27:3 27:3

Matthew 27:4

27:5 27:5

Bible Versions

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].
Saying {G3004}, I have sinned {G264} in that I have betrayed {G3860} the innocent {G121} blood {G129}. And {G1161} they said {G2036}, What {G5101} is that to {G4314} us {G2248}? see {G3700} thou {G4771} to that.
saying, "I sinned in betraying an innocent man to death." "What is that to us?" they answered. "That's your problem."
“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to it.

Matthew 27:4 records the desperate confession of Judas Iscariot to the chief priests and elders after he sees Jesus condemned. His words, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood," are a profound acknowledgment of his guilt and Christ's blamelessness. The religious leaders' dismissive response, "What [is that] to us? see thou [to that]," highlights their callous indifference and refusal to accept responsibility for their part in the injustice.

Context

This verse immediately follows Judas's remorse and his attempt to return the thirty pieces of silver, the payment for his betrayal of Jesus. Having witnessed the condemnation of Jesus, Judas is overcome with guilt. He approaches the very people who orchestrated the arrest and trial, seeking to undo his grave sin. The scene takes place in the temple area, where the chief priests and elders are gathered.

Key Themes

  • Judas's Confession and Remorse: Judas explicitly admits his sin, identifying Jesus as "innocent blood." This confession, though born of despair rather than true repentance, underscores the undeniable purity of Christ. It reveals the heavy burden of guilt that weighed on Judas.
  • The Innocence of Jesus: Even the betrayer of Jesus attests to His innocence. This declaration from an unexpected source further emphasizes the unjust nature of Jesus's condemnation and subsequent crucifixion. Pilate would later also declare Jesus innocent (Matthew 27:24).
  • The Priests' Callous Indifference: The religious leaders demonstrate a shocking lack of empathy and moral responsibility. Their response, "What is that to us?", deflects blame and shows their hardened hearts. They are more concerned with ritual purity (not putting "blood money" into the temple treasury, as seen in Matthew 27:6) than with justice or the life of an innocent man.
  • Consequences of Sin: The verse powerfully illustrates the devastating psychological and spiritual impact of sin, leading Judas to despair and ultimately to take his own life. It also shows the hardening effect of sin on the hearts of the chief priests and elders.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "innocent blood" translates the Greek haima athōon (αἷμα ἀθῷον), which clearly denotes blood shed without cause or justification. This emphasizes the profound injustice of Jesus's condemnation. Judas, by using this term, acknowledges that Jesus was blameless, making his own act of betrayal all the more heinous.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of several vital spiritual truths:

  1. The Nature of Guilt: While Judas experienced deep remorse, it did not lead to saving repentance. True repentance involves turning to God for forgiveness and mercy, not just feeling bad about one's actions.
  2. Facing Responsibility: The chief priests' refusal to accept responsibility for their actions stands in contrast to the call for personal accountability that God requires. We are each responsible for our choices and their consequences.
  3. The Unblemished Purity of Christ: Even His betrayer testified to Jesus's innocence, reinforcing His perfect life and His qualification to be the sinless sacrifice for humanity.
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.
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