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Bible Encyclopedias
Changer of Money, or Money-Changer
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (κερματιστής , John 2:14; κολλυβιστής, Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15). When Judaea became a province of Rome, the Jews were required to pay taxes in Roman currency, and at the same time the annual tribute for the service of the sanctuary was the half shekel of Jewish currency. (See TAX). To exchange these, one for the other, was the business of the money-changers, like the business of modern brokers. To obtain custom, they stationed themselves in the outer courts of the Temple, the places of general resort for strangers from every part of Judaea, and their oppressive and fraudulent practices probably justified the allusion of our Savior to "a den of thieves." Perhaps they were also (like the τραπεζίται, "exchangers") accustomed to pay and receive interest on loans, and this practice is recognized in Matthew 21:12; Matthew 25:16; Matthew 25:27; John 2:14. At the present day, in Oriental cities, money-changers are found in the most public places, sitting at little tables covered with coins. (See MONEY).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Changer of Money, or Money-Changer'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/c/changer-of-money-or-money-changer.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
