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;

MATTHEW 27:9KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Jeremy” Greek G2408 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

“thirty” Greek G5144 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
  • Matthew 27:3 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,
  • Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being(as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

“valued” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
  • John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

“silver” 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.