selling what they had at an enormous price. The following reasons may be given why this company of buyers and sellers obeyed Christ: 1. They were overawed by his authority, and struck with the consciousness that he had a right to command, 2. Their own consciences reproved them; they knew they were guilty, and they dared make no resistance. 3. The people generally were then on the side of Jesus, believing him to be the Messiah. 4. It had always been the belief of the Jews that a "prophet" had a right to change, regulate, and order the various affairs relating to external worship. They supposed Jesus to be such, and they did not dare to resist him. Mark and Luke add, that in consequence of this, the scribes and chief priests attempted to put him to death, Mar 11:18-19; Luk 19:47-48. This they did from "envy," Mat 27:18. He drew off the people from them, and they envied and hated him. They were "restrained," then, for the fear of the people; and this was the reason why they plotted "secretly" to put him to death, and why they afterward so gladly heard the proposals of the traitor, Mat 26:14-15. Mat 21:15, Mat 21:16 When the chief priests ... - The chief men of the nation were envious of his popularity. They could not prevent it; but, being determined to find fault, they took occasion to do so from the shouts of the children. People often are offended that "children" have anything to do with religion, and deem it very improper that "they" should rejoice that the Saviour has come. Our Lord Jesus viewed this subject differently. He saw that it was proper that they should rejoice. they are interested in the concerns of religion, and before evil principles get fast hold of their minds is a proper time for them to love and obey him. The Lord Jesus silenced those who made the objection by appealing to a text of their own Scriptures. This text is found in Psa 8:2. The quotation is not made directly from the Hebrew. but from the Greek translation. This, however, should create no difficulty. The point of the quotation was to prove that "children" might offer praise to God. This is expressed in both the Hebrew and the Greek. Mat 21:17 Bethany - See the notes at Mat 21:1. Mat 21:19 And when he saw a fig-tree in the way ... - This tree was standing in the public road. It was therefore common property and anyone might lawfully use its fruit. Mark says Mar 11:13, "Seeing a fig-tree afar off, having leaves, he came," etc. Not far off "from the road," but at a considerable distance from the place where he was. Having loaves, and appearing healthy and luxuriant, they presumed that there would be fruit on it. Mark says Mar 11:13, "he came, if haply he might find anything thereon." That is, judging from the "appearance" of the tree, it was "probable" that there would be fruit on it. We are not to suppose that our Lord was ignorant of the true condition of the tree, but he acted according to the appearance of things; being a man as well as divine, he acted, of course, as people do act in such circumstances. And found nothing thereon but leaves only - Mark Mar 11:13 gives as a reason for this that "the time of figs was not yet." That is, the time "of gathering" the figs was not yet, or had not passed. It was a time when figs were ripe or suitable to eat, or he would not have gone to it, expecting to find them; but the time of gathering them had not passed, and it was to be presumed that they were still on the tree. This took place on the week of the Passover, or in the beginning of April. Figs, in Palestine, are commonly ripe at the Passover. The summer in Palestine begins in March, and it is no uncommon thing that figs should be eatable in April. It is said that they sometimes produce fruit the year round. Mark Mar 11:12-13 says that this took place on the morning of the day on which he purified the temple. Matthew would lead us to suppose that it was on the day following. Matthew records briefly what Mark records more "fully." Matthew states the fact that the fig-tree was barren and withered away, without regarding minutely the order or the circumstances in which the event took place. There is no contradiction, because Matthew does not affirm that this took place on the morning after the temple was cleansed, though he places it in that order; nor does he say that a day did not elapse after the fig-tree was cursed before the disciples discovered that it was withered, though he does not affirm that it was so. Such circumstantial variations, where there is no positive contradiction, go greatly to confirm the truth of a narrative. They show that the writers were honest men, and did not "conspire" to deceive the world. And said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee ... - Mark calls this "cursing" the tree Mar 11:21. The word "curse," as used by him, does not imply "anger," or disappointment, or malice. It means only "devoting it to destruction," or causing it to wither away. All the "curse" that was pronounced was in the words "that no fruit should grow on it." The Jews used the word "curse" not as always implying "wrath or anger," but to devote to "death," or to any kind of destruction, Heb 6:8. It has been commonly thought that the Saviour performed this miracle to denote the sudden "withering away" or destruction of the Jewish people. They, like the fig-tree, promised fair. That was full of leaves, and they full of professions. Yet both were equally barren; and as that was destroyed, so they were soon to be. It was certain that this would be a good "illustration" of the destruction of the Jewish people, but there is no evidence that Jesus intended it as such, and without such evidence we have no right to say that was its meaning. "And presently the fig-tree withered away." That is, before another day. See Mark. It is probable that they were passing directly onward, and did not stop then to consider it. Matthew does not affirm that it withered "away in their presence," and Mark affirms that they made the discovery on the morning after it was "cursed." Mat 21:20 And when the disciples saw it - That is, on the morning following that on which it was cursed, Mar 11:20. They marveled, saying ... - Peter said this, Mar 11:21 Matthew means only to say that this was said to him; Mark tells us which one of them said it. Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said ... - Jesus took occasion from this to establish their faith in God, Mar 11:22 He told them that any difficulty could be overcome by faith. To remove a mountain denotes the power of surmounting or removing any difficulty. The phrase was so used by the Jews. There is no doubt that this was "literally" true - that if "they had the faith of miracles," they could remove the mountain before them - the Mount of Olives - for this was as easy for God to do by them as to heal the sick or raise the dead. But the Saviour rather referred, probably, to the difficulties and trials which they would be called to endure in preaching the gospel. Mat 21:22 And all things ... - He adds an encouragement for them to pray, assuring them that they should have all things which they asked. This promise was evidently a special one, given to them in regard to working miracles. To them it was true, but it is manifest that we have no right to apply this promise to ourselves. It was desired especially for the apostles; nor have we a right to turn it from its original meaning. There are other promises in, abundance on which we "may" rely in prayer, with confident assurance that our prayers will be heard. Compare the notes at Mat 7:7-11.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

This paragraph contains the account of the barren fig-tree, and of the cleansing of the temple. See also Mar 11:12-19; Luk 19:45-48.

Mat 21:12

And Jesus went into the temple of God ... - From Mar 11:11-15, it is probable that this cleansing of the temple did not take place on the day that he entered Jerusalem in triumph, but on the day following.

He came and looked round upon all things, Mark says, and went out to Bethany with the twelve. On the day following, returning from Bethany, he saw the fig-tree. Entering into the temple, he purified it "on that day;" or perhaps he "finished" the work of purifying it on that day, which he commenced the day before. Matthew has mentioned the purifying of the temple, which was performed, probably, on two successive days, or has stated the "fact," without being particular as to the order of events. Mark has stated the order more particularly, and has "divided" what Matthew mentions together.

