New Testament
Matthew 27:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"I have sinned," he said, "by betraying innocent blood." But they replied, "What is that to us? You see to it."
Compare translations
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
What Matthew 27:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot acknowledges his wrongdoing after betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He expresses remorse by admitting, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," indicating his recognition of Jesus' innocence and the gravity of his actions. However, the religious leaders dismiss his feelings, showing their indifference to his guilt and the consequences of his betrayal. This moment highlights the conflict between personal conscience and the coldness of those who prioritize their agendas over morality. Judas's regret serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of betrayal and the struggle between right and wrong, as well as the isolation one can feel when facing the repercussions of their choices.
How to apply Matthew 27:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others. It reminds us that acknowledging our mistakes is crucial, but we must also seek forgiveness and make amends. We should be aware of how our choices affect those around us and strive to act with integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Judas Iscariot's story: The Field of Blood (Matthew 27:3–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 27:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 27:4
Related Bible verses
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 27:4 mean?
Matthew 27:4 captures Judas Iscariot's admission of guilt after betraying Jesus. He acknowledges his sin by saying he has betrayed 'innocent blood,' highlighting his remorse and the recognition of Jesus' innocence.
What is the significance of Judas saying 'I have sinned' in Matthew 27:4?
Judas's statement 'I have sinned' signifies his awareness of the moral weight of his betrayal. It reflects a moment of regret and the internal conflict he faces after realizing the consequences of his actions.
What does 'innocent blood' refer to in Matthew 27:4?
In Matthew 27:4, 'innocent blood' refers to Jesus, whom Judas betrayed. This phrase emphasizes Jesus' purity and the gravity of Judas's betrayal, as he acknowledges the wrongful nature of his actions.
How do the religious leaders respond to Judas in Matthew 27:4?
The religious leaders dismiss Judas's feelings by saying, 'What is that to us? See thou to that.' This response shows their indifference to his guilt and highlights their focus on their own agenda rather than moral accountability.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.