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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for uncovering the full depth of scripture. The Greek word κερματιστής (kermatistēs) is particularly significant because it provides insight into the economic practices and social dynamics of the New Testament period. Appearing in contexts involving money and exchange, this word highlights the interactions in ancient marketplaces and religious settings. Specifically, it is relevant in interpreting New Testament passages like John 2:14, where it appears during Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, shedding light on the cultural and economic backdrop of these events.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κερματιστής (kermatistēs), pronounced [ker-mah-tis-TAYS].

Etymology: The word κερματιστής comes from the root κέρμα (kerma), which means “small coin” or “money.” The suffix -της (-tēs) is an agentive ending that denotes a person who performs an action. Thus, κερματιστής translates to “a money-changer” or “a coin-dealer,” referring to someone involved in the exchange and handling of small denominations of currency.

Part of Speech: κερματιστής is a masculine noun in the first declension, commonly used to denote professions or roles, particularly those involved in financial transactions such as money-changing.

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Defining Meanings

1. Money-Changer: The primary meaning of κερματιστής is “money-changer,” a person who exchanges currency. This term is specifically relevant in contexts like the Temple in Jerusalem, where currency had to be converted for religious offerings and transactions.
2. Coin-Dealer: A κερματιστής could also be understood as a “coin-dealer,” someone who handles various types of coins, evaluates their value, and conducts transactions involving small denominations.
3. Trader in Small Coins: This term emphasizes the daily economic activities involving small coins, indicating its practical usage in marketplaces and temples where diverse forms of currency were exchanged.

Exploring Similar Words

• Τραπεζίτης (trapezitēs) [tra-peh-ZEE-tays]: Refers to a “banker” or “moneylender,” a broader term that includes those dealing with more substantial financial transactions than a κερματιστής.
• Αργυραμοιβός (argyramoeibos) [ar-gee-rah-MOY-vos]: Another word for “money-changer,” more specifically focusing on the conversion rates between different silver currencies.
• Νομισματοπώλης (nomismatopōlēs) [no-miz-mah-TOH-poh-lays]: Refers to a “coin seller” or “coin merchant,” more focused on the sale and trade of coins rather than exchanging currency.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• κερματιστής is a masculine noun in the first declension.
• It has singular forms such as nominative (κερματιστής), genitive (κερματιστοῦ), dative (κερματιστῇ), and accusative (κερματιστήν). The plural forms are nominative (κερματισταί), genitive (κερματιστῶν), dative (κερματισταῖς), and accusative (κερματιστάς).

Declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κερματιστής is generally understood across lexicons as someone who exchanges small currency or handles money transactions. In New Testament contexts, especially in John 2:14, the term carries a negative connotation. It describes the money-changers in the Temple whom Jesus drove out for turning a sacred space into a marketplace. The term also appears in classical literature where it is used more neutrally to describe an occupational role essential to urban marketplaces and religious sites. This balanced perspective shows the social necessity of the role and the ethical challenges it could present.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• John 2:14: “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers (κερματιστής) seated at their tables.” Here, the term refers to individuals converting currency within the Temple, a practice that drew Jesus’ criticism for turning a house of worship into a commercial hub.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κερματιστής provides a unique window into the everyday economic activities of ancient Judea and the broader Greco-Roman world. Its use in New Testament contexts critiques the commercialization of sacred spaces, particularly in John 2:14 where Jesus condemns the money-changers for their exploitative practices. The term’s broader use in classical texts, however, presents a more neutral perspective, highlighting the economic role and necessity within ancient marketplaces.

Did You Know?

• κερματιστής was a common profession near temples and marketplaces, where different currencies needed exchange.
• In the Greco-Roman world, the term could imply both a necessary economic function and moral ambiguity, depending on the context.
• Jesus’ reaction against the κερματισταί in John 2:14 is one of the rare instances where He takes direct action against economic practices, underscoring the importance of integrity in worship.