Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:3

What does Matthew 27:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:3 means

Judas, the betrayer, experiences remorse when he sees that Jesus is condemned. He returns the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders—money he received for betraying Jesus. His repentance is limited and practical: he regrets the outcome when he recognizes the moral gravity of his act. The gesture of returning the money shows guilt and a desire to undo his role, but the leaders’ indifference reveals their hardheartedness and marks Judas’ tragic end.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Judas, who was false to him, seeing that he was to be put to death, in his regret took back the thirty bits of silver to the chief priests and those in authority,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then Judas--he who delivered him up--having seen that he was condemned, having repented, brought back the thirty silverlings to the chief priests, and to the elders, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then Judas, who delivered him up, seeing that he had been condemned, filled with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,

Context

This verse contrasts Judas’ personal anguish with the leaders’ resolute plan. After Jesus is bound and handed over, Judas faces the consequences of his betrayal. The scene highlights different moral responses to Jesus’ suffering: Judas’ remorse, the priests’ cold pragmatism, and the unfolding legal drama that follows in Pilate’s court.

v.2and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pilate the governor.

v.3This passage

v.4saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to it.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 18:3

    Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

  • Matthew 26:14

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

  • Luke 22:2

    And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.

  • John 13:27

    And after the sop, then entered Satan into him. Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly.

  • Luke 22:47

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

  • Mark 14:10

    And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them.

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