New Testament
Matthew 27:3
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When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, he repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.
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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,
What Matthew 27:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, experiences deep remorse after realizing the consequences of his actions. When he sees that Jesus is condemned to die, he feels regret and tries to return the money to the religious leaders who had paid him. This moment highlights the internal struggle of Judas as he grapples with guilt and the weight of his betrayal. His act of returning the silver signifies a recognition of wrongdoing, but it also reflects a desperate attempt to undo the harm he has caused. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions, particularly guilt and repentance, and the difficulty of facing the repercussions of one's choices. Judas's story ultimately leads to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the importance of making wise decisions and the potential for regret when we stray from our values.
How to apply Matthew 27:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others. It reminds us that feeling remorse is a step towards making amends, but true repentance involves more than just regret; it requires a commitment to change and seek forgiveness.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Judas Iscariot's story: The Field of Blood (Matthew 27:3–10)
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Judas Iscariot
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:3 mean?
Matthew 27:3 describes Judas Iscariot's remorse after betraying Jesus. Upon realizing the gravity of his actions and that Jesus was condemned, he returned the thirty pieces of silver to the religious leaders, indicating his regret and internal conflict.
What does repentance mean in Matthew 27:3?
In Matthew 27:3, repentance refers to Judas's deep remorse for betraying Jesus. It shows that he felt regret for his actions, but it also raises questions about the nature of true repentance and whether it leads to meaningful change.
What themes are present in Matthew 27:3?
Matthew 27:3 encompasses themes of betrayal, remorse, repentance, guilt, and the consequences of one's choices. It illustrates the emotional turmoil that can arise from making poor decisions and the struggle to seek redemption.
How does Matthew 27:3 relate to the concept of guilt?
Matthew 27:3 illustrates the heavy burden of guilt that Judas felt after betraying Jesus. His actions reflect the internal conflict that arises when one's choices lead to significant harm, emphasizing the emotional weight of guilt.
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