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John 2:14
ESV In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.
NIV In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.
NASB And within the temple grounds He found those who were selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.
CSB In the temple he found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and he also found the money changers sitting there.
NLT In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money.
KJV And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

What does John 2:14 mean?

The work of the livestock vendors and money changers probably started off with good intentions. Jews coming to the temple did not always have the means to bring animals with them. So, it made sense to provide a way to purchase proper sacrifices. There was also good reason to help people convert their coins into local money. Apparently, interest in making money soon took over. And, instead of conducting business near the temple, or just outside it, the marketplace had been moved inside the temple grounds.

The area in question is known as the "Court of the Gentiles," just inside the borders of the temple. This should have been the place where Israel reached out to tell others about God. Instead, it was being used as a blatant money grab. Part of the warning in this story is the danger in allowing a ministry to become a business, and losing sight of its original purpose. Worse, is the threat of letting business concerns outweigh spiritual concerns.
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