Matthew 27:3

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Then {G5119} Judas {G2455}, which {G3588} had betrayed {G3860} him {G846}, when he saw {G1492} that {G3754} he was condemned {G2632}, repented himself {G3338}, and brought again {G654} the thirty {G5144} pieces of silver {G694} to the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245},

When Y'hudah, who had betrayed him, saw that Yeshua had been condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the head cohanim and elders,

When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.

Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Context of Matthew 27:3

This verse immediately follows the condemnation of Jesus by Pontius Pilate, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. Judas Iscariot, who had previously agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, now witnesses the direct consequence of his actions: Jesus's condemnation to death. This act of betrayal was not only a profound personal failure but also a fulfillment of ancient prophecy concerning the price of a slave, as mentioned in Zechariah 11:12 and directly referenced later in Matthew 27:9-10.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Remorse vs. Repentance: The KJV states Judas "repented himself." The Greek word used here is metamelomai (μεταμέλομαι), which primarily means "to regret," "to feel remorse," or "to change one's mind about an action." This is distinct from metanoia (μετάνοια), which signifies a deeper, transformative change of mind leading to a turning away from sin towards God, often translated as true repentance. Judas's action suggests profound regret over the outcome of his betrayal, rather than a genuine turning to God for forgiveness. This contrasts sharply with Peter's bitter weeping after denying Jesus, which led to restoration.
  • The Weight of Guilt: Judas's immediate reaction upon seeing Jesus condemned was to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. This demonstrates the overwhelming burden of guilt and the psychological torment he experienced. He could not bear the fruit of his betrayal.
  • Consequences of Sin: This verse starkly illustrates the devastating consequences of sin, particularly betrayal. Judas's actions led not only to Jesus's condemnation but also to his own despair and tragic end, as described in Matthew 27:5.

Linguistic Insight

The distinction between metamelomai (regret/remorse) and metanoia (true repentance) is crucial for understanding Judas's state. While he felt deep sorrow for his actions, it was a worldly sorrow that led to death, not the godly sorrow that leads to salvation without regret, as described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:3 serves as a powerful reminder that feeling remorse for our actions, while a natural human response, is not the same as true repentance. True repentance involves not just regret for the consequences of sin but a heartfelt turning away from sin and towards God for forgiveness and restoration. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy rather than succumbing to despair, even when confronted with profound guilt.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Luke 22:47

    ¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

  • Luke 22:48

    But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

  • Job 20:15

    He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

  • Job 20:29

    This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

  • Matthew 26:14

    ¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Matthew 26:16

    And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
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