Matthew 27:3

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τότε

G5119

Then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἰδὼν

G1492

when he saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Ἰούδας

G2455

Judas

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

τοῖς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραδιδοὺς

G3860

had betrayed

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτὸν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κατεκρίθη

G2632

he was condemned

to judge against, i.e., sentence

μεταμεληθεὶς

G3338

repented himself

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

#10

ἀπέστρεψεν

G654

and brought again

to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)

#11

τοῖς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

τριάκοντα

G5144

the thirty

thirty

#13

ἀργύρια

G694

pieces of silver

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

#14

τοῖς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ἀρχιερεῦσιν

G749

to the chief priests

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

τοῖς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

πρεσβυτέροις

G4245

elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Matthew 27:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources