Matthew 26:15

KJV

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {G2036} unto them, What {G5101} will ye {G2309} give {G1325} me {G3427}, and {G2504} I will deliver {G3860} him {G846} unto you {G5213}? And {G1161} they covenanted {G2476} with him {G846} for thirty {G5144} pieces of silver {G694}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "What are you willing to give me if I turn Yeshua over to you?" They counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to Y'hudah.n

Berean Standard Bible

and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

American Standard Version

and said, What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they weighed unto him thirty pieces of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:15 records the chilling and pivotal moment when Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, formally agrees to betray his Master to the chief priests and elders. This verse captures the negotiation and the chilling covenant, where Judas offers to deliver Jesus into their hands in exchange for a specific sum of "thirty pieces of silver," thereby setting in motion the immediate events leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Judas's private decision to seek out the religious authorities, as noted in [Matthew 26:14](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14 - Judas's Decision to Betray Jesus"). It is situated within the broader narrative of Passion Week, specifically after Jesus's anointing at Bethany (recorded in [Matthew 26:6-13](/matthew/26-6-13 "Matthew 26:6-13 - The Anointing at Bethany")), an event that some scholars suggest may have fueled Judas's disillusionment or greed. The agreement here directly precedes the preparations for and celebration of the Last Supper, marking the definitive step in the unfolding betrayal that will culminate in Jesus's arrest in Gethsemane. The narrative meticulously builds the tension, moving from the religious leaders' plotting to Judas's internal decision, and now to the concrete act of betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "chief priests and elders" represent the powerful Jewish religious and political establishment, primarily members of the Sanhedrin, who had been seeking to arrest and eliminate Jesus for some time, fearing His growing influence and potential to incite a Roman crackdown (cf. [John 11:47-50](/john/11-47-50 "John 11:47-50 - The Sanhedrin Plots Against Jesus")). They desired to do so discreetly, "not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people" ([Matthew 26:5](/matthew/26-5 "Matthew 26:5 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Judas's offer provided them with an opportune means to achieve this. The sum of "thirty pieces of silver" was culturally significant: it was the standard compensation for a slave accidentally killed by an ox in ancient Israelite law (as detailed in [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Law Concerning an Ox that Gores")). This amount, therefore, implicitly devalued Jesus's life to that of a mere bondservant, a profound insult given His divine identity and messianic claims.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. The most glaring theme is **Betrayal and Treachery**, highlighting the profound pain and moral depravity of one of Jesus's closest companions turning against Him. This act underscores the destructive power of **Greed and Selfish Ambition**, as Judas's motivation appears to be primarily financial, illustrating how material gain can corrupt even those in intimate proximity to divine truth. Furthermore, the verse subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**. While Judas acts out of his own free will and sinful desires, his actions, including the specific price of betrayal, remarkably fulfill ancient prophecies, particularly from [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Shepherd's Wages and the Potter's Field"), demonstrating that God's overarching redemptive plan unfolds even through human sin and opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb signifies a direct, declarative statement or inquiry. In this context, it highlights Judas's proactive approach to the chief priests, initiating the negotiation rather than merely responding to an overture. It underscores his deliberate intent to betray.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** While broadly meaning "to give," here it is used in the context of a transaction, implying a payment or compensation. Judas is explicitly asking for a price for his service, framing the betrayal as a commercial exchange rather than a moral or theological act.
* **deliver (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This word is crucial. It means "to surrender, yield up, intrust, transmit." In this specific context, it carries the heavy connotation of "betrayal." It describes the act of handing over someone to an enemy, often implying a breach of trust. Judas's use of this word reveals his intention to facilitate Jesus's capture.
* **covenanted (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand" or "to establish," and in a legal or transactional sense, "to covenant" or "to agree upon." It indicates a formal, binding agreement. The chief priests and Judas enter into a solemn contract, solidifying the terms of the betrayal. This was not a casual conversation but a deliberate, mutual commitment.
* **pieces of silver (Greek, _argýrion'_):** This refers to silver coinage, specifically drachmas or shekels. The mention of "thirty" pieces is profoundly significant, echoing Old Testament legal and prophetic contexts, as discussed in the Historical & Cultural Context section.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?":** This opening clause reveals Judas's initiative and his mercenary motive. He approaches the religious authorities, not out of conviction or principle, but with a direct question about payment. The phrase "deliver him unto you" is a euphemism for betrayal, indicating his willingness to hand over Jesus, his teacher and friend, to those who sought His life. It frames Jesus as an object to be traded, completely devoid of the reverence due to a master or even a fellow human being.
* **"And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.":** This second clause details the immediate and successful outcome of Judas's proposition. The chief priests readily agree to his terms, demonstrating their eagerness to seize Jesus and their willingness to pay for His betrayal. The specific sum of "thirty pieces of silver" is not arbitrary; it is a precise amount that carries deep symbolic and prophetic weight, marking the agreed-upon price for the life of the Son of God, equating Him to the value of a slave. This covenant seals the dark pact and sets the stage for the Passion.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:15 is rich with **Irony**. The most striking irony is that one of Jesus's chosen twelve disciples, a member of His inner circle, is the one who betrays Him. This contrasts sharply with the expected loyalty of a follower. Furthermore, the "thirty pieces of silver" introduces a profound **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate devaluation of Christ's life to the price of a common slave. This sum also serves as a direct **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd"), where the prophet is paid the same paltry sum for his shepherding, only for it to be cast back to the potter. This foreshadows Jesus's rejection and the contempt with which He would be treated. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this agreement immediately sets in motion the events of Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, building narrative tension toward the climax of the Passion story.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:15 stands as a stark testament to the reality of human depravity and the insidious nature of sin, particularly greed and spiritual compromise. Judas's betrayal, while a horrifying act of free will, paradoxically serves to fulfill God's sovereign plan for redemption. This moment underscores the profound cost of sin, not only for the betrayer but for the betrayed, and ultimately, for humanity, whose salvation would be secured through the very act of betrayal and crucifixion. The theological weight of this verse lies in its demonstration that even the darkest human acts can be woven into the tapestry of divine providence, leading to the ultimate triumph of God's love and justice. It forces us to confront the question of our own loyalties and the price we might unwittingly place on spiritual values.