The "temple of God," that is, the temple dedicated and devoted to the service of God, was built on Mount Moriah. The first temple was built by Solomon, about 1005 years before Christ, 1 Kings 6, He took seven years to build it, according to Kg1 6:38. David, his father, had contemplated the design of building it, and had prepared many materials for it, but was prevented because he had been a man of war, Ch1 22:1-9; Kg1 5:5. This temple, erected with great magnificence, remained until it was destroyed by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, 584 years before Christ, Ch2 36:6-7, Ch2 36:19.

After the Babylonian captivity the temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel, but with vastly inferior and diminished splendor. The aged people wept when they compared it with the glory of the former temple, Ezr 3:8, Ezr 3:12. This was called the "second" temple. This temple was often defiled in the wars before the time of Christ. It had become much decayed and impaired Herod the Great, being exceedingly unpopular among the Jews on account of his cruelties (see the notes at Matt. 2), was desirous of doing something to obtain the favor of the people, and accordingly, about 16 years before Christ, and in the 18th year of his reign, he commenced the work of repairing it. This he did, not by taking it down entirely at once, but by removing one part after another, until it had become, in fact, a new temple, greatly surpassing the former in magnificence. It was still called by the Jews the "second" temple; and by Christ's coming to this temple thus repaired, was fulfilled the prophecy in Hag 2:9. On this building Herod employed 18,000 men, and completed it so as to be suitable for use in 9 years, or about 8 years before Christ. But additions continued to be made to it, and it continued increasing in splendor and magnificence until 64 a.d. John says Joh 2:20, "forty and six years was this temple in building." Christ was then 30 years of age, which, added to the 16 years occupied in repairing it before his birth, makes 46 years.

The word "temple" was given not merely to the sacred edifice or house itself, but to all the numerous chambers, courts, and rooms connected with it on the top of Mount Moriah. The temple itself was a small edifice, and was surrounded by courts and chambers half a mile in circumference. Into the sacred edifice itself our Saviour never went. The high priest only went into the holy of holies, and that but once a year, and none but priests were permitted to enter the holy place. Our Saviour was neither. He was of the tribe of "Judah," and he consequently was allowed to enter no further than the other Israelites into the temple. The works that he is said to have performed in the temple, therefore, are to be understood as having been performed in the courts surrounding the sacred edifice. These courts will now be described. The temple was erected on Mount Moriah. The space on the summit of the mount was not, however, large enough for the buildings necessary to be erected. It was therefore enlarged by building high walls from the valley below and filling up the space within. One of these walls was 600 feet in height. The ascent to the temple was by high flights of steps. The entrance to the temple, or to the courts on the top of the mount, was by nine gates, all of them extremely splendid. On every side they were thickly coated with gold and silver. But there was one gate of special magnificence: this was called the Beautiful Gate, Act 3:2. It was on the east side, and was made of Corinthian brass, one of the most precious metals in ancient times. See the Introduction to 1 Corinthians, section 1. This gate was 50 cubits, or 75 feet, in height.

The whole temple, with all its courts, was surrounded by a wall about 25 feet in height. This was built on the wall raised from the base to the top of the mountain, so that from the top of it to the bottom, in a perpendicular descent, was in some places not far from 600 feet. This was particularly the case on the southeast corner; and it was here, probably, that Satan wished our Saviour to cast himself down. See the notes at Mat 4:6.

On the inside of this wall, between the gates, were piazzas or covered porches. On the eastern, northern, and western sides there were two rows of these porches; on the south, three. These porches were covered walks, about 20 feet in width, paved with marble of different colors, with a flat roof of costly cedar, which was supported by pillars of solid marble, so large that three men could scarcely stretch their arms so as to meet around them. These walks or porches afforded a grateful shade and protection to the people in hot or stormy weather. The one on the east side was distinguished for its beauty, and was called Solomon's porch, Joh 10:23; Act 3:11. It stood over the vast terrace or wall which he had raised from the valley beneath, and which was the only thing of his work that remained in the second temple.

When a person entered any of the gates into this space within the wall he saw the temple rising before him with great magnificence; but the space was not clear all the way up to it. Going forward, he came to another wall, enclosing considerable ground, considered more holy than the rest of the hill. The space between this first and second wall was called "the court of the Gentiles." It was so called because Gentiles might come into it, but they could proceed no further. On the second wall and on the gates were inscriptions in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, forbidding any Gentile or unclean person from proceeding further on pain of death. This "court" was not of equal dimensions all the way round the temple. On the east, north, and west it was quite narrow. On the south it was wide, occupying nearly half of the whole surface of the hill. In this court the Gentiles might come. Here was the place where much secular business was transacted. This was the place occupied by the buyers and sellers, and by the money-changers, and which Jesus purified by casting them out.

The enclosure within the second wall was nearly twice as long from east to west as from north to south. This enclosure was also divided. The eastern part of it was called "the court of the women;" so called because women might advance thus far, but no farther. This court was square. It was entered by three gates; one on the north, one on the east directly opposite to the Beautiful gate, and one on the south. In passing from the court of the Gentiles to that of the women, it was necessary to ascend about 9 feet by steps. This court of the women was enclosed with a double wall, with a space between the walls about 15 feet in width, paved with marble. The inner of these two walls was much higher than the one outside. The court of the women was paved with marble. In the corners of that court were different structures for the various uses of the temple. It was in this court that the Jews commonly worshipped. Here, probably, Peter and John, with others, went up to pray, Act 3:1. Here, too, the Pharisee and publican prayed - the Pharisee near the gate that led forward to the temple; the publican standing far off, on the other side of the court, Luk 18:9-14. Paul also was seized here, and charged with defiling the temple by bringing the Gentiles into that holy place, Act 21:26-30.

A high wall on the west side of the court of the women divided it from the court of the Israelites, so called because all the males of the Jews might advance there. To this court there was an ascent of fifteen steps. These steps were in the form of a half circle. The great gate to which these steps led was called the gate "Nicanor." Besides this, there were three gates on each side, leading from the court of the women to the court of the Israelites.

Within the court of the "Israelites" was the court of the "priests," separated by a wall about 1 1/2 foot in height. Within that court was the altar of burnt-offering and the laver standing in front of it. Here the priests performed the daily service of the temple. In this place, also, were accommodations for the "priests" when not engaged in conducting the service of the temple, and for the Levites who conducted the music of the sanctuary.

