Pigeon-dealers, also known as dove-sellers, are mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem. These individuals were responsible for selling pigeons and doves, which were commonly used in Jewish sacrificial practices. The role of pigeon-dealers is highlighted in the accounts of Jesus cleansing the Temple, an event recorded in all four Gospels.

Biblical Context

In the Jewish sacrificial system, as outlined in the Old Testament, pigeons and doves were acceptable offerings for those who could not afford more expensive animals like lambs or bulls. Leviticus 5:7 states, "If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as his guilt offering for the sin he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons." This provision made the role of pigeon-dealers essential, as they provided an accessible means for the poor to fulfill their religious obligations.

New Testament References

The most notable mention of pigeon-dealers occurs during Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. In the Gospel of Matthew 21:12 , it is written, "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves." Similarly, in John 2:16 , Jesus addresses the sellers directly, saying, "To those selling doves He said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!'"

These passages highlight Jesus' condemnation of the commercialization of religious practices and the exploitation of worshippers, particularly the poor, who relied on purchasing pigeons for their sacrifices. The presence of pigeon-dealers in the Temple courts was symptomatic of a broader issue of corruption and the prioritization of profit over genuine worship.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Pigeons and doves held significant symbolic meaning in Jewish culture. They were associated with purity, innocence, and the Holy Spirit. The offering of these birds was a humble act of devotion, accessible to all social classes. The exploitation of this practice by pigeon-dealers, as implied in the Gospel accounts, was a distortion of their intended purpose.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the actions of Jesus in cleansing the Temple serve as a powerful critique of religious hypocrisy and the commodification of faith. The presence of pigeon-dealers in the Temple courts, and Jesus' response to them, underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and the rejection of practices that hinder genuine spiritual devotion.

The narrative of Jesus driving out the pigeon-dealers is a call to return to the heart of worship, free from the distractions and corruptions of commercial interests. It serves as a reminder of the need for integrity and purity in one's relationship with God, emphasizing that true worship is not about external transactions but about an internal posture of reverence and obedience.Pigeon-dealers (3 Occurrences)

Matthew 21:12
Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there, and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers.
(WEY)

Mark 11:15
They reached Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers, and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers,
(WEY)

John 2:16
And to the pigeon-dealers He said, "Take these things away. Do not turn my Father's house into a market."
(WEY)

Pigeon-dealers (3 Occurrences)
Pigeon-dealers. Pigeon, Pigeon-dealers. Pigeons . Multi-Version
Concordance Pigeon-dealers (3 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/p/pigeon-dealers.htm - 7k

Pigeons (14 Occurrences)
... 21:12 Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there,
and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers...
/p/pigeons.htm - 11k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... 21:12 Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there,
and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

Money-changers (5 Occurrences)
... 21:12 Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there,
and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers...
/m/money-changers.htm - 9k

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)

/p/pigeon.htm - 13k

Upset (9 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers,
and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers, (WEY ...
/u/upset.htm - 9k

Overturned (41 Occurrences)
... 21:12 Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there,
and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers...
/o/overturned.htm - 18k

Reached (152 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers,
and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers, (WEY ...
/r/reached.htm - 35k

Buyers (2 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers,
and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers, (WEY ...
/b/buyers.htm - 7k

Selling (23 Occurrences)
... 21:12 Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there,
and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers...
/s/selling.htm - 13k

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