* [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - The Price of a Slave")
* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Shepherd's Wages and the Potter's Field")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:15 offers a sobering mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the potential for betrayal within our own hearts. Judas's story is a timeless warning against the seductive power of greed, reminding us that the pursuit of material gain can lead to the most profound spiritual and moral compromises. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities: are we willing to "sell out" our convictions, our relationships, or our faith for fleeting worldly benefits? This verse also provides a measure of comfort and solidarity for those who have experienced betrayal; even the Son of God was betrayed by a trusted friend, reminding us that such pain, while agonizing, is part of the human experience and can be endured with divine strength. Ultimately, it calls us to unwavering loyalty to Christ, to guard our hearts against the subtle influences of sin, and to trust that even in the face of human treachery, God's purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What temptations or desires in my own life could lead me to compromise my loyalty to Christ or others?**
* **How does Judas's betrayal challenge my understanding of discipleship and commitment?**
* **In what ways might I be "selling out" or devaluing what is truly sacred for temporary gain?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of unwavering faithfulness, even when faced with difficult choices or personal disappointments?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judas betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?**

Answer: While the precise motivations of Judas are complex and debated, the Gospels indicate a combination of factors. Greed is explicitly mentioned, as seen in his question "What will ye give me?" in [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Betrayal Agreement") and his prior actions regarding the money bag ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed")). Some scholars suggest he may have also been disillusioned with Jesus's messianic mission, perhaps expecting a political liberator rather than a suffering servant, and sought to force Jesus's hand or profit from the perceived failure. Furthermore, the Bible states that Satan entered Judas ([Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas")), indicating a spiritual influence on his actions. The "thirty pieces of silver" was the agreed-upon price, a sum that held significant symbolic weight as the price of a slave in the Old Testament ([Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Law Concerning an Ox that Gores")).

**What is the significance of "thirty pieces of silver" in this context?**

Answer: The "thirty pieces of silver" carries profound significance on multiple levels. Firstly, as mentioned, it was the legal compensation for a slave accidentally killed, thus implicitly devaluing Jesus's life to that of a mere bondservant, a profound insult to the Son of God. Secondly, and most importantly, this specific sum directly fulfills an Old Testament prophecy found in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Shepherd's Wages and the Potter's Field"). In Zechariah, the prophet, acting as a shepherd, is paid this amount for his work, only to be commanded by the Lord to throw it to the potter in the temple. This prophetic parallel underscores Jesus's rejection by His own people and the contempt with which He was treated, even to the point of being sold for a slave's price, and foreshadows the use of the money for the potter's field ([Matthew 27:6-10](/matthew/27-6-10 "Matthew 27:6-10 - The Potter's Field")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:15, though a dark moment of human treachery, is paradoxically a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The betrayal of Jesus for "thirty pieces of silver" underscores His identity as the ultimate suffering servant, who, though innocent, was "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant")) and sold for a paltry sum, much like a slave. This act of betrayal, far from thwarting God's purposes, was divinely orchestrated to bring about the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing its outcome, demonstrating His profound humility and obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His betrayal, arrest, and subsequent crucifixion were not accidents of history but the very means by which humanity's sin debt was paid, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe. Thus, even in Judas's heinous act, we see the sovereign hand of God bringing about the greatest act of love and salvation for His people, proving that [all things work together for good to those who love God](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

Zechariah 11:13

And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Genesis 37:26

And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?

Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Exodus 21:32

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.