Devine Scripture

John 2:16

What does John 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:16 means

Jesus' clear command to those selling doves, "Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise," explicitly states the reason for His actions. He declares the Temple to be "my Father's house," a claim that asserts His unique filial relationship with God and underscores His divine authority over the sacred space. By calling it a "house of merchandise," He condemns the commercial exploitation that had replaced its intended purpose of prayer and worship, revealing His indignation at the desecration.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to those who were trading in doves he said, Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a market.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to those selling the doves he said, `Take these things hence; make not the house of my Father a house of merchandise.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to them that sold doves he said: Take these things hence, and make not the house of my Father a house of traffic.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and said to the sellers of doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.

Context

This verse captures Jesus' direct verbal condemnation, clarifying the spiritual principle behind His actions detailed in the previous verse. His declaration of the Temple as "my Father's house" is a crucial theological statement, asserting His divine identity and authority. This explanation of His motivation provides the immediate frame for His disciples' understanding and the subsequent challenge from the Jews, moving from action to doctrinal declaration.

v.15and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables;

v.16This passage

v.17His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:14

    having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;

  • John 5:17

    But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.

  • Luke 2:49

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house?

  • Jeremiah 7:11

    Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, saith Jehovah.

  • Acts 19:24

    For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen;

  • John 10:29

    My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

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