New Testament
Matthew 27:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Judas threw the silver coins in the temple, left, and went and hanged himself.
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And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
What Matthew 27:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, feels overwhelming guilt after realizing the consequences of his actions. He returns to the temple, throws the silver coins down, and leaves in despair. His act of throwing the money signifies his regret and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Unable to cope with his guilt and shame, Judas ultimately takes his own life by hanging himself. This tragic end highlights the severe emotional and spiritual turmoil that can result from betrayal and sin. Judas's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, betrayal, and the inability to seek forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of addressing guilt and seeking redemption rather than succumbing to despair.
How to apply Matthew 27:5 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing our guilt and seeking forgiveness rather than allowing it to consume us. It encourages us to reach out for help when we feel overwhelmed by our actions and to remember that there is always a path to redemption, no matter how dire the situation may seem.
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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Related topics
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 27:5 mean?
Matthew 27:5 describes Judas Iscariot's deep remorse after betraying Jesus. Overwhelmed by guilt, he returns the thirty pieces of silver to the temple and ultimately takes his own life, illustrating the severe consequences of betrayal and the emotional turmoil that can follow.
What does the act of hanging himself in Matthew 27:5 represent?
The act of hanging himself represents Judas's inability to cope with his overwhelming guilt and shame after betraying Jesus. It serves as a tragic conclusion to his story, highlighting the destructive impact of unresolved guilt.
What themes are present in Matthew 27:5?
Matthew 27:5 encompasses themes of betrayal, guilt, despair, and the consequences of sin. It also touches on the importance of seeking redemption and the mental health struggles that can arise from feelings of regret.
How can we apply the message of Matthew 27:5 to our lives?
The message of Matthew 27:5 encourages us to confront our guilt and seek forgiveness instead of letting it consume us. It reminds us that there is always a path to redemption, and reaching out for help is crucial when we feel overwhelmed by our actions.
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