The temple, properly so called, stood within this court. It surpassed in splendor all the other buildings of the holy city; perhaps in magnificence it was unequalled in the world. It fronted the east, looking down through the gates Nicanor and the Beautiful Gate, and onward to the Mount of Olives. From the Mount of Olives on the east there was a beautiful and commanding view of the whole sacred edifice. It was there that our Saviour sat when the disciples directed his attention to the goodly stones with which the temple was built, Mar 13:1. The entrance into the temple itself was from the court "of the priests," by an ascent of twelve steps. The "porch" in front of the temple was 150 feet high and as many broad. The open space in this perch through which the temple was entered was 115 feet high and 37 broad, without doors of any sort, The appearance of this, built, as it was, with white marble, and decorated with plates of silver, from the Mount of Olives was exceedingly dazzling and splendid. Josephus says that in the rising of the sun it reflected so strong and dazzling an effulgence that the eye of the spectator was obliged to turn away. To strangers at a distance, it appeared like a mountain covered with snow, for where it was not decorated with plates of gold it was extremely white and glistening.

The temple itself was divided into two parts. The first, called the "sanctuary" or holy place; was 60 feet in length 60 feet in height, and 30 feet in width. In this was the golden candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The "holy of holies" or the "most holy place," was 30 feet each way. In the first temple this contained the ark of the covenant, the tables of the law, and over the ark was the mercy-seat and the cherubim. Into this place no person entered but the high priest, and he but once in the year. These two apartments were separated only by a vail, very costly and curiously performed. It was this vail which was rent from the top to the bottom when the Saviour died, Mat 27:51. Around the walls of the "temple," properly so called, was a structure three stories high, containing chambers for the use of the officers of the temple. The temple was wholly leveled to the ground by the Romans under Titus and Vespasian, and was effectually destroyed, according to the predictions of the Saviour. See the notes at Mat 24:2. The site of it was made like a plowed field. Julian the apostate attempted to rebuild it, but the workmen, according to his own historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, were prevented by balls of fire breaking out from the ground. See Warburton's "Divine Legation of Moses." Its site is now occupied by the Mosque of Omar, one of the most splendid specimens of Saracenic architecture in the world.

And cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple - The place where this was done was not the temple itself, but the outer court "or the court of the Gentiles." This was esteemed the least sacred part of the temple; and the Jews, it seems, did not consider it profanation to appropriate this to any business in any way connected with the temple service. The things which they bought and sold were at first those pertaining. to the sacrifices. It is not improbable, however, that the traffic afterward extended to all kinds of merchandise. It gave rise to much confusion, noise, contention, and fraud, and was exceedingly improper in the temple of the Lord.

The tables of the money-changers - Judea was subject to the Romans. The money in current use was Roman coin; yet the Jewish law required that every man should pay a tribute to the service of the sanctuary of "half a shekel," Exo 30:11-16. This was a Jewish coin, and the tribute was required to be paid in that coin. It became, therefore, a matter of convenience to have a place where the Roman coin might be exchanged for the Jewish half shekel. This was the "professed" business of these men. Of course, they would demand a small sum for the exchange; and, among so many thousands as came up to the great feasts, it would be a very profitable employment, and one easily giving rise to much fraud and oppression.

The seats of them that sold doves - Doves were required to be offered in sacrifice - Lev 14:22; Luk 2:24 - yet it was difficult to bring them from the distant parts of Judea. It was found much easier to purchase them in Jerusalem. Hence, it became a business to keep them to sell to those who were required to offer them.

Mark adds Mar 11:16 that he "would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple." That is, probably, any of the vessels or implements connected with the traffic in oil, incense, wine, etc., that were kept for sale in the temple.

Mat 21:13

And said It is written ... - This is written in Isa 56:7. The first part of this verse only is quoted from Isaiah. The rest - "but ye have made it a den of thieves" - was added by Jesus, denoting their abuse of the temple. Thieves and robbers live in dens and caves. Judea was then much infested with them. In their dens thieves devise and practice iniquity. These buyers and sellers imitated them. They made the temple a place of gain; they cheated and defrauded; they took advantage of the poor, and, by their being under a necessity of purchasing these articles for sacrifice, they "robbed" them by selling what they had at an enormous price.

The following reasons may be given why this company of buyers and sellers obeyed Christ:

1. They were overawed by his authority, and struck with the consciousness that he had a right to command,

2. Their own consciences reproved them; they knew they were guilty, and they dared make no resistance.

3. The people generally were then on the side of Jesus, believing him to be the Messiah.

4. It had always been the belief of the Jews that a "prophet" had a right to change, regulate, and order the various affairs relating to external worship. They supposed Jesus to be such, and they did not dare to resist him.

Mark and Luke add, that in consequence of this, the scribes and chief priests attempted to put him to death, Mar 11:18-19; Luk 19:47-48. This they did from "envy," Mat 27:18. He drew off the people from them, and they envied and hated him. They were "restrained," then, for the fear of the people; and this was the reason why they plotted "secretly" to put him to death, and why they afterward so gladly heard the proposals of the traitor, Mat 26:14-15.

Mat 21:15, Mat 21:16

When the chief priests ... - The chief men of the nation were envious of his popularity.

They could not prevent it; but, being determined to find fault, they took occasion to do so from the shouts of the children. People often are offended that "children" have anything to do with religion, and deem it very improper that "they" should rejoice that the Saviour has come. Our Lord Jesus viewed this subject differently. He saw that it was proper that they should rejoice. they are interested in the concerns of religion, and before evil principles get fast hold of their minds is a proper time for them to love and obey him. The Lord Jesus silenced those who made the objection by appealing to a text of their own Scriptures. This text is found in Psa 8:2. The quotation is not made directly from the Hebrew. but from the Greek translation. This, however, should create no difficulty. The point of the quotation was to prove that "children" might offer praise to God. This is expressed in both the Hebrew and the Greek.

Mat 21:17

Bethany - See the notes at Mat 21:1.

Mat 21:19

And when he saw a fig-tree in the way ... - This tree was standing in the public road.

It was therefore common property and anyone might lawfully use its fruit. Mark says Mar 11:13, "Seeing a fig-tree afar off, having leaves, he came," etc. Not far off "from the road," but at a considerable distance from the place where he was. Having loaves, and appearing healthy and luxuriant, they presumed that there would be fruit on it. Mark says Mar 11:13, "he came, if haply he might find anything thereon." That is, judging from the "appearance" of the tree, it was "probable" that there would be fruit on it. We are not to suppose that our Lord was ignorant of the true condition of the tree, but he acted according to the appearance of things; being a man as well as divine, he acted, of course, as people do act in such circumstances.

And found nothing thereon but leaves only - Mark Mar 11:13 gives as a reason for this that "the time of figs was not yet." That is, the time "of gathering" the figs was not yet, or had not passed. It was a time when figs were ripe or suitable to eat, or he would not have gone to it, expecting to find them; but the time of gathering them had not passed, and it was to be presumed that they were still on the tree. This took place on the week of the Passover, or in the beginning of April. Figs, in Palestine, are commonly ripe at the Passover. The summer in Palestine begins in March, and it is no uncommon thing that figs should be eatable in April. It is said that they sometimes produce fruit the year round.

