Matthew 27:5

KJV

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he cast down {G4496} the pieces of silver {G694} in {G1722} the temple {G3485}, and departed {G402}, and {G2532} went {G565} and hanged himself {G519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hurling the pieces of silver into the sanctuary, he left; then he went off and hanged himself.

Berean Standard Bible

So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

American Standard Version

And he cast down the pieces of silver into the sanctuary, and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The tragic and desperate end of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is recorded. Overwhelmed by guilt after Jesus' condemnation, Judas attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver he received for his treachery to the chief priests and elders in the temple. When his offer is rejected and his confession of sin dismissed, he casts the money down in the sacred space and, consumed by despair, departs to take his own life by hanging.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Judas's profound remorse and his attempt to recant his betrayal, as described in [Matthew 27:3-4](/matthew/27-3-4 "Matthew 27:3-4 - Judas's Remorse"). Having seen Jesus condemned, Judas is seized by regret and confesses his sin to the chief priests and elders, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!" Their dismissive response, "What is that to us? Look to it yourself," highlights their hardened hearts and refusal to acknowledge their complicity. Judas's subsequent actions in [Matthew 27:5](/matthew/27-5 "Matthew 27:5 - Judas's Suicide") represent the culmination of his despair, a direct consequence of his betrayal and the religious leaders' rejection of his confession. This scene stands in stark contrast to Peter's denial and subsequent repentance, setting up a powerful thematic comparison within the broader narrative of the disciples' responses to Jesus' passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "temple" (Greek: _naós_) refers specifically to the inner sanctuary, not the outer courts (Greek: _hieron_). While Judas likely threw the money into the treasury within the court of women or the court of the Gentiles, the text emphasizes the sacredness of the space where the "blood money" was defiled. According to Jewish law, money gained through illicit means, especially "the price of a dog" or "the hire of a harlot" (Deuteronomy 23:18), could not be brought into the temple treasury. The priests' refusal to accept the money back, deeming it "blood money" (Matthew 27:6), reflects their meticulous adherence to ritual purity laws, even as they flagrantly violated moral and divine justice in condemning an innocent man. Suicide, while not explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law, was generally viewed as a grave act of despair and a transgression against God's sovereignty over life.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores the theme of **remorse versus repentance**. Judas experiences profound remorse, a "worldly sorrow that produces death" (as contrasted in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")), but crucially lacks true repentance, which would involve turning to God for forgiveness and mercy. His despair, unchecked by hope in God's grace, becomes a destructive force. This highlights the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating how the thirty pieces of silver, initially a perceived gain, become a crushing burden of guilt leading to self-destruction. Furthermore, Judas's actions and the subsequent use of the money to buy the potter's field (as detailed in [Matthew 27:6-10](/matthew/27-6-10 "Matthew 27:6-10 - The Purchase of the Potter's Field")) serve as a striking **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, particularly those found in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd") and alluded to in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast down (Greek, _rhíptō_):** A primary verb indicating to fling or toss, often with a quick, sudden motion. It suggests an impulsive, perhaps violent, act of rejection or abandonment, differing from a deliberate placement. In this context, it conveys Judas's desperate and forceful repudiation of the money that had become a symbol of his overwhelming guilt.
* **temple (Greek, _naós_):** Refers specifically to the holy inner sanctuary of the temple, the dwelling place of God, as opposed to the broader temple complex (_hieron_). Judas's action of casting the money "in the temple" emphasizes the sacrilege and defilement of the sacred space by "blood money," highlighting the profound spiritual crisis and the desecration inherent in his act and the priests' complicity.
* **hanged himself (Greek, _apánchomai_):** A compound verb meaning "to strangle oneself off" or "to hang oneself to death." This term unequivocally describes an act of suicide by hanging. It underscores the intentionality of Judas's self-destruction, driven by an unbearable burden of guilt and despair, leading to a definitive and tragic end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple":** This clause describes Judas's immediate and desperate action upon being rejected by the chief priests. The "pieces of silver" (thirty shekels) represent the price of his betrayal, now a source of unbearable guilt. His act of "casting down" (a forceful, impulsive motion) signifies his utter repudiation of the money and, by extension, the sin it represents. Doing so "in the temple" (specifically the inner sanctuary or treasury area) highlights the sacred space defiled by his "blood money" and the priests' hypocrisy in refusing it on grounds of ritual purity while having orchestrated the betrayal.
* **"and departed":** This phrase indicates Judas's immediate withdrawal from the scene after his desperate act. It suggests a final, decisive break, a retreat into isolation and hopelessness. There is no indication of seeking further counsel, forgiveness, or alternative solutions; only a departure into the abyss of his own despair.
* **"and went and hanged himself":** This final, stark clause reveals the tragic culmination of Judas's despair. Unable to bear the weight of his sin and rejected by those who had used him, he chooses self-destruction. The act of hanging himself is a definitive and desperate end, illustrating the ultimate consequence of worldly sorrow that does not lead to repentance and faith in God's mercy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "pieces of silver" symbolize not only the price of betrayal but also the crushing weight of guilt and the futility of ill-gotten gain. Their rejection by the priests and Judas's forceful casting of them down underscore their transformation from a desired acquisition to a cursed burden. There is also a profound **Irony** in the priests' refusal of the "blood money" for the temple treasury, as they meticulously adhere to ritual purity laws while simultaneously being morally complicit in the shedding of innocent blood. This highlights their hypocrisy. The stark, declarative statement of Judas's suicide provides a chilling **Climax** to his narrative arc, serving as a grim fulfillment of the consequences of his choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:5 presents a stark and sobering theological truth regarding the nature of sin and its consequences, particularly when unchecked by true repentance and faith in divine mercy. Judas's despair, leading to self-destruction, stands in profound contrast to the path of Peter, who also grievously denied Christ but found restoration through repentance and the grace of God. While both experienced deep regret for their actions, Judas's sorrow was a "worldly sorrow" that produced death, lacking the hope and turning to God that characterize true, "godly sorrow" leading to salvation. This verse serves as a powerful warning against succumbing to despair, emphasizing the critical importance of seeking God's forgiveness, which is always available through Christ for those who genuinely repent.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Acts 1:18](/acts/1-18 "Acts 1:18 - Judas's Death and the Field of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic end of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:5 serves as a potent and timeless warning for all believers. It underscores the devastating power of unchecked guilt and despair, reminding us that while sin's consequences are real and painful, the ultimate danger lies in refusing to turn to God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. Unlike Judas, who allowed his remorse to consume him, we are called to embrace a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and genuine transformation. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to our own failures and sins. Do we wallow in self-condemnation, or do we, like Peter, turn back to the Lord, trusting in the sufficiency of His grace and the atoning power of His sacrifice? It is a call to remember that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness when met with humble confession and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, and how can I ensure my remorse leads to true repentance?**
* **How does Judas's despair highlight the critical importance of hope in God's mercy, even in the face of profound sin?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "cast down" my guilt rather than bringing it to Christ for forgiveness and healing?**
* **What lessons can I learn from Judas's tragic end about the destructive nature of unaddressed sin and despair?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judas hang himself?**

