2773. kermatistés
Strong's Lexicon
kermatistés: Money changer

Original Word: κερματιστής
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: kermatistés
Pronunciation: ker-mat-is-TAYS
Phonetic Spelling: (ker-mat-is-tace')
Definition: Money changer
Meaning: properly: a changer of large into smaller coins, a money-changer.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κέρμα (kérma), meaning "a small coin" or "change."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "kermatistés," the concept of money changing is related to the Hebrew practice of handling weights and measures, as seen in passages like Proverbs 11:1, which speaks against dishonest scales.

Usage: The term "kermatistés" refers to a money changer, an individual who exchanges currency, often for a fee. In the context of the New Testament, it specifically denotes those who were involved in the business of exchanging foreign coins for the temple currency in Jerusalem.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Jerusalem, the temple tax and offerings had to be paid in a specific currency, typically the Tyrian shekel, which was considered acceptable for religious purposes. Money changers set up their tables in the temple courts to facilitate this exchange, often charging a premium. This practice was necessary due to the diverse currencies brought by pilgrims from different regions. However, it also became a source of exploitation and corruption, as money changers could manipulate exchange rates to their advantage.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from a derivation of kerma
Definition
a moneychanger
NASB Translation
money changers (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2773: κερματιστής

κερματιστής, κερματιστου (κερματίζω) (to cut into 'small pieces, to make small change)), a money-changer; money-broker: John 2:14. In the court of the Gentiles ((see ἱερόν, and Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, i. 244f)) in the temple at Jerusalem were the seats of those who sold such animals for sacrifice as had been selected, examined, and approved, together with incense, oil, and other things needed in making offerings and in worship; and the magnitude of this traffic had introduced the banker's or broker's business; (cf. BB. DD. under the word ; especially Edersheim as above, p. 367ff). (Nicet. annal. 7, 2, p. 266, Bekker edition; Max. Tyr. diss. 2, p. 15, Markland edition.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
changer of money.

From a derivative of kerma; a handler of coins, i.e. Money-broker -- changer of money.

see GREEK kerma

Forms and Transliterations
κερματιστας κερματιστάς κερματιστὰς kermatistas kermatistàs
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
John 2:14 N-AMP
GRK: καὶ τοὺς κερματιστὰς καθημένους
NAS: and doves, and the money changers seated
KJV: and the changers of money sitting:
INT: and the money-changers sitting

Strong's Greek 2773
1 Occurrence


κερματιστὰς — 1 Occ.

















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