Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:13

What does Matthew 21:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:13 means

Jesus directly challenged those profaning the Temple by quoting Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. He declared that God's house was intended as "a house of prayer for all nations," emphasizing its spiritual purpose. By contrast, He accused them of turning it into a "den of robbers," implying their corrupt practices and exploitation of worshipers. This powerful indictment exposed their spiritual corruption and justified His cleansing actions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, It is in the Writings, My house is to be named a house of prayer, but you are making it a hole of thieves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith to them, `It hath been written, My house a house of prayer shall be called, but ye did make it a den of robbers.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he saith to them: It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he says to them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of robbers.

Context

This verse provides Jesus' verbal justification for His dramatic cleansing of the Temple, directly following His physical actions. It frames His actions with prophetic scripture, establishing the theological basis for His indignation. This declaration further asserts His authority and sharply confronts the religious practices, setting the stage for His healing ministry and the ensuing conflict with His opponents.

v.12And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

v.13This passage

v.14And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 93:5

    Thy testimonies are very sure: Holiness becometh thy house, O Jehovah, for evermore.

  • John 15:25

    But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Mark 11:17

    And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers.

  • 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.

  • Luke 19:46

    saying unto them, It is written, And my house shall be a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.

  • Isaiah 56:7

    even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

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