Bible Dictionary
CHANGER
A changer was a money-changer who exchanged coins at a fixed rate. Jesus drove such merchants from the temple because their trade profaned the holy place.
Definition
A changer was a banker or other person who exchanged money at a fixed rate. The term is especially associated with money-changers whose trade was conducted in the temple.
Biblical Usage
Jesus condemned the profane traffic of the money-changers in the temple and poured out their money. The term is used in this connection in the Gospel accounts.
Historical Background
Money-changing involved exchanging coins according to an established rate. The temple setting made this commercial activity a profanation of the holy place.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>chan'-jer (kollubistes, "money-changer," and so rendered Mt 21:12; Mr 11:15): A banker or other person who changes money at a fixed rate. Indignant at the profane traffic in the temple Jesus "poured out the changers' money" (Joh 2:15). So used only here. For fuller treatment see BANK; MONEY-CHANGERS.</p>