Matthew 27:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:3 mean?

Matthew 27:3 describes how Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, felt regret after seeing that Jesus had been condemned. Judas tried to return the thirty pieces of silver he had received for betraying Jesus to the chief priests and elders.

In this verse, Matthew is narrating the aftermath of Jesus’ arrest. Judas realizes the consequences of his actions—Jesus has been judged and sentenced. The verse highlights Judas’s change of heart and his attempt to undo his betrayal by giving back the money to the religious leaders who had paid him.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:3

• The word for "repented himself" is μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai), which often means feeling regret or remorse, rather than a full change of heart or repentance in the deeper spiritual sense. This suggests Judas felt sorrow for what happened, but not necessarily a true turning back.
• The word for "betrayed" is παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi), which means to hand over or deliver up. This emphasizes Judas’s active role in turning Jesus over to the authorities.
• The phrase "thirty pieces of silver" uses τριάκοντα (triakonta) for "thirty" and ἀργύρια (argyria) for "silver coins," which connects directly to the price Judas accepted for his betrayal, fulfilling earlier prophecies.

Why Matthew 27:3 matters

• This verse clarifies that Judas experienced deep regret after seeing the outcome of his actions, which is sometimes misunderstood as full repentance.
• Matthew 27:3 shows the human side of Judas, emphasizing his remorse and the weight of personal responsibility.
• The verse connects back to earlier moments in the Gospel, especially the agreement between Judas and the religious leaders, and sets up the events that follow, including Judas’s fate and the use of the returned money.