Matthew 27:3-5
Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Judas's "repentance" isn't a sorrow for sinning against God, but a desperate regret over the terrible outcome for himself, realizing Jesus wasn't going to escape and his betrayal had led to something far worse than he'd bargained for. This isn't the turning toward God that brings salvation, but a tormented worldly sorrow that leads only to despair and further destruction.
The chief priests and elders have just completed their illegal night trial of Jesus, condemning him to death and preparing to hand him over to Pilate. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, witnesses this condemnation and is overwhelmed with remorse, realizing the horrific consequences of his actions and returning the money. This moment sets the stage for Judas's despair and the priests' hardening of their hearts against Jesus' innocence.
Understand the original words
paradidōmi · Greek Participle
One who delivers another into the hands of enemies or authorities; specifically applied to Judas, it denotes the act of turning against one’s master or friend.
katadikazō · Greek Verb
To judge or declare guilty; a formal verdict, often involving the imposition of a sentence, particularly in a legal or divine context.
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metamelomai · Greek Verb
To turn away from, repent, or experience a change of heart/mind, though not always implying the biblical act of saving faith or godly sorrow.
hamartanō · Greek Verb
The transgression of God’s law, whether by act, word, or thought, which separates the individual from God and incurs His judgment.
athōos haima · Greek Adjective
A reference to a person who has committed no legal or moral wrong; used here to emphasize the complete lack of guilt in Jesus’ character or actions.
naos · Greek Noun
The central place of worship for Israel and the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth; it was considered the most sacred location in the Jewish world.
Judas's desperate act of returning the silver and his subsequent suicide highlight the stark contrast between his worldly sorrow and true repentance, underscoring the gravity of his betrayal and the innocence of Jesus.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Following his betrayal by Judas, Jesus is arrested, tried by the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), and handed over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate for final judgment and execution.
c. 30 AD
Judas' Remorse and Suicide
Overwhelmed by guilt upon seeing Jesus condemned, Judas attempts to return the silver he received for the betrayal, confesses his sin, and then hangs himself.
c. 30 AD
Purchase of the Potter's Field
The chief priests use the returned silver to buy a field, intending it as a burial place for foreigners, fulfilling prophecy and ironically consecrating a field with the "blood money."
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman soldiers under Pilate's authority, an event that becomes the central tenet of Christian faith.
This passage directly foreshadows the exact amount Judas received for his betrayal and how it would be treated, highlighting the prophetic significance of the 'thirty pieces of silver'.
2 Samuel 17:23Ahithophel's own repentance and suicide after his counsel was rejected parallels Judas's despair and final act, showing a pattern of profound remorse leading to self-destruction when trust is broken.
Luke 22:3-6This passage sets the stage for Judas's betrayal by detailing the agreement and the price offered, providing the crucial context for the 'thirty pieces of silver' that Judas later returns.
Acts 1:18-19Peter's explanation of Judas's fate, including his purchasing of the potter's field with the money, directly references the events of Matthew 27:3-7 and interprets them theologically.
vincentMatthew 27:3: "Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,"
Repented himself (μεταμεληθεὶς)See on Matthew 21:29.What is that to us?They ignore the question of Christ's innocence. As to Judas' sin or conscience, that is his matter. Thou wilt see to that.
henryMatthew 27:1-10: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:"
27:1-10 Wicked men see little of the consequences of their crimes when they commit them, but they must answer for them all. In the fullest manner Judas acknowledged to the chief priests that he had sinned, and betrayed an innocent person. This was full testimony to the character of Christ; but the rulers were hardened. Casting down the money, Judas departe…
Judas's "repentance" isn't a sorrow for sinning against God, but a desperate regret over the terrible outcome for himself, realizing Jesus wasn't going to escape and his betrayal had led to something far worse than he'd bargained for. This isn't the turning toward God that brings salvation, but a tormented worldly sorrow that leads only to despair and further destruction.
The chief priests and elders have just completed their illegal night trial of Jesus, condemning him to death and preparing to hand him over to Pilate. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, witnesses this condemnation and is overwhelmed with remorse, realizing the horrific consequences of his actions and returning the money. This moment sets the stage for Judas's despair and the priests' hardening of their hearts against Jesus' innocence.
The chief priests and elders have just completed their illegal night trial of Jesus, condemning him to death and preparing to hand him over to Pilate. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, witnesses this condemnation and is overwhelmed with remorse, realizing the horrific consequences of his actions and returning the money. This moment sets the stage for Judas's despair and the priests' hardening of their hearts against Jesus' innocence.
"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is tha…" — Judas's "repentance" isn't a sorrow for sinning against God, but a desperate regret over the terrible outcome for himself, realizing Jesus wasn't going to escape and his betrayal had led to somethi…
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