Matthew 27:9

KJV

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} was fulfilled {G4137} that which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} by {G1223} Jeremy {G2408} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004}, And {G2532} they took {G2983} the thirty {G5144} pieces of silver {G694}, the price {G5092} of him that was valued {G5091}, whom {G3739} they of {G575} the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474} did value {G5091};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then what Yirmeyahu the prophet spoke was fulfilled, "And they took the thirty silver coins, which was the price the people of Isra'el had agreed to pay for him,

Berean Standard Bible

Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel,

American Standard Version

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was priced, whom certain of the children of Israel did price;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:9 records the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Jesus's betrayal, which was subsequently used by the chief priests to purchase the potter's field. This verse underscores Matthew's consistent theological emphasis on Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, whose life, death, and even the circumstances surrounding His betrayal, were meticulously foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures, demonstrating divine sovereignty over human actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Judas Iscariot's profound remorse and suicide, as described in [Matthew 27:3-8](/matthew/27-3-8 "Judas's Remorse and Suicide"). After Judas returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, they deemed the "blood money" unlawful to return to the temple treasury. Their decision to use it to buy the potter's field for burying strangers is presented by Matthew as a direct fulfillment of prophetic scripture. This narrative segment serves as a bridge between Jesus's trial before Pilate and His subsequent crucifixion, highlighting the intricate web of events that, though driven by human sin, align with God's preordained plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "thirty pieces of silver" was a specific sum, notably the legal compensation for a slave gored by an ox, as stipulated in [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Law Regarding a Gored Slave"). This price, applied to Jesus, was a profound insult, signifying His perceived low value to His betrayer and the religious authorities. The "potter's field" (also known as Aceldama or "Field of Blood") was likely a barren piece of land, perhaps previously used by a potter for clay, and thus cheap to acquire. The practice of buying a burial ground for strangers reflects a Jewish custom of hospitality and care, even for non-Jews, though in this context, it was a means for the priests to dispose of the "blood money" without defiling the temple treasury.
* **Key Themes:** A dominant theme in Matthew's Gospel, powerfully evident here, is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Matthew consistently presents Jesus's life and ministry as the culmination of Old Testament expectations, often using "that it might be fulfilled" clauses, as seen in [Matthew 1:22](/matthew/1-22 "Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth") or [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Prophecy of Calling from Egypt"). This verse specifically links the betrayal and the use of the money to ancient prophecies, emphasizing God's meticulous plan. Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin**. Despite the wicked actions of Judas and the corrupt religious leaders, God's overarching purpose for the Messiah's suffering and atonement is advanced, illustrating that even human depravity cannot thwart divine will, but rather, God can providentially orchestrate it for His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb signifies "to make replete," "to complete," or "to verify (or coincide with a prediction)." In Matthew's Gospel, its frequent use emphasizes that the events of Jesus's life are not random occurrences but the precise outworking of God's pre-ordained plan, validating Jesus's messianic identity by demonstrating His alignment with ancient prophecies.
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take," "to get hold of," or "to receive." Here, it describes the action of the chief priests in taking possession of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas had thrown into the temple. The verb highlights a deliberate action on their part, setting in motion the subsequent purchase of the potter's field, which Matthew then links to prophecy.
* **valued (Greek, _timáō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "value" or "honor," this verb means "to prize," "to fix a valuation upon," or "to revere." In this context, it refers to the act of setting a price for Jesus. The repetition ("the price of him that was valued, whom they... did value") underscores the deliberate, yet ironically low, assessment of Jesus's worth by those who sought His demise, contrasting sharply with His true divine value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,"**: This introductory clause is Matthew's signature "fulfillment formula," directly asserting that the subsequent events are the precise realization of Old Testament prophecy. The attribution to "Jeremy the prophet" (Jeremiah) is significant and complex, as the primary source for the "thirty pieces of silver" and "potter" imagery is found in Zechariah, with Jeremiah providing thematic resonance regarding the potter and a purchased field.
* **"And they took the thirty pieces of silver,"**: This refers to the chief priests and elders who, after Judas threw the money into the temple, collected it. The "thirty pieces of silver" is the specific sum of betrayal, a paltry amount that held symbolic weight as the price of a slave.
* **"the price of him that was valued,"**: This phrase clarifies the nature of the thirty pieces of silver—it was the monetary valuation placed upon Jesus. The passive voice emphasizes that Jesus was the object of this valuation, determined by others.
* **"whom they of the children of Israel did value;"**: This final clause reiterates the valuation and explicitly identifies the valuers as "the children of Israel," specifically their leaders. This highlights the tragic irony that the very people who should have recognized and honored their Messiah were the ones who set such a low price upon Him, effectively rejecting Him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:9 powerfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Fulfillment Language**, signaled by the phrase "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken." This formula is a hallmark of Matthew's Gospel, serving to authenticate Jesus's messianic claims by demonstrating His life as the culmination of divine prophecy. There is profound **Irony** in the religious leaders, who meticulously adhere to the law by refusing to put "blood money" into the temple treasury, yet are simultaneously orchestrating the murder of the innocent Son of God. Their external piety masks internal corruption. Furthermore, **Allusion** is central, as Matthew alludes to Old Testament prophecies, primarily from Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 18-19, 32:6-15. This allusive technique requires the reader to be familiar with the prophetic tradition to grasp the full weight of the divine orchestration of events. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in the "thirty pieces of silver" itself, which symbolizes the low value placed on Jesus by His betrayers and accusers, contrasting with His infinite worth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew's careful linking of the events surrounding Jesus's betrayal and the subsequent use of the blood money to Old Testament prophecy underscores a profound theological truth: God's redemptive plan is meticulously orchestrated and sovereignly executed, even through the sinful choices of humanity. The seemingly random or wicked acts of Judas and the chief priests are revealed as instruments in the divine drama, serving to bring about the foretold suffering and death of the Messiah, which is essential for the atonement of sins. This demonstrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human rebellion but can incorporate and even utilize such rebellion to achieve His ultimate will, culminating in the cross.

* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"): "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."
* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah's Prophecy of the Thirty Pieces of Silver"): "I told them, 'If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.' So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, 'Throw it to the potter'—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter."
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Peter's Sermon on God's Plan"): "This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:9 serves as a stark reminder of the profound truth that God's sovereign plan unfolds even amidst the darkest human betrayals and injustices. For us today, this means that no matter how chaotic or unjust circumstances may appear, God remains in control, working all things, even evil, for His ultimate redemptive purposes. This should inspire both awe at God's power and comfort in His unfailing providence. Furthermore, the "thirty pieces of silver" challenges us to reflect on the value we place on Jesus Christ. Do we, like those who betrayed and condemned Him, undervalue His worth, prioritizing worldly gain, comfort, or approval over devotion to Him? Or do we recognize His infinite value as our Savior and Lord, responding with wholehearted obedience and worship? Our actions, like those in this narrative, reveal the true measure of our estimation of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, undervalue Jesus in my daily life or decisions?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty, even over acts of betrayal and sin, impact my trust in His plan for my own life and the world?**
* **What "price" am I willing to pay to follow Christ, and what earthly "valuables" might I be tempted to prioritize over Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew attribute this prophecy to "Jeremy the prophet" (Jeremiah) when the most direct parallel is found in Zechariah 11:12-13?**

Answer: This is a well-known scholarly discussion. Several explanations are commonly offered:

* **Conflation of Prophecies:** Matthew may be combining elements from both Jeremiah and Zechariah. While Zechariah 11:12-13 speaks of the "thirty pieces of silver" and throwing them "to the potter" (or "into the house of the Lord, to the potter"), Jeremiah's writings also contain significant references to a potter ([Jeremiah 18:1-12](/jeremiah/18-1-12 "The Potter and the Clay")) and the buying of a field ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah Buys a Field")). Matthew's mention of the "potter's field" could be a direct allusion to Jeremiah's prophetic actions and themes, suggesting a synthesis of prophetic ideas rather than a single direct quote.
* **Jeremiah as a Representative Prophet:** In ancient Jewish tradition, Jeremiah was sometimes considered the first or most prominent prophet in a section of the Hebrew Scriptures, and thus his name could stand for the entire collection of prophetic books, including Zechariah. This was a common rabbinic practice where the name of a major prophet could encompass a broader prophetic corpus.
* **Thematic Resonance:** Matthew might be emphasizing the thematic connections between Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment and restoration (often involving symbolic actions) and the events surrounding Jesus's betrayal. The themes of rejection, divine judgment, and the use of a potter's field resonate strongly with Jeremiah's message.
* **Matthew's Interpretive Method:** Matthew often interprets Old Testament prophecies typologically, seeing patterns and fulfillments that might not be immediately obvious in a strict literal sense. His focus is on demonstrating that Jesus's life fulfills the entire scope of God's redemptive plan, drawing on various prophetic streams.

Regardless of the precise mechanism, Matthew's intention is clear: to assert that the events of Jesus's passion were not random but divinely ordained and meticulously foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures, thereby affirming Jesus's identity as the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:9, with its declaration of prophetic fulfillment regarding the thirty pieces of silver and the potter's field, points profoundly to Christ's ultimate redemptive work. The "price of him that was valued" at a slave's worth ([Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Law Regarding a Gored Slave")) ironically foreshadows the immeasurable price Jesus would pay for humanity's redemption. He, the King of Glory, allowed Himself to be undervalued and betrayed, not because He was worth so little, but precisely because His love compelled Him to become a servant, even to death on a cross. This act of being "valued" and sold for a paltry sum highlights His willing self-sacrifice, echoing [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"), where He "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant." The "blood money" used to purchase a burial ground for strangers symbolizes the broader scope of Christ's atoning sacrifice: His shed blood, though a result of human sin, became the means by which a "field" of redemption was purchased for all, including "strangers" or Gentiles, bringing them near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the ignominious betrayal and the subsequent use of the silver, orchestrated by human depravity, ultimately served God's divine purpose to offer salvation to a lost world through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

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.

Matthew 1:22

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Leviticus 27:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:7

And if [it be] from sixty years old and above; if [it be] a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

Exodus 21:32

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.