Matthew 21:12-13
What is written? (ESV)
And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.
What does it say?
Jesus entered the temple and expelled all those conducting commerce, overturning the tables of money-changers and the seats of those selling pigeons [for sacrifices]. He said that it was written [in the Law] that My house shall be a called a house of prayer, but you have turned it into a den of robbers.
What is its immediate context?
Jesus has just returned to Jerusalem and has entered his final week before being crucified. He received a triumphal entry to the city by the people, entering on a donkey (vs 7) and stirring up the whole city (vs 10).
How Matthew 21:12-13 is applied across Bible answers
Is socialism in the Bible?
Jesus quotes from a passage in Isaiah (56:7) to reset the purpose of God's holy temple. He is not against commerce per se, only that it is conducted in a holy place and sanctuary for worship to God.