Mark Mar 11:12-13 says that this took place on the morning of the day on which he purified the temple. Matthew would lead us to suppose that it was on the day following. Matthew records briefly what Mark records more "fully." Matthew states the fact that the fig-tree was barren and withered away, without regarding minutely the order or the circumstances in which the event took place. There is no contradiction, because Matthew does not affirm that this took place on the morning after the temple was cleansed, though he places it in that order; nor does he say that a day did not elapse after the fig-tree was cursed before the disciples discovered that it was withered, though he does not affirm that it was so. Such circumstantial variations, where there is no positive contradiction, go greatly to confirm the truth of a narrative. They show that the writers were honest men, and did not "conspire" to deceive the world.

And said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee ... - Mark calls this "cursing" the tree Mar 11:21. The word "curse," as used by him, does not imply "anger," or disappointment, or malice. It means only "devoting it to destruction," or causing it to wither away. All the "curse" that was pronounced was in the words "that no fruit should grow on it." The Jews used the word "curse" not as always implying "wrath or anger," but to devote to "death," or to any kind of destruction, Heb 6:8. It has been commonly thought that the Saviour performed this miracle to denote the sudden "withering away" or destruction of the Jewish people. They, like the fig-tree, promised fair. That was full of leaves, and they full of professions. Yet both were equally barren; and as that was destroyed, so they were soon to be. It was certain that this would be a good "illustration" of the destruction of the Jewish people, but there is no evidence that Jesus intended it as such, and without such evidence we have no right to say that was its meaning. "And presently the fig-tree withered away." That is, before another day. See Mark. It is probable that they were passing directly onward, and did not stop then to consider it. Matthew does not affirm that it withered "away in their presence," and Mark affirms that they made the discovery on the morning after it was "cursed."

Mat 21:20

And when the disciples saw it - That is, on the morning following that on which it was cursed, Mar 11:20.

They marveled, saying ... - Peter said this, Mar 11:21 Matthew means only to say that this was said to him; Mark tells us which one of them said it.

Mat 21:21

Jesus answered and said ... - Jesus took occasion from this to establish their faith in God, Mar 11:22

He told them that any difficulty could be overcome by faith. To remove a mountain denotes the power of surmounting or removing any difficulty. The phrase was so used by the Jews. There is no doubt that this was "literally" true - that if "they had the faith of miracles," they could remove the mountain before them - the Mount of Olives - for this was as easy for God to do by them as to heal the sick or raise the dead. But the Saviour rather referred, probably, to the difficulties and trials which they would be called to endure in preaching the gospel.

Mat 21:22

And all things ... - He adds an encouragement for them to pray, assuring them that they should have all things which they asked.

This promise was evidently a special one, given to them in regard to working miracles. To them it was true, but it is manifest that we have no right to apply this promise to ourselves. It was desired especially for the apostles; nor have we a right to turn it from its original meaning. There are other promises in, abundance on which we "may" rely in prayer, with confident assurance that our prayers will be heard. Compare the notes at Mat 7:7-11.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
cast See (Luk 19:45); (Mar 11:15-18). Compare (Joh 2:13-25) which introduced, as this cleansing closed, the offer of Christ to Israel as King.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
The money-changers (κολλυβιστῶν) From κόλλυβος, the rate of exchange. These changers sat in the temple, in the court of the Gentiles, to change the foreign coins of pilgrims into the shekel of the sanctuary for payment of the annual tribute. See on Mat 17:24.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
He cast out all that sold and bought - Doves and oxen for sacrifice. He had cast them out three years before, Joh 2:14; bidding them not make that house a house of merchandise. Upon the repetition of the offence, he used sharper words. In the temple - That is, in the outer court of it, where the Gentiles used to worship. The money changers - The exchangers of foreign money into current coin, which those who came from distant parts might want to offer for the service of the temple. Mar 11:11, Mar 11:15; Luk 19:45.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Jesus went into the temple of God, etc. - "Avarice," says one, "covered with the veil of religion, is one of those things on which Christ looks with the greatest indignation in his Church. Merchandize of holy things, simoniacal presentations, fraudulent exchanges, a mercenary spirit in sacred functions; ecclesiastical employments obtained by flattery, service, or attendance, or by any thing which is instead of money; collations, nominations, and elections made through any other motive than the glory of God; these are all fatal and damnable profanations, of which those in the temple were only a shadow." Quesnel. Money-changers - Persons who furnished the Jews and proselytes who came from other countries, with the current coin of Judea, in exchange for their own.

Top

⁷ Ask [154], and [2532] it shall be given [1325] you [5213]; seek [2212], and [2532] ye shall find [2147]; knock [2925], and [2532] it shall be opened [455] unto you [5213]:
⁸ For [1063] every one [3956] that asketh [154] receiveth [2983]; and [2532] he that seeketh [2212] findeth [2147]; and [2532] to him that knocketh [2925] it shall be opened [455].
⁹ Or [2228] what [5101] man [444] is [2076] there of [1537] you [5216], whom [3739] if [1437] his [846] son [5207] ask [154] bread [740], will he give [3361] [1929] him [846] a stone [3037]?
¹⁰ Or [2532] if [1437] he ask [154] a fish [2486], will he give [3361] [1929] him [846] a serpent [3789]?
¹¹ If [1487] ye [5210] then [3767], being [5607] evil [4190], know [1492] how to give [1325] good [18] gifts [1390] unto your [5216] children [5043], how much [4214] more [3123] shall your [5216] Father [3962] which [3588] is in [1722] heaven [3772] give [1325] good things [18] to them that ask [154] him [846]?

²² And [2532] all things [3956], whatsoever [302] [3745] ye shall ask [154] in [1722] prayer [4335], believing [4100], ye shall receive [2983].

²² And [2532] Jesus [2424] answering [611] saith [3004] unto them [846], Have [2192] faith [4102] in God [2316].

²¹ Jesus [2424] answered [611] and [1161] said [2036] unto them [846], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], If [1437] ye have [2192] faith [4102], and [2532] doubt [1252] not [3361], ye shall [4160] not [3756] only [3440] do [4160] this [3440] which is done to the fig tree [4808], but [235] also if [2579] ye shall say [2036] unto this [5129] mountain [3735], Be thou removed [142], and [2532] be thou cast [906] into [1519] the sea [2281]; it shall be done [1096].

²¹ And [2532] Peter [4074] calling to remembrance [363] saith [3004] unto him [846], Master [4461], behold [2396], the fig tree [4808] which [3739] thou cursedst [2672] is withered away [3583].

²⁰ And [2532] in the morning [4404], as they passed by [3899], they saw [1492] the fig tree [4808] dried up [3583] from [1537] the roots [4491].

²⁰ And [2532] when the disciples [3101] saw [1492] it, they marvelled [2296], saying [3004], How [4459] soon [3916] is the fig tree [4808] withered away [3583] !

⁸ But [1161] that which beareth [1627] thorns [173] and [2532] briers [5146] is rejected [96], and [2532] is nigh [1451] unto cursing [2671]; whose [3739] end [5056] is to [1519] be burned [2740].

²¹ And [2532] Peter [4074] calling to remembrance [363] saith [3004] unto him [846], Master [4461], behold [2396], the fig tree [4808] which [3739] thou cursedst [2672] is withered away [3583].

¹³ And [2532] seeing [1492] a fig tree [4808] afar off [3113] having [2192] leaves [5444], he came [2064], if [1487] haply [686] he might find [2147] any thing [5100] thereon [1722] [846]: and [2532] when he came [2064] to [1909] it [846], he found [2147] nothing [3762] but [1508] leaves [5444]; for [1063] the time [2540] of figs [4810] was [2258] not [3756] yet.

¹⁹ And [2532] when he saw [1492] a [3391] fig tree [4808] in [1909] the way [3598], he came [2064] to [1909] it [846], and [2532] found [2147] nothing [3762] thereon [1722] [846], but [1508] leaves [5444] only [3440], and [2532] said [3004] unto it [846], Let no [1096] fruit [2590] grow [1096] on [1537] thee [4675] henceforward [3371] for [1519] ever [165]. And [2532] presently [3916] the fig tree [4808] withered away [3583].

¹ And [2532] when [3753] they drew nigh [1448] unto [1519] Jerusalem [2414], and [2532] were come [2064] to [1519] Bethphage [967], unto [4314] the mount [3735] of Olives [1636], then [5119] sent [649] Jesus [2424] two [1417] disciples [3101],

¹⁷ And [2532] he left [2641] them [846], and went [1831] out of [1854] the city [4172] into [1519] Bethany [963]; and [2532] he lodged [835] there [1563].

² Out of the mouth [06310] of babes [05768] and sucklings [03243] hast thou ordained [03245] strength [05797] because of thine enemies [06887], that thou mightest still [07673] the enemy [0341] and the avenger [05358].

¹⁶ And [2532] said [2036] unto him [846], Hearest thou [191] what [5101] these [3778] say [3004]? And [1161] Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto them [846], Yea [3483]; have ye never [3763] read [314], [3754] Out of [1537] the mouth [4750] of babes [3516] and [2532] sucklings [2337] thou hast perfected [2675] praise [136]?

¹⁵ And [1161] when the chief priests [749] and [2532] scribes [1122] saw [1492] the wonderful things [2297] that [3739] he did [4160], and [2532] the children [3816] crying [2896] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] saying [3004], Hosanna [5614] to the Son [5207] of David [1138]; they were sore displeased [23],

¹⁴ Then [5119] one [1520] of the twelve [1427], called [3004] Judas [2455] Iscariot [2469], went [4198] unto [4314] the chief priests [749],
¹⁵ And said [2036] unto them, What [5101] will ye [2309] give [1325] me [3427], and [2504] I will deliver [3860] him [846] unto you [5213]? And [1161] they covenanted [2476] with him [846] for thirty [5144] pieces of silver [694].

¹⁸ For [1063] he knew [1492] that [3754] for [1223] envy [5355] they had delivered [3860] him [846].

⁴⁷ And [2532] he taught [2258] [1321] daily [2596] [2250] in [1722] the temple [2411]. But [1161] the chief priests [749] and [2532] the scribes [1122] and [2532] the chief [4413] of the people [2992] sought [2212] to destroy [622] him [846],
⁴⁸ And [2532] could [2147] not [3756] find [2147] what [5101] they might do [4160]: for [1063] all [537] the people [2992] were very attentive [1582] to hear [191] him [846].

¹⁸ And [2532] the scribes [1122] and [2532] chief priests [749] heard [191] it, and [2532] sought [2212] how [4459] they might destroy [622] him [846]: for [1063] they feared [5399] him [846], because [3754] all [3956] the people [3793] was astonished [1605] at [1909] his [846] doctrine [1322].
¹⁹ And [2532] when [3753] even [3796] was come [1096], he went [1607] out of [1854] the city [4172].

⁷ Even them will I bring [0935] to my holy [06944] mountain [02022], and make them joyful [08055] in my house [01004] of prayer [08605]: their burnt offerings [05930] and their sacrifices [02077] shall be accepted [07522] upon mine altar [04196]; for mine house [01004] shall be called [07121] an house [01004] of prayer [08605] for all people [05971].

¹³ And [2532] said [3004] unto them [846], It is written [1125], My [3450] house [3624] shall be called [2564] the house [3624] of prayer [4335]; but [1161] ye [5210] have made [4160] it [846] a den [4693] of thieves [3027].

¹⁶ And [2532] would [863] not [3756] suffer [863] that [2443] any man [5100] should carry [1308] any vessel [4632] through [1223] the temple [2411].

²⁴ And [2532] to offer [1325] a sacrifice [2378] according [2596] to that which is said [2046] in [1722] the law [3551] of the Lord [2962], A pair [2201] of turtledoves [5167], or [2228] two [1417] young [3502] pigeons [4058].

²² And two [08147] turtledoves [08449], or two [08147] young [01121] pigeons [03123], such as he is able to get [03027] [05381]; and the one [0259] shall be a sin offering [02403], and the other [0259] a burnt offering [05930].

¹¹ And the LORD [03068] spake [01696] unto Moses [04872], saying [0559],
¹² When thou takest [05375] the sum [07218] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478] after their number [06485], then shall they give [05414] every man [0376] a ransom [03724] for his soul [05315] unto the LORD [03068], when thou numberest [06485] them; that there be no plague [05063] among them, when thou numberest [06485] them.
¹³ This they shall give [05414], every one that passeth [05674] among [05921] them that are numbered [06485], half [04276] a shekel [08255] after the shekel [08255] of the sanctuary [06944]: (a shekel [08255] is twenty [06242] gerahs [01626]:) an half [04276] shekel [08255] shall be the offering [08641] of the LORD [03068].
¹⁴ Every one that passeth [05674] among them that are numbered [06485], from twenty [06242] years [08141] old [01121] and above [04605], shall give [05414] an offering [08641] unto the LORD [03068].
¹⁵ The rich [06223] shall not give more [07235], and the poor [01800] shall not give less [04591] than half [04276] a shekel [08255], when they give [05414] an offering [08641] unto the LORD [03068], to make an atonement [03722] for your souls [05315].
¹⁶ And thou shalt take [03947] the atonement [03725] money [03701] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478], and shalt appoint [05414] it for the service [05656] of the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150]; that it may be a memorial [02146] unto the children [01121] of Israel [03478] before [06440] the LORD [03068], to make an atonement [03722] for your souls [05315].

² And [1161] Jesus [2424] said [2036] unto them [846], See ye [991] not [3756] all [3956] these things [5023]? verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], There shall [863] not [3364] be left [863] here [5602] one stone [3037] upon [1909] another [3037], that [3739] shall [2647] not [3364] be thrown down [2647].

⁵¹ And [2532], behold [2400], the veil [2665] of the temple [3485] was rent [4977] in [1519] twain [1417] from [575] the top [509] to [2193] the bottom [2736]; and [2532] the earth [1093] did quake [4579], and [2532] the rocks [4073] rent [4977];

¹ And [2532] as he [846] went [1607] out of [1537] the temple [2411], one [1520] of his [846] disciples [3101] saith [3004] unto him [846], Master [1320], see [2396] what manner [4217] of stones [3037] and [2532] what [4217] buildings [3619] are here!

²⁶ Then [5119] Paul [3972] took [3880] the men [435], and the next [2192] day [2250] purifying himself [48] with [4862] them [846] entered [1524] into [1519] the temple [2411], to signify [1229] the accomplishment [1604] of the days [2250] of purification [49], until [2193] that [3739] an offering [4376] should be offered [4374] for [5228] every [1538] one [1520] of them [846].
²⁷ And [1161] when [5613] the seven [2033] days [2250] were almost [3195] ended [4931], the Jews [2453] which were of [575] Asia [773], when they saw [2300] him [846] in [1722] the temple [2411], stirred up [4797] all [3956] the people [3793], and [2532] laid [1911] hands [5495] on [1909] him [846],
²⁸ Crying out [2896], Men [435] of Israel [2475], help [997]: This [3778] is [2076] the man [444], that teacheth [1321] all [3956] men every where [3837] against [2596] the people [2992], and [2532] the law [3551], and [2532] this [5126] place [5117]: and [5037] further [2089] brought [1521] Greeks [1672] also [2532] into [1519] the temple [2411], and [2532] hath polluted [2840] this [5127] holy [40] place [5117].
²⁹ (For [1063] they had [2258] seen before [4308] with [4862] him [846] in [1722] the city [4172] Trophimus [5161] an Ephesian [2180], whom [3739] they supposed [3543] that [3754] Paul [3972] had brought [1521] into [1519] the temple [2411].)
³⁰ And [5037] all [3650] the city [4172] was moved [2795], and [2532] the people [2992] ran together [1096] [4890]: and [2532] they took [1949] Paul [3972], and drew [1670] him [846] out of [1854] the temple [2411]: and [2532] forthwith [2112] the doors [2374] were shut [2808].

⁹ And [1161] he spake [2036] [2532] this [5026] parable [3850] unto [4314] certain [5100] which [3588] trusted [3982] in [1909] themselves [1438] that [3754] they were [1526] righteous [1342], and [2532] despised [1848] others [3062]:
¹⁰ Two [1417] men [444] went up [305] into [1519] the temple [2411] to pray [4336]; the one [1520] a Pharisee [5330], and [2532] the other [2087] a publican [5057].
¹¹ The Pharisee [5330] stood [2476] and prayed [4336] thus [5023] with [4314] himself [1438], God [2316], I thank [2168] thee [4671], that [3754] I am [1510] not [3756] as [5618] other [3062] men [444] are, extortioners [727], unjust [94], adulterers [3432], or [2228] even [2532] as [5613] this [3778] publican [5057].
¹² I fast [3522] twice [1364] in the week [4521], I give tithes [586] of all [3956] that [3745] I possess [2932].
¹³ And [2532] the publican [5057], standing [2476] afar off [3113], would [2309] not [3756] lift up [1869] so much as [3761] his eyes [3788] unto [1519] heaven [3772], but [235] smote [5180] upon [1519] his [846] breast [4738], saying [3004], God [2316] be merciful [2433] to me [3427] a sinner [268].
¹⁴ I tell [3004] you [5213], this man [3778] went down [2597] to [1519] his [846] house [3624] justified [1344] rather than [2228] the other [1565]: for [3754] every one [3956] that exalteth [5312] himself [1438] shall be abased [5013]; and [1161] he that humbleth [5013] himself [1438] shall be exalted [5312].

¹ Now [1161] Peter [4074] and [2532] John [2491] went up [305] together [1909] [846] into [1519] the temple [2411] at the hour [5610] of prayer [4335], being the ninth [1766] hour.

¹¹ And [1161] as the lame man [5560] which was healed [2390] held [2902] Peter [4074] and [2532] John [2491], all [3956] the people [2992] ran together [4936] unto [4314] them [846] in [1909] the porch [4745] that is called [2564] Solomon's [4672], greatly wondering [1569].

²³ And [2532] Jesus [2424] walked [4043] in [1722] the temple [2411] in [1722] Solomon's [4672] porch [4745].

⁶ And [2532] saith [3004] unto him [846], If [1487] thou be [1488] the Son [5207] of God [2316], cast [906] thyself [4572] down [2736]: for [1063] it is written [1125], [3754] He shall give [1781] his [846] angels [32] charge [1781] concerning [4012] thee [4675]: and [2532] in [1909] their hands [5495] they shall bear [142] thee [4571] up [142], lest at any time [3379] thou dash [4350] thy [4675] foot [4228] against [4314] a stone [3037].

² And [2532] a certain [5100] man [435] lame [5225] [5560] from [1537] his [846] mother's [3384] womb [2836] was carried [941], whom [3739] they laid [5087] daily [2250] [2596] at [4314] the gate [2374] of the temple [2411] which [3588] is called [3004] Beautiful [5611], to ask [154] alms [1654] of [3844] them that entered [1531] into [1519] the temple [2411];

²⁰ Then [3767] said [2036] the Jews [2453], Forty [5062] and [2532] six [1803] years [2094] was [3618] this [3778] temple [3485] in building [3618], and [2532] wilt [1453] thou [4771] rear [1453] it [846] up [1453] in [1722] three [5140] days [2250]?

⁹ The glory [03519] of this latter [0314] house [01004] shall be greater than [01419] of the former [07223], saith [05002] the LORD [03068] of hosts [06635]: and in this place [04725] will I give [05414] peace [07965], saith [0559] the LORD [03068] of hosts [06635].

¹² But many [07227] of the priests [03548] and Levites [03881] and chief [07218] of the fathers [01], who were ancient men [02205], that had seen [07200] the first [07223] house [01004], when the foundation [03245] of this house [01004] was laid [03245] before their eyes [05869], wept [01058] with a loud [01419] voice [06963]; and many [07227] shouted [08643] aloud [07311] for joy [08057]:

⁸ Now in the second [08145] year [08141] of their coming [0935] unto the house [01004] of God [0430] at Jerusalem [03389], in the second [08145] month [02320], began [02490] Zerubbabel [02216] the son [01121] of Shealtiel [07597], and Jeshua [03442] the son [01121] of Jozadak [03136], and the remnant [07605] of their brethren [0251] the priests [03548] and the Levites [03881], and all they that were come out [0935] of the captivity [07628] unto Jerusalem [03389]; and appointed [05975] the Levites [03881], from twenty [06242] years [08141] old [01121] and upward [04605], to set forward [05329] the work [04399] of the house [01004] of the LORD [03068].

