κερματιστής (kermatistēs)
kermatistēs
moneychanger
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kermatistēs refers specifically to a money changer in the first-century Jewish context. The term derives from a root meaning "to cut small," indicating that these individuals specialized in breaking larger, heavier coins into smaller denominations for everyday use. This practical service was essential because many religious taxes and temple fees required specific currency.
Its sole biblical appearance occurs in John 2:14, where Jesus finds these traders operating within the Temple courts during a cleansing incident. The word highlights the commercial nature of the activity rather than just general trade, pointing to the exchange of foreign imperial coins for Tyrian shekels acceptable for temple dues. This specific role underscores why Jesus viewed their presence as a disruption to the sacred space.
Unlike broader terms for merchant or trader, kermatistēs carries the nuance of currency conversion. It identifies a professional who facilitated the financial mechanics of worship by ensuring pilgrims had the correct change. The sources emphasize this specialized function, showing how deeply commerce had integrated into the religious life of Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kermatistēs describes a specific professional in the first century: the moneychanger. These individuals specialized in breaking larger coins into smaller denominations, a service essential for pilgrims paying temple taxes with specific currency. Their presence was not merely about trade but about facilitating the financial mechanics of worship, ensuring visitors had the correct change for religious dues.
In John 2:14, Jesus encounters these changers operating within the Temple courts. This detail highlights how deeply commerce had integrated into religious life at that time. The specific role of the moneychanger underscores why their presence was viewed as a disruption to the sacred space, shifting focus from prayer to profit.
Reflecting on this word invites us to consider where we place our priorities. It reminds us that worship requires purity of heart and intention. When we approach God, let us ensure our hearts are free from distractions that turn sacred moments into transactions. May your faith remain focused on the true purpose of meeting with the Divine.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- money changers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κερματιστὰς1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:14
He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
This verse uniquely identifies the moneychanger among the Temple traders, highlighting the specific commercial activity Jesus confronted.