Answer: Judas hanged himself because he was overwhelmed by immense guilt and despair after betraying Jesus. When he saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized by remorse and tried to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, admitting he had "sinned by betraying innocent blood" ([Matthew 27:3-4](/matthew/27-3-4 "Matthew 27:3-4 - Judas's Remorse")). Their dismissive response, "What is that to us? Look to it yourself," left him without any hope or avenue for resolution. This profound sense of having committed an unforgivable act, coupled with the rejection from the religious authorities, led him to an act of ultimate self-destruction. His sorrow was a "worldly sorrow" that, as [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") describes, "produces death," rather than the godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation.

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

Answer: The "pieces of silver" (thirty shekels) are profoundly significant. They represent the price of betrayal, the illicit gain Judas received for handing over Jesus ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - The Price of Betrayal")). In [Matthew 27:5](/matthew/27-5 "Matthew 27:5 - Judas's Suicide"), these pieces of silver become a symbol of Judas's crushing guilt. His act of casting them down in the temple signifies his desperate repudiation of the sin and the money, which had become a heavy burden rather than a benefit. The priests' subsequent refusal to put the money into the temple treasury because it was "blood money" ([Matthew 27:6](/matthew/27-6 "Matthew 27:6 - The Blood Money")) highlights their hypocrisy, as they were meticulous about ritual purity while orchestrating an unjust execution. Furthermore, the use of this money to buy the potter's field ([Matthew 27:7-10](/matthew/27-7-10 "Matthew 27:7-10 - The Field of Blood")) fulfills Old Testament prophecy concerning the price of the betrayed shepherd ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")).

**How does Matthew's account of Judas's death compare to the account in Acts?**

Answer: Matthew's account in [Matthew 27:5](/matthew/27-5 "Matthew 27:5 - Judas's Suicide") states simply that Judas "went and hanged himself." The Book of Acts provides additional, gruesome details about the physical outcome of Judas's death. [Acts 1:18](/acts/1-18 "Acts 1:18 - Judas's Death") states, "Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out." These accounts are not contradictory but complementary. Matthew focuses on the intentional act of suicide (hanging), driven by despair. Acts describes the horrific physical result, perhaps implying that the rope broke, or that his body remained hanging for some time before falling, leading to its gruesome state. Both accounts agree on the tragic and ignominious end of Judas Iscariot.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Judas Iscariot in [Matthew 27:5](/matthew/27-5 "Matthew 27:5 - Judas's Suicide") serves as a profound counterpoint to the redemptive work of Christ. Judas's despair, leading to self-destruction, underscores the devastating consequences of sin when it is not brought to the light of God's grace. His inability to find hope, even after witnessing Jesus' innocence, highlights the human condition's desperate need for a Savior. In stark contrast, Jesus, the innocent one betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, willingly went to the cross, not to escape His fate, but to bear the sins of the world. His ultimate sacrifice on Calvary offers the very forgiveness and hope that Judas tragically failed to grasp. While Judas succumbed to the "worldly sorrow that produces death" ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")), Christ's resurrection proclaims the triumph over sin and death, offering "godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation" to all who believe. The "blood money" that defiled the temple and led to Judas's end is powerfully contrasted with the precious blood of Christ, which cleanses and redeems, offering eternal life and true peace to those who confess their sins and trust in Him ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Judas's story, therefore, ultimately points to the absolute necessity and profound sufficiency of Christ's atoning work as the only source of true hope and deliverance from the power of sin and despair.

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

Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Acts 1:19

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

Luke 1:9

According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Job 7:15

So that my soul chooseth strangling, [and] death rather than my life.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Luke 1:21

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.