And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

MATTHEW 27:6KJV
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Matthew 27:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:6 mean?

Matthew 27:6 describes how the chief priests, after receiving the silver coins Judas returned, refused to put the money into the temple treasury because it was considered tainted as "the price of blood." The priests recognized that the coins were connected to the betrayal and death of Jesus, making them unsuitable for sacred use.

In this scene, the religious leaders are speaking among themselves after Judas, feeling remorse, returns the thirty silver coins he was paid to betray Jesus. The chief priests acknowledge that the money is now associated with bloodshed, so they decide it cannot be added to the temple funds. This moment highlights their concern for ritual purity, even as they are involved in a grave moral issue.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:6

  • "Treasury" (κορβανᾶς, korbanas): This word refers to the special offering box or fund in the temple where gifts and donations were kept. The priests' refusal to put the money here shows their awareness of religious rules about what could be accepted for God's service.
  • "Price" (τιμή, timē): This word means value or payment, and in this context, it is specifically "the price of blood"—money paid for causing someone's death. The phrase underlines the seriousness of what the money represents.
  • "Blood" (αἷμα, haima): In Jewish thought, blood is closely tied to life and guilt. Calling the coins "the price of blood" makes clear that the money is stained by its connection to an innocent person's death.

Why Matthew 27:6 matters

  • Matthew 27:6 shows the irony of the religious leaders' actions: they are careful about temple rules but ignore the greater moral problem of condemning an innocent man.
  • The verse connects back to Old Testament ideas about blood guilt and the use of temple funds, helping readers see the depth of the priests' dilemma.
  • This detail sets up what happens next, when the priests use the money to buy the potter's field, fulfilling prophecy and further highlighting the consequences of their decisions.

Where else these words appear

“treasury” Greek G2878 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

“pieces” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Matthew 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
  • Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

“because” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“is” Greek G1832 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
  • Mark 2:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.