Matthew 27:3

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:3 captures a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, depicting Judas Iscariot's immediate reaction upon witnessing Jesus's condemnation. Overwhelmed by the gravity of his betrayal, Judas experiences profound remorse, leading him to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. This verse highlights a crucial distinction between regret over the consequences of one's actions and genuine, transformative repentance that leads to spiritual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Pontius Pilate's judgment of Jesus, where Jesus is condemned to death (Matthew 27:1-2). It serves as a somber interlude in the escalating Passion narrative, shifting focus from Jesus's trial to the immediate aftermath for His betrayer. The narrative then swiftly moves to Judas's tragic suicide (Matthew 27:5) and the chief priests' use of the returned "blood money" to purchase the Potter's Field (Matthew 27:6-10), which is explicitly linked to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This sequence underscores the swift and devastating consequences of Judas's actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds within the historical framework of Roman occupation of Judea and the authority of the Jewish Sanhedrin. Judas's act of returning the money to the "chief priests and elders" signifies his attempt to divest himself of the "blood money," which was considered defiling under Jewish law and could not be returned to the Temple treasury (as seen in [Matthew 27:6](/matthew/27-6 "Matthew 27:6 - Priests' Dilemma with the Blood Money")). The "thirty pieces of silver" itself was a significant sum, explicitly identified as the price of a slave in Mosaic Law ([Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Slave")), and prophetically linked to the betrayal of the Messiah in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **betrayal and its devastating consequences**, showcasing the immediate psychological and spiritual torment that follows such a profound sin. Crucially, it introduces the nuanced theme of **remorse versus true repentance**, differentiating Judas's regret from the transforming change of heart that God desires. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the theme of **divine sovereignty and prophetic fulfillment**, as Judas's actions, though wicked, inadvertently align with ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's betrayal and the specific sum of money involved, as explicitly noted later in [Matthew 27:9-10](/matthew/27-9-10 "Matthew 27:9-10 - Fulfillment of Prophecy Regarding the Thirty Pieces of Silver")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it highlights the visual and cognitive trigger for Judas's reaction. It was not merely a report, but the direct *sight* of Jesus, whom he had betrayed, now condemned, that pierced his conscience and initiated his remorse. This seeing led to a form of knowing or realization of the gravity of his deed.
* **repented himself (Greek, _metaméllomai'_):** Derived from _metá_ (after) and _méllō_ (to care), this verb means "to care afterwards, i.e., regret." It denotes a change of feeling or mind *about* an action, often leading to regret or remorse. Crucially, it is distinct from _metánoia_ (μετάνοια), which implies a deeper, transformative change of mind and heart leading to a turning away from sin and towards God. Judas's "repentance" here is sorrow for the outcome, not a turning to God for forgiveness.
* **brought again (Greek, _apostréphō'_):** From _apó_ (from) and _stréphō_ (to turn), this verb means "to turn away or back." In this context, it describes Judas's physical act of returning the silver. This action is an outward manifestation of his internal turmoil and an attempt, however futile, to undo or distance himself from the consequences of his betrayal. He is literally turning the money back from himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Judas, which had betrayed him,"**: This clause immediately identifies the subject and his defining, infamous act. The use of "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) signifies a direct chronological progression from Jesus's condemnation, highlighting the immediacy of Judas's reaction to the unfolding events. His identity is inextricably linked to his betrayal, a deed that now consumes him.
* **"when he saw that he was condemned,"**: This phrase reveals the catalyst for Judas's subsequent actions. It was the stark reality of Jesus's condemnation, a direct consequence of his own betrayal, that triggered his internal crisis. The verb "saw" (G1492, _eídō_) emphasizes the visual impact and the sudden, undeniable realization of the horrific outcome of his treachery.
* **"repented himself,"**: This is the core of Judas's internal response. As analyzed above, the Greek word (G3338, _metaméllomai_) indicates a profound sense of regret, remorse, or a change of mind about his action. It signifies a worldly sorrow over the consequences rather than a spiritual turning to God for forgiveness and transformation. His "repentance" is a feeling of overwhelming guilt and despair, not genuine contrition.
* **"and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,"**: This final clause describes Judas's outward action stemming from his internal remorse. He physically returns the "thirty pieces of silver" (G5144, _triákonta_ G694, _argýrion_), the very price of his betrayal. This act is an attempt to rid himself of the tainted money, to symbolically undo his deed, and to transfer the burden of guilt back to those who instigated the betrayal. He returns it to the "chief priests" (G749, _archiereús_) and "elders" (G4245, _presbýteros_), the very religious authorities with whom he conspired.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Judas's despair and the theological implications of his actions. **Irony** is palpable: Judas, who thought he was cunningly manipulating events, now finds himself trapped by the consequences of his own choices, witnessing the very condemnation he facilitated. There is a stark **contrast** drawn between Judas's "repentance" and true, godly sorrow. While Judas experiences regret leading to despair, the narrative implicitly contrasts this with the genuine repentance of Peter after his denial, which led to restoration and forgiveness ([Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter's Bitter Weeping After Denying Jesus")). The act of returning the money serves as a powerful **symbolism** of his attempt to rid himself of the "blood money" and his inability to bear the weight of his guilt. This scene also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Judas's ultimate tragic end, as his inability to find peace or resolution in returning the money sets the stage for his suicide in the subsequent verses. Through these devices, Matthew masterfully characterizes Judas's internal torment and the devastating, self-destructive nature of unaddressed sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judas's "repentance" in Matthew 27:3 presents a profound theological distinction between remorse and true repentance. While his actions demonstrate a clear recognition of his grave sin and a deep regret for its outcome, this regret does not lead to a turning towards God for forgiveness and restoration. Instead, it is a "worldly sorrow" that leads to death, as described by the Apostle Paul, rather than the "godly sorrow" that brings repentance leading to salvation without regret. Judas's despair, coupled with his inability to truly turn from his sin and seek divine mercy, ultimately consumes him. This serves as a powerful theological cautionary tale, emphasizing that acknowledging wrongdoing, while a necessary first step, is insufficient without a subsequent turning of the heart and will towards God's grace and forgiveness.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")
* [Luke 22:61-62](/luke/22-61-62 "Luke 22:61-62 - Peter's Repentance after Denying Jesus")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:3 offers a sobering mirror for self-examination, compelling us to distinguish between the fleeting pangs of remorse and the transformative power of true repentance. It teaches us that regret, while a natural human response to wrongdoing, is not sufficient for spiritual healing and reconciliation. Judas's tragedy underscores the critical importance of not merely feeling bad about our sins, but actively turning away from them and towards God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. When confronted with guilt, whether from a minor misstep or a profound betrayal, the path to restoration lies not in despair or self-punishment, but in humble confession and a heartfelt turning to the One who offers abundant grace. This verse reminds us that even the most grievous sins can be forgiven if met with genuine repentance, but without it, even profound regret can lead to destructive outcomes. It challenges us to embrace the pathway of grace, acknowledging our failures and trusting in God's capacity to redeem and restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the crucial difference between Judas's "repentance" (remorse) and the true repentance God desires?**
* **How does Judas's response to his sin contrast with Peter's reaction after denying Jesus, and what can we learn from both examples?**
* **When we experience guilt or regret, what practical steps can we take to move beyond mere remorse and towards genuine repentance and restoration in our relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Did Judas truly repent in the biblical sense?**

