New Testament
Matthew 27:7
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So after discussing it, they used the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.
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And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
What Matthew 27:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders, after deliberating, decided to use the thirty pieces of silver they received for betraying Jesus to purchase a field. This field, known as the potter's field, was designated as a burial site for those who were not citizens, often referred to as foreigners or strangers. This act fulfilled a prophecy and highlighted the leaders' disregard for the value of life, as they used blood money for a purpose that served the community's needs. The potter's field symbolizes a place of rejection and loss, reflecting the fate of those who were marginalized in society. The decision to buy this field also illustrates the consequences of betrayal and the lengths to which people will go to cover their wrongdoings, even if it means using ill-gotten gains for seemingly good purposes.
How to apply Matthew 27:7 to your life
This verse reminds us to consider the impact of our choices and the sources of our resources. It challenges us to use what we have, even if it comes from difficult circumstances, for the benefit of others. We should strive to act with integrity and purpose in all our dealings.
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 is the significance of the potter's field in Matthew 27:7?
The potter's field represents a burial place for strangers, highlighting the religious leaders' disregard for life as they used the blood money from betraying Jesus to purchase it. This act fulfilled prophecy and symbolizes rejection and loss, reflecting the fate of marginalized individuals in society.
Why did the religious leaders buy the potter's field with betrayal money?
The religious leaders decided to use the thirty pieces of silver, which they received for betraying Jesus, to buy the potter's field. This decision illustrates their attempt to cover their wrongdoing and serve a community need, despite the immoral source of the funds.
How does Matthew 27:7 relate to the theme of betrayal?
Matthew 27:7 illustrates the theme of betrayal by showing how the religious leaders used the money gained from betraying Jesus to make a seemingly good decision. It emphasizes the moral conflict of using ill-gotten gains for community benefit, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
What lessons can we learn from Matthew 27:7 about our choices?
This verse encourages us to reflect on the sources of our resources and the impact of our choices. It challenges us to act with integrity, even when faced with difficult circumstances, and to use what we have for the benefit of others, regardless of how it was obtained.
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