κερματιστής

a money-changer

Definition

κερματιστής (kermatistēs) refers specifically to a money-changer or banker in the ancient world. In the New Testament context, these individuals exchanged various foreign currencies into the Tyrian shekel, the only coinage accepted for the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). They also converted large coins into smaller denominations for use in temple offerings and purchases. Their primary function was to facilitate financial transactions within the temple precincts, making them a fixture of the commercial activity in the outer courts.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in John 2:14, where Jesus finds 'those who sold oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers (κερματιστάς) sitting' in the temple. Its singular usage is highly specific, directly associating these figures with the commercial enterprise occurring in the sacred space, which Jesus condemns and disrupts.

Etymology

Derived from the noun κέρμα (kerma), meaning 'a small coin' or 'piece of money,' which itself comes from the verb κείρω (keirō), 'to cut off' or 'to clip.' A κερματιστής was literally 'one who deals in small change,' a handler of cut coinage, reflecting the practice of cutting precious metal into smaller units for trade.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it identifies a key group in the narrative of Jesus cleansing the temple. Their presence symbolizes the corruption and commercialization of worship, turning God's house from 'a house of prayer' into 'a den of robbers' (Mark 11:17). Understanding this specific term highlights the targeted nature of Jesus' prophetic action against those who profited from and obstructed genuine worship.

In the first-century Jewish temple system, pilgrims arriving from across the Roman Empire needed to exchange their diverse currencies for the standardized Tyrian shekel to pay the annual temple tax (Exodus 30:13-16) and purchase approved sacrificial animals. Money-changers provided this necessary service but were often accused of exorbitant exchange rates and fraud, making their trade a point of contention and a symbol of exploitation within a sacred space.

τραπεζίτης (trapezitēs, G5133) — a more general term for a banker or money-dealer, often involved in larger-scale deposits and loans, not specifically temple-related.

Word Details

Scripture References