¹⁹ And they burnt [08313] the house [01004] of God [0430], and brake down [05422] the wall [02346] of Jerusalem [03389], and burnt [08313] all the palaces [0759] thereof with fire [0784], and destroyed [07843] all the goodly [04261] vessels [03627] thereof.

⁶ Against him came up [05927] Nebuchadnezzar [05019] king [04428] of Babylon [0894], and bound [0631] him in fetters [05178], to carry [03212] him to Babylon [0894].
⁷ Nebuchadnezzar [05019] also carried [0935] of the vessels [03627] of the house [01004] of the LORD [03068] to Babylon [0894], and put [05414] them in his temple [01964] at Babylon [0894].

⁵ And, behold, I purpose [0559] to build [01129] an house [01004] unto the name [08034] of the LORD [03068] my God [0430], as the LORD [03068] spake [01696] unto David [01732] my father [01], saying [0559], Thy son [01121], whom I will set [05414] upon thy throne [03678] in thy room, he shall build [01129] an house [01004] unto my name [08034].

¹ Then David [01732] said [0559], This is the house [01004] of the LORD [03068] God [0430], and this is the altar [04196] of the burnt offering [05930] for Israel [03478].
² And David [01732] commanded [0559] to gather together [03664] the strangers [01616] that were in the land [0776] of Israel [03478]; and he set [05975] masons [02672] to hew [02672] wrought [01496] stones [068] to build [01129] the house [01004] of God [0430].
³ And David [01732] prepared [03559] iron [01270] in abundance [07230] for the nails [04548] for the doors [01817] of the gates [08179], and for the joinings [04226]; and brass [05178] in abundance [07230] without weight [04948];
⁴ Also cedar [0730] trees [06086] in abundance [0369] [04557]: for the Zidonians [06722] and they of Tyre [06876] brought [0935] much [07230] cedar [0730] wood [06086] to David [01732].
⁵ And David [01732] said [0559], Solomon [08010] my son [01121] is young [05288] and tender [07390], and the house [01004] that is to be builded [01129] for the LORD [03068] must be exceeding [04605] magnifical [01431], of fame [08034] and of glory [08597] throughout all countries [0776]: I will therefore now make preparation [03559] for it. So David [01732] prepared [03559] abundantly [07230] before [06440] his death [04194].
⁶ Then he called [07121] for Solomon [08010] his son [01121], and charged [06680] him to build [01129] an house [01004] for the LORD [03068] God [0430] of Israel [03478].
⁷ And David [01732] said [0559] to Solomon [08010], My son [01121], as for me, it was in my mind [03824] to build [01129] an house [01004] unto the name [08034] of the LORD [03068] my God [0430]:
⁸ But the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] came to me, saying [0559], Thou hast shed [08210] blood [01818] abundantly [07230], and hast made [06213] great [01419] wars [04421]: thou shalt not build [01129] an house [01004] unto my name [08034], because thou hast shed [08210] much [07227] blood [01818] upon the earth [0776] in my sight [06440].
⁹ Behold, a son [01121] shall be born [03205] to thee, who shall be a man [0376] of rest [04496]; and I will give him rest [05117] from all his enemies [0341] round about [05439]: for his name [08034] shall be Solomon [08010], and I will give [05414] peace [07965] and quietness [08253] unto Israel [03478] in his days [03117].

³⁸ And in the eleventh [0259] [06240] year [08141], in the month [03391] Bul [0945], which is the eighth [08066] month [02320], was the house [01004] finished [03615] throughout all the parts [01697] thereof, and according to all the fashion [04941] of it. So was he seven [07651] years [08141] in building [01129] it.

¹¹ And [2532] Jesus [2424] entered [1525] into [1519] Jerusalem [2414], and [2532] into [1519] the temple [2411]: and [2532] when he had looked round about upon [4017] all things [3956], and now [2235] the eventide [3798] [5610] was come [5607], he went out [1831] unto [1519] Bethany [963] with [3326] the twelve [1427].
¹² And [2532] on the morrow [1887], when they [846] were come [1831] from [575] Bethany [963], he was hungry [3983]:
¹³ And [2532] seeing [1492] a fig tree [4808] afar off [3113] having [2192] leaves [5444], he came [2064], if [1487] haply [686] he might find [2147] any thing [5100] thereon [1722] [846]: and [2532] when he came [2064] to [1909] it [846], he found [2147] nothing [3762] but [1508] leaves [5444]; for [1063] the time [2540] of figs [4810] was [2258] not [3756] yet.
¹⁴ And [2532] Jesus [2424] answered [611] and said [2036] unto it [846], No man [3367] eat [5315] fruit [2590] of [1537] thee [4675] hereafter [3371] for [1519] ever [165]. And [2532] his [846] disciples [3101] heard [191] it.
¹⁵ And [2532] they come [2064] to [1519] Jerusalem [2414]: and [2532] Jesus [2424] went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] and [2532] bought [59] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] overthrew [2690] the tables [5132] of the moneychangers [2855], and [2532] the seats [2515] of them [846] that sold [4453] doves [4058];

¹² And [2532] Jesus [2424] went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411] of God [2316], and [2532] cast out [1544] all them [3956] that sold [4453] and [2532] bought [59] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] overthrew [2690] the tables [5132] of the moneychangers [2855], and [2532] the seats [2515] of them that sold [4453] doves [4058],

⁴⁵ And [2532] he went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] therein [1722] [846], and [2532] them that bought [59];
⁴⁶ Saying [3004] unto them [846], It is written [1125], My [3450] house [3624] is [2076] the house [3624] of prayer [4335]: but [1161] ye [5210] have made [4160] it [846] a den [4693] of thieves [3027].
⁴⁷ And [2532] he taught [2258] [1321] daily [2596] [2250] in [1722] the temple [2411]. But [1161] the chief priests [749] and [2532] the scribes [1122] and [2532] the chief [4413] of the people [2992] sought [2212] to destroy [622] him [846],
⁴⁸ And [2532] could [2147] not [3756] find [2147] what [5101] they might do [4160]: for [1063] all [537] the people [2992] were very attentive [1582] to hear [191] him [846].