Answer: No, the Greek word used in Matthew 27:3 for Judas's "repented himself" is _metaméllomai_ (G3338), which signifies regret, remorse, or a change of mind about an action. This is distinct from _metánoia_ (μετάνοια), the Greek word typically translated as "repentance" in the New Testament, which denotes a radical, transformative change of mind that leads to a turning away from sin and towards God. Judas's actions, including his subsequent suicide (Matthew 27:5), indicate a worldly sorrow that leads to despair and death, rather than the godly sorrow that leads to salvation without regret, as described in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow"). His regret was over the consequences of his betrayal, not a turning to God for forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 27:3 vividly portrays the tragic consequences of Judas's betrayal and his worldly sorrow, it ultimately serves to highlight the profound necessity and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. Judas's inability to find solace or true repentance underscores the reality that human effort alone, even in profound remorse, cannot atone for sin or bring genuine peace. It is in stark contrast to the perfect, sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who willingly submitted to condemnation, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. His unjust condemnation and subsequent crucifixion were the very means by which true repentance (_metánoia_) becomes possible for all who believe. Unlike Judas, who despaired, those who turn to Christ in genuine repentance find not judgment, but forgiveness and new life, because Jesus bore the full weight of sin on the cross. His blood cleanses from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), and His resurrection offers the hope of reconciliation and restoration that was tragically absent for Judas. Thus, Judas's story, in its despair, points us ever more urgently to the only source of true salvation and the transformative power of the Gospel found in Jesus Christ, who offers grace even in the face of the deepest betrayal ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

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.