κέρμα

a small coin

Definition

κέρμα (kerma) refers to a small coin or piece of money, specifically small change used in everyday transactions. In the New Testament, it appears only in John 2:15, where Jesus overturns the tables of the money-changers, scattering their κέρματα. The plural form κέρματα implies a quantity of these small coins, likely the accumulated profit from exchanging larger currency for temple offerings. While the singular can denote any small coin, the biblical usage emphasizes the scattered, insignificant nature of this money in the context of the temple's commercial activity.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 2:15, within the narrative of Jesus cleansing the temple. It describes the 'small coins' of the money-changers that were scattered when Jesus overturned their tables. The usage is concrete and financial, highlighting the physical disruption of a commercial system within the sacred space. No other patterns or contextual variations exist in the biblical text.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb κείρω (keirō), meaning 'to cut' or 'to shear'. Thus, κέρμα literally means 'a piece cut off', originally referring to a cut piece of metal used as currency. This etymology reflects the ancient practice of cutting precious metal into weighed pieces to serve as coinage before the widespread minting of standardized coins.

Semantic Range

While κέρμα itself is a mundane term for coinage, its sole biblical occurrence in John 2:15 is theologically significant. The scattering of these 'small coins' is a dramatic, symbolic act within Jesus' cleansing of the temple, challenging the commercialization of worship and asserting the holiness of God's house. Understanding the word as 'small change' underscores the contrast between petty financial gain and the profound spiritual purpose of the temple, enriching the reader's grasp of Jesus' prophetic zeal.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, κέρματα were the small-denomination coins used for daily market purchases. In the Jewish temple context of John 2:15, these would likely be the local bronze coins (like lepta) given as change when pilgrims exchanged larger foreign currency (which often bore idolatrous images) for the Tyrian shekels required for the temple tax. The money-changers' tables were thus covered with these accumulated small coins, making their scattering a vivid image of disrupted commerce.

ἀργύριον (argyrion, G694) — a more general term for silver or money, often referring to a larger sum or silver coinage. νόμισμα (nomisma, G3546) — refers to established, current coinage or currency, emphasizing its official status. λεπτόν (lepton, G3016) — a specific, very small copper coin of minimal value (the 'widow's mite'), whereas κέρμα is a more generic term for small change.

Word Details

Scripture References