Matthew 27:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:9 mean?

Matthew 27:9 says that an event during Jesus’ trial—the taking of thirty pieces of silver as the price for betraying him—fulfilled words spoken by the prophet Jeremiah. The verse highlights that Jesus’ betrayal for money was not random, but matched something foretold in Israel’s scriptures.

Matthew is narrating what happened after Judas returned the silver coins he received for betraying Jesus. Matthew points out that this act fulfilled a prophecy, connecting the specific amount of money and the idea of someone being valued or appraised by others. The verse draws attention to how the events around Jesus’ death fit into a larger story already present in the Hebrew Bible.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:9

• "fulfilled" (ἐπληρώθη, eplērōthē): This word means "brought to completion" or "carried out fully." Matthew uses it to show that the events are not accidental but are seen as the completion of something God had already set in motion.
• "price" (τιμή, timē): This word means "value" or "worth." The verse emphasizes that Jesus was given a specific price, underlining the idea that he was appraised or valued in a transactional way.
• "valued" (ἐτιμήσαντο, etimēsanto): This verb means "to set a price on" or "to appraise." It points to the act of the religious leaders deciding what Jesus was worth, echoing Old Testament practices of valuation.

Why Matthew 27:9 matters

• Matthew 27:9 clarifies that the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver was not just a historical detail, but something that had deeper roots in the prophetic tradition of Israel.
• The verse helps readers see that Matthew is intentionally connecting Jesus’ story to the Hebrew scriptures, showing continuity between Jesus’ life and Israel’s past.
• By mentioning Jeremiah, Matthew invites readers to consider the broader themes of rejection, judgment, and redemption that appear in the prophets, tying Jesus’ experience to those patterns.