¹² And [2532] on the morrow [1887], when they [846] were come [1831] from [575] Bethany [963], he was hungry [3983]:
¹³ And [2532] seeing [1492] a fig tree [4808] afar off [3113] having [2192] leaves [5444], he came [2064], if [1487] haply [686] he might find [2147] any thing [5100] thereon [1722] [846]: and [2532] when he came [2064] to [1909] it [846], he found [2147] nothing [3762] but [1508] leaves [5444]; for [1063] the time [2540] of figs [4810] was [2258] not [3756] yet.
¹⁴ And [2532] Jesus [2424] answered [611] and said [2036] unto it [846], No man [3367] eat [5315] fruit [2590] of [1537] thee [4675] hereafter [3371] for [1519] ever [165]. And [2532] his [846] disciples [3101] heard [191] it.
¹⁵ And [2532] they come [2064] to [1519] Jerusalem [2414]: and [2532] Jesus [2424] went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] and [2532] bought [59] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] overthrew [2690] the tables [5132] of the moneychangers [2855], and [2532] the seats [2515] of them [846] that sold [4453] doves [4058];
¹⁶ And [2532] would [863] not [3756] suffer [863] that [2443] any man [5100] should carry [1308] any vessel [4632] through [1223] the temple [2411].
¹⁷ And [2532] he taught [1321], saying [3004] unto them [846], Is it [1125] not [3756] written [1125], [3754] My [3450] house [3624] shall be called [2564] of all [3956] nations [1484] the house [3624] of prayer [4335]? but [1161] ye [5210] have made [4160] it [846] a den [4693] of thieves [3027].
¹⁸ And [2532] the scribes [1122] and [2532] chief priests [749] heard [191] it, and [2532] sought [2212] how [4459] they might destroy [622] him [846]: for [1063] they feared [5399] him [846], because [3754] all [3956] the people [3793] was astonished [1605] at [1909] his [846] doctrine [1322].
¹⁹ And [2532] when [3753] even [3796] was come [1096], he went [1607] out of [1854] the city [4172].

¹³ And [2532] the Jews [2453]' passover [3957] was [2258] at hand [1451], and [2532] Jesus [2424] went up [305] to [1519] Jerusalem [2414],
¹⁴ And [2532] found [2147] in [1722] the temple [2411] those that sold [4453] oxen [1016] and [2532] sheep [4263] and [2532] doves [4058], and [2532] the changers of money [2773] sitting [2521]:
¹⁵ And [2532] when he had made [4160] a scourge [5416] of [1537] small cords [4979], he drove [1544] them all [3956] out of [1537] the temple [2411], and [5037] the sheep [4263], and [2532] the oxen [1016]; and [2532] poured out [1632] the changers [2855]' money [2772], and [2532] overthrew [390] the tables [5132];
¹⁶ And [2532] said [2036] unto them that sold [4453] doves [4058], Take [142] these things [5023] hence [1782]; make [4160] not [3361] my [3450] Father's [3962] house [3624] an house [3624] of merchandise [1712].
¹⁷ And [1161] his [846] disciples [3101] remembered [3415] that [3754] it was [2076] written [1125], The zeal [2205] of thine [4675] house [3624] hath eaten [2719] me [3165] up [2719].
¹⁸ Then [3767] answered [611] the Jews [2453] and [2532] said [2036] unto him [846], What [5101] sign [4592] shewest thou [1166] unto us [2254], seeing that [3754] thou doest [4160] these things [5023]?
¹⁹ Jesus [2424] answered [611] and [2532] said [2036] unto them [846], Destroy [3089] this [5126] temple [3485], and [2532] in [1722] three [5140] days [2250] I will raise [1453] it [846] up [1453].
²⁰ Then [3767] said [2036] the Jews [2453], Forty [5062] and [2532] six [1803] years [2094] was [3618] this [3778] temple [3485] in building [3618], and [2532] wilt [1453] thou [4771] rear [1453] it [846] up [1453] in [1722] three [5140] days [2250]?
²¹ But [1161] he [1565] spake [3004] of [4012] the temple [3485] of his [846] body [4983].
²² When [3753] therefore [3767] he was risen [1453] from [1537] the dead [3498], his [846] disciples [3101] remembered [3415] that [3754] he had said [3004] this [5124] unto them [846]; and [2532] they believed [4100] the scripture [1124], and [2532] the word [3056] which [3739] Jesus [2424] had said [2036].
²³ Now [1161] when [5613] he was [2258] in [1722] Jerusalem [2414] at [1722] the passover [3957], in [1722] the feast [1859] day, many [4183] believed [4100] in [1519] his [846] name [3686], when they saw [2334] the miracles [846] [4592] which [3739] he did [4160].
²⁴ But [1161] Jesus [2424] [846] did [4100] not [3756] commit [4100] himself [1438] unto them [846], because [1223] he [846] knew [1097] all [3956] men,
²⁵ And [2532] [3754] needed [5532] [2192] not [3756] that [2443] any [5100] should testify [3140] of [4012] man [444]: for [1063] he [846] knew [1097] what [5101] was [2258] in [1722] man [444].

¹⁵ And [2532] they come [2064] to [1519] Jerusalem [2414]: and [2532] Jesus [2424] went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] and [2532] bought [59] in [1722] the temple [2411], and [2532] overthrew [2690] the tables [5132] of the moneychangers [2855], and [2532] the seats [2515] of them [846] that sold [4453] doves [4058];
¹⁶ And [2532] would [863] not [3756] suffer [863] that [2443] any man [5100] should carry [1308] any vessel [4632] through [1223] the temple [2411].
¹⁷ And [2532] he taught [1321], saying [3004] unto them [846], Is it [1125] not [3756] written [1125], [3754] My [3450] house [3624] shall be called [2564] of all [3956] nations [1484] the house [3624] of prayer [4335]? but [1161] ye [5210] have made [4160] it [846] a den [4693] of thieves [3027].
¹⁸ And [2532] the scribes [1122] and [2532] chief priests [749] heard [191] it, and [2532] sought [2212] how [4459] they might destroy [622] him [846]: for [1063] they feared [5399] him [846], because [3754] all [3956] the people [3793] was astonished [1605] at [1909] his [846] doctrine [1322].

⁴⁵ And [2532] he went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] therein [1722] [846], and [2532] them that bought [59];

²⁴ And [1161] when they [846] were come [2064] to [1519] Capernaum [2584], they that received [2983] tribute [1323] money came [4334] to Peter [4074], and [2532] said [2036], Doth [5055] not [3756] your [5216] master [1320] pay [5055] tribute [1323]?

⁴⁵ And [2532] he went [1525] into [1519] the temple [2411], and began [756] to cast out [1544] them that sold [4453] therein [1722] [846], and [2532] them that bought [59];

¹⁴ And [2532] found [2147] in [1722] the temple [2411] those that sold [4453] oxen [1016] and [2532] sheep [4263] and [2532] doves [4058], and [2532] the changers of money [2773] sitting [2521]: