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John 2:16
ESV And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”
NIV To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!'
NASB and to those who were selling the doves He said, 'Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!'
CSB He told those who were selling doves, "Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace! "
NLT Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, 'Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!'
KJV And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

What does John 2:16 mean?

Doves, along with sheep, oxen, and lambs, were common sacrificial animals used in the temple. The men selling them might have started out with good intentions, helping pilgrims offer proper sacrifices. Money-changing into local currency was a common business. Unfortunately, their focus seems to have turned to profit, more than service. Even worse, this vulgar trade had been brought directly in front of the temple. Instead of the temple grounds being a place for prayer and praise for God, it had been turned into a crass marketplace.

Jesus' command is crystal clear: get this out of My Father's house! According to the gospel of Luke, Jesus even referred to these men as "robbers" (Luke 19:46). What Jesus did was clearly against local civil laws, but His purpose was to obey a higher law. His passion for cleansing the temple will remind the disciples of a prophecy in Psalm 69:9. This text described someone with "zeal" for the house of God.
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