New International Version“It is written,” he said to them, “’My house will be a house of prayer’ but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
New Living TranslationHe said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
English Standard Versionsaying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Berean Standard BibleHe declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be a house of prayer.’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Berean Literal Biblesaying to them, "It has been written: 'And My house will be a house of prayer.' But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
King James BibleSaying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
New King James Versionsaying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
New American Standard Biblesaying to them, “It is written: ‘AND MY HOUSE WILL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a DEN OF ROBBERS.”
NASB 1995saying to them, “It is written, ‘AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”
NASB 1977saying to them, “It is written, ‘AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”
Legacy Standard Biblesaying to them, “It is written, ‘AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”
Amplified Biblesaying to them, “It is written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER’; but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”
Christian Standard Bibleand he said, “It is written, my house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves! ”
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand He said, “It is written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!”
American Standard Versionsaying unto them, It is written, And my house shall be a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.
Contemporary English VersionHe told them, "The Scriptures say, 'My house should be a place of worship.' But you have made it a place where robbers hide!"
English Revised Versionsaying unto them, It is written, And my house shall be a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said to them, "Scripture says, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a gathering place for thieves."
Good News Translationsaying to them, "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!"
International Standard VersionHe told them, "It is written, 'My house is to be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a hideout for bandits!"
NET Biblesaying to them, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of robbers!"
New Heart English Biblesaying to them, "It is written, 'And my house will be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of robbers'."
Webster's Bible TranslationSaying to them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Weymouth New Testament"It is written," He said, "'And My house shall be the House of Prayer,' but you have made it a robbers' cave." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house is a house of prayer.’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
World English Biblesaying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of robbers’!” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionsaying to them, “It has been written, My house is a house of prayer—but you made it a den of robbers.”
Berean Literal Biblesaying to them, "It has been written: 'And My house will be a house of prayer.' But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Young's Literal Translation saying to them, 'It hath been written, My house is a house of prayer -- but ye made it a den of robbers.'
Smith's Literal TranslationSaying to them, It has been written, My house is the house of prayer: and ye have made it a den of robbers. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaying to them: It is written: My house is the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves.
Catholic Public Domain Versionsaying to them: “It is written: ‘My house is a house of prayer.’ But you have made it into a den of robbers.”
New American Biblesaying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”
New Revised Standard Versionand he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer; but you have made it a cave of bandits.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he said to them, “It is written: 'My house is the house of prayer', but you have made it a den of robbers.'” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand said to them: It is written, My house is a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.
Godbey New Testament
saying to them;It has been written, My house shall be a house of prayer: but you have made it a den of thieves.
Haweis New Testament
saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.
Mace New Testament
"my house is a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Weymouth New Testament
"It is written," He said, "'And My house shall be the House of Prayer,' but you have made it a robbers' cave."
Worrell New Testament
saying to them,"It has been written, 'And My house shall be a house of prayer;' but ye made it a den of robbers."
Worsley New Testament
saying unto them,It is written, "my house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Cleanses the Temple45Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling there. 46He declaredto them,“It is written:‘Myhousewill bea houseof prayer.’Butyouhave madeit‘a denof robbers.’”47Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him.…
Cross References Matthew 21:13And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Mark 11:17Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Isaiah 56:7I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”
Jeremiah 7:11Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.
John 2:16To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!”
Malachi 3:1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Psalm 69:9because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
Zechariah 14:21Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD of Hosts, and all who sacrifice will come and take some pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts.
1 Kings 8:29May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
2 Chronicles 6:20May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
Matthew 23:38Look, your house is left to you desolate.
Mark 12:40They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
John 2:17His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”
Acts 7:48-49However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?
Romans 2:22You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
Treasury of Scripture Saying to them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but you have made it a den of thieves. Psalm 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever. 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 sacrificesshall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Jeremiah 7:11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seenit, saith the LORD. Jump to Previous CaveDenHoleHousePrayerRobbersThievesWrittenJump to Next CaveDenHoleHousePrayerRobbersThievesWrittenLuke 19 1.Of Zacchaeus a tax collector.11.The ten minas.28.Jesus rides into Jerusalem with triumph;41.weeps over it;45.drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;47.Teaching daily in it. The rulers seek to destroy him, but fear the people.He declared to themThis phrase indicates Jesus' authoritative proclamation. In the context of the Gospels, Jesus often speaks with authority, fulfilling the role of a prophet and teacher. His declaration here is directed towards those in the temple, specifically the money changers and merchants, highlighting His role as a reformer of religious practices. It is written
This phrase signifies Jesus' reference to the Hebrew Scriptures, underscoring His respect for and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. By quoting Scripture, Jesus aligns His actions with God's revealed word, emphasizing the continuity between His mission and the Old Testament. ‘My house will be a house of prayer.’
This is a reference toIsaiah 56:7, where God declares that His house will be a place for all nations to pray. The temple in Jerusalem was intended to be a sacred space for worship and communion with God. Jesus' use of this phrase underscores the temple's intended purpose and highlights the corruption that had taken place. It also points to the inclusivity of God's plan, as Isaiah speaks of a house of prayer for all nations, foreshadowing the global mission of the Church. But you have made it
This phrase indicates a contrast between God's intention for the temple and the current reality. It suggests human responsibility and the deviation from divine purpose. The religious leaders and merchants had turned the temple into something contrary to its intended use, reflecting a broader theme of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. ‘a den of robbers.’
