Matthew 27:10

KJV

And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} gave {G1325} them {G846} for {G1519} the potter's {G2763} field {G68}, as {G2505} the Lord {G2962} appointed {G4929} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and used them to buy the potter's field, just as the Lord directed me."

Berean Standard Bible

and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.”

American Standard Version

and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:10 details the ultimate disposition of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus. After Judas's remorseful return of the money to the temple, the chief priests, deeming it "blood money" and thus unfit for the temple treasury, used it to purchase a burial ground for foreigners and the poor, known as "the potter's field," thereby fulfilling a specific Old Testament prophecy concerning the price of betrayal and the acquisition of a field.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Matthew 27:9](/matthew/27-9 "Matthew 27:9 - Prophecy Fulfilled") and is deeply intertwined with the preceding narrative of Judas's betrayal, remorse, and suicide. [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Suicide") describe Judas's profound regret, his attempt to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and his subsequent death. The chief priests' dilemma regarding the "blood money" is presented in [Matthew 27:6-8](/matthew/27-6-8 "Matthew 27:6-8 - The Priests' Deliberation"), where they decide it is unlawful to put it into the temple treasury. Their solution, to buy the potter's field as a burial place for strangers, is then explicitly stated in [Matthew 27:9](/matthew/27-9 "Matthew 27:9 - Fulfillment of Prophecy"), framed as a direct fulfillment of prophecy, although Matthew attributes it to Jeremiah, drawing on both Jeremiah and Zechariah. This sequence emphasizes the meticulous unfolding of God's plan even amidst human sin and hypocrisy, culminating in the purchase of the field.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "thirty pieces of silver" was the standard price of a slave (see [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Slave")), highlighting the low value placed on Jesus's life by his betrayer and the Jewish authorities. The chief priests' refusal to put the money into the temple treasury (the *corban*) was based on Mosaic Law, which prohibited the use of "blood money" for sacred purposes (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:18](/deuteronomy/23-18 "Deuteronomy 23:18 - Unacceptable Offerings")). This demonstrates their scrupulous adherence to ritual purity while simultaneously orchestrating the unjust condemnation of an innocent man. The "potter's field" (Aramaic: *Hakeldama*, "Field of Blood," as mentioned in [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - The Field of Blood")) was likely a piece of land near Jerusalem, perhaps exhausted clay pits, making it undesirable for agriculture but suitable for a burial ground. Purchasing it for "strangers" (foreigners or non-residents) reflected a practical need in a city that drew many visitors, as well as a charitable act, albeit one funded by the proceeds of betrayal.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, and indeed throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew"), is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Matthew meticulously demonstrates how events in Jesus's life, including his betrayal and the subsequent use of the betrayal money, precisely align with Old Testament predictions. This underscores God's sovereign control over history and His detailed plan for salvation. Another significant theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that even the most heinous acts of human sin, such as Judas's betrayal and the religious leaders' hypocrisy, cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes. The phrase "as the Lord appointed me" directly points to this divine orchestration. Finally, the narrative highlights the **Consequences of Betrayal and the Nature of Blood Money**. The money, tainted by its origin, is used for a burial ground, symbolizing death and the grim outcome of rejecting God's anointed one. The "potter's field" becoming a cemetery for foreigners and the marginalized also subtly foreshadows Christ's sacrifice providing salvation for all, including the outcast and those outside the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb, G1325, is a primary term meaning "to give" with a very wide application. In this context, it signifies the act of the chief priests and elders allocating or distributing the money. While the money was returned *by* Judas, it was *given* by the priests for a specific purpose, highlighting their agency in fulfilling the prophecy. The nuance here is not merely a passive receipt but an active decision to bestow the money for a particular end.
* **potter's (Greek, _kerameús'_):** G2763, derived from *keramos* (clay or earthenware), literally means "a potter." The "potter's field" (G68, *agrós*) was a specific piece of land associated with the production of pottery, likely a clay pit or a place where broken pottery was discarded. Its mention is crucial for linking the event to Old Testament prophecies, particularly those involving a potter or a field bought by a prophet.
* **appointed (Greek, _syntássō'_):** G4929, from *syn* (with) and *tassō* (to arrange), means "to arrange jointly" or "to direct." Here, it strongly conveys the idea of divine command, orchestration, or pre-arrangement. The passive voice ("appointed me") indicates that the action was carried out according to a higher authority, namely "the Lord" (G2962, *kýrios*), emphasizing that these events were not random but part of God's predetermined plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And gave them for the potter's field":** This clause describes the action taken by the chief priests and elders with the thirty pieces of silver. "Them" refers to the returned silver coins. The purpose of giving them was "for the potter's field," indicating the specific use of the money to purchase this particular plot of land. This act, driven by their religious scruples about "blood money," unwittingly becomes the vehicle for prophetic fulfillment.
* **"as the Lord appointed me":** This phrase directly attributes the unfolding of these events to divine orchestration. The "me" refers to the prophet (Jeremiah, as cited in [Matthew 27:9](/matthew/27-9 "Matthew 27:9 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")), indicating that the specific details of the transaction—the amount of money, its rejection, and its use to buy a field—were all predetermined by God. This highlights God's sovereign control over even the most sinful human actions, ensuring His purposes are ultimately achieved.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's narrative in [Matthew 27:10](/matthew/27-10 "Matthew 27:10 - The Potter's Field") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Fulfillment Language**, explicitly stating that the events occurred "as the Lord appointed me." This direct declaration serves to underscore God's meticulous plan and Matthew's overarching theme of Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. There is also profound **Irony** present: the religious leaders, so scrupulous about not defiling the temple treasury with "blood money," are simultaneously responsible for shedding innocent blood. Their adherence to a minor point of law while violating the spirit of justice and mercy creates a stark contrast, highlighting their hypocrisy. Finally, the "potter's field" itself carries deep **Symbolism**. As a place associated with discarded clay and ultimately becoming a burial ground for strangers, it symbolizes death, rejection, and the marginalized. This imagery subtly foreshadows how Christ's sacrifice, though born of rejection, would ultimately provide a place of rest and salvation for all, including the outcasts of society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:10 stands as a powerful testament to the meticulous fulfillment of God's prophetic word, even through the sinful actions of humanity. It underscores the divine sovereignty that orchestrates history, ensuring that God's plan for redemption unfolds precisely as foretold. The use of the "blood money" to purchase a burial ground for strangers is not merely a historical detail but a profound theological statement, demonstrating how even the price of betrayal contributes to God's broader purposes. This passage reminds us that God's will cannot be thwarted, and His ultimate plan for salvation encompasses even the darkest moments of human sin and injustice.

* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Thirty Pieces of Silver")
* [Jeremiah 32:6-9](/jeremiah/32-6-9 "Jeremiah 32:6-9 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")
* [Acts 1:18-19](/acts/1-18-19 "Acts 1:18-19 - Judas's Death and the Field of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:10 offers profound reassurance of God's ultimate control and faithfulness amidst human chaos and sin. It teaches us that even the darkest acts of betrayal, injustice, and human depravity cannot derail God's sovereign purposes. For believers, this provides immense comfort, reminding us that God is actively at work in all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic, unjust, or utterly beyond our comprehension, bringing about His perfect will. It encourages us to trust in His overarching plan, even when our immediate circumstances are difficult or when we witness great evil in the world. Furthermore, the passage serves as a potent reminder of the severe consequences of sin and the profound weight of betraying sacred trust, as tragically exemplified by Judas Iscariot. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our actions align with God's righteousness and that we do not, like the chief priests, prioritize outward religious observance over true justice and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and His meticulous plan for history?**
* **In what ways might we, like the chief priests, prioritize outward religious adherence over genuine righteousness and compassion?**
* **How does the concept of "blood money" and its use for "the potter's field" challenge or deepen your understanding of sin and its consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew attribute this prophecy to Jeremiah when parts of it seem to come from Zechariah?**

Answer: Biblical scholars have long noted that Matthew's citation in [Matthew 27:9](/matthew/27-9 "Matthew 27:9 - Prophetic Attribution") combines elements found in both [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd") (the thirty pieces of silver, casting it to the potter in the house of the Lord) and [Jeremiah 32:6-9](/jeremiah/32-6-9 "Jeremiah 32:6-9 - Jeremiah Buys a Field") (the purchase of a field). There are several theories for Matthew's attribution. One common explanation is that "Jeremiah" might have been a general designation for the collection of prophetic books, with Jeremiah being the first or most prominent prophet in that collection. Another possibility is that Matthew saw a thematic connection, as Jeremiah also dealt with themes of judgment, betrayal, and the purchase of land as a sign of hope. It's also possible that Matthew is highlighting a composite fulfillment, seeing the events as a culmination of various prophetic threads. Regardless, Matthew's primary aim is to demonstrate that Jesus's life and death perfectly align with God's ancient promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:10, though detailing a dark moment of betrayal and the hypocrisy of religious leaders, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate redemptive work. The thirty pieces of silver, the price of Jesus's betrayal, ultimately purchased "the potter's field"—a burial ground for strangers and the poor. This act, born of human sin, ironically prefigures the expansive reach of Christ's sacrifice. Just as the field became a resting place for the marginalized and those without a home, so too does Christ's death on the cross provide spiritual rest and a home in God's kingdom for all who are "strangers and aliens" (cf. [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")) to God, both Jew and Gentile. The "blood money" used to buy the field for the dead foreshadows the precious blood of Christ, which was shed not for a plot of land, but to purchase eternal life and reconcile humanity to God (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Thus, even Judas's betrayal and the chief priests' self-righteous actions were sovereignly woven into God's grand tapestry, demonstrating that Christ's mission to save the lost and outcast would be fulfilled through His ultimate sacrifice, providing a spiritual "field" of salvation for all who believe (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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 11:13

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.