This phrase is a reference toJeremiah 7:11, where God condemns the people for turning the temple into a place of injustice and exploitation. The term "den of robbers" implies not just theft but a place where wrongdoers feel safe. Jesus' use of this phrase is a strong indictment of the religious leaders' corruption and the commercialization of religious practices. It highlights the need for purity in worship and foreshadows the judgment that would come upon the temple and Jerusalem. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is asserting His authority and fulfilling His role as the Messiah by cleansing the temple. 2. The Temple in JerusalemThe sacred place where Jews gathered for worship and sacrifices. It was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations. 3. Money Changers and MerchantsIndividuals conducting business in the temple courts, turning a place of worship into a marketplace. 4. The Jewish LeadersThe religious authorities who allowed the commercialization of the temple, contributing to its desecration. 5. The Passover FestivalThe context in which this event occurs, a time when many Jews traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate and offer sacrifices. Teaching Points The Sanctity of WorshipThe temple was meant to be a sacred space dedicated to prayer and communion with God. We must ensure that our places of worship remain focused on God and not become distracted by worldly pursuits. Righteous AngerJesus' actions demonstrate that there is a place for righteous anger when God's holiness is compromised. We should be zealous for God's honor and integrity in our lives and communities. Purity in WorshipJust as Jesus cleansed the temple, we are called to examine and purify our hearts, ensuring that our worship is genuine and not tainted by ulterior motives. Inclusivity in God's HouseGod's vision for His house is one of inclusivity, where all nations can come to pray. We should strive to make our churches welcoming to all people, regardless of background. Guarding Against CorruptionThe presence of money changers in the temple serves as a warning against allowing commercialism and corruption to infiltrate our spiritual lives and communities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 19:46?
2.How can we ensure our church remains a "house of prayer" today?
3.What does Jesus' cleansing of the temple teach about righteous anger?
4.How does Luke 19:46 connect with Old Testament teachings on worship?
5.In what ways can we prioritize prayer in our personal lives?
6.How can we guard against turning worship spaces into "a den of robbers"?
7.Why did Jesus call the temple a "den of robbers" in Luke 19:46?
8.How does Luke 19:46 reflect Jesus' view on religious practices?
9.What historical context explains Jesus' actions in Luke 19:46?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19?
11.What did Jesus do to the money changers?
12.What was Jesus' purpose in cleansing the temple?
13.What were Jesus' last words? (Luke 23:46 vs. John 19:30)
14.Why did Jesus disrupt the money changers' tables?What Does Luke 19:46 Mean He declared to themJesus is not whispering. Fresh from entering Jerusalem as King, He steps into the temple courts and speaks out publicly. •By driving out merchants and money-changers (Luke 19:45;Mark 11:15), He shows divine authority over worship. •His declaration exposes spiritual leaders who had tolerated corruption (Matthew 23:13). •Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly confronts hypocrisy with bold words (John 8:44;Matthew 15:7-9). The scene reminds us that the Lord still speaks with clarity and expects a response.
It is writtenJesus roots His rebuke in Scripture, quoting the Word as the final court of appeal. •He draws fromIsaiah 56:7 andJeremiah 7:11, showing that God’s standard never changes. •Every reform Jesus calls for rests on prior revelation (Matthew 5:17-18). •When believers face moral confusion, returning to what “is written” keeps us anchored (Psalm 119:105;2 Timothy 3:16). Christ models confidence in the written Word—an example to follow.
My house will be a house of prayerGod defines the temple’s purpose. It is His house, not ours. •Prayer means communion, confession, intercession, thanksgiving (1 Kings 8:27-30). •The Father desires all nations to meet Him there (Isaiah 56:7;Mark 11:17), pointing forward to Gentile inclusion (Acts 10:34-35). •Today, believers are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), so our lives and gatherings ought to breathe prayer (Ephesians 6:18;1 Thessalonians 5:17). When prayer is sidelined, worship degenerates into mere commerce or performance.
But you have made itThe contrast is sharp. Human actions have twisted God’s design. •Religious leaders permitted profiteering, exchanging Roman coins for temple shekels at inflated rates (Matthew 21:12). •Selling sacrificial animals inside the court crowded out Gentile worshippers, blocking those God invited (Isaiah 56:3). •Whenever convenience, profit, or tradition override God’s purpose, we “make” His house into something else (Revelation 2:4-5). Responsibility falls on people who should have guarded holy space.
A den of robbersQuotingJeremiah 7:11, Jesus likens the temple to a thieves’ hideout. •A den is a refuge where criminals feel safe after wrongdoing; the leaders treated rituals as cover for unjust lives (Jeremiah 7:8-10). •God hates worship that masks oppression or greed (Amos 5:21-24). •Followers of Christ must examine motives—service, giving, and singing cannot launder sin (James 1:26-27;1 Peter 1:15-16). The Lord cleanses His house because He loves both His glory and the people robbed of true worship.
summaryLuke 19:46 shows Jesus exercising divine authority to restore God’s intended purpose for His house. He grounds His actions in Scripture, calls His people back to prayerful communion, exposes human corruption, and warns against turning worship into a refuge for sin. The passage urges every believer, now indwelt by the Spirit, to keep personal and corporate life centered on prayer, purity, and wholehearted devotion to the Lord who still declares, “It is written.”
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek He declaredλέγων(legōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.to them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“It is written:Γέγραπται(Gegraptai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.‘Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.houseοἶκός(oikos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624:A dwelling; by implication, a family.will beἔσται(estai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.a houseοἶκος(oikos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624:A dwelling; by implication, a family.of prayer.’προσευχῆς(proseuchēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4335:From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.have madeἐποιήσατε(epoiēsate)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.itαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.‘a denΣπήλαιον(Spēlaion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4693:A cave, den, hideout. Neuter of a presumed derivative of speos; a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort.of robbers.’”λῃστῶν(lēstōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3027:A robber, brigand, bandit. From leizomai; a brigand.
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NT Gospels: Luke 19:46 Saying to them It is written 'My (Luke Lu Lk) |
