Matthew 27:4
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἥμαρτον
I have sinned
G264
Ἥμαρτον
I have sinned
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
παραδοὺς
in that I have betrayed
G3860
παραδοὺς
in that I have betrayed
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
3 of 13
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αἷμα
blood
G129
αἷμα
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
4 of 13
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
This occurred early Friday morning after the illegal night trial before Caiaphas (circa 30 AD). Judas's return to the temple treasury occurred while Jesus stood before Pilate. The thirty pieces of silver were temple shekels, making the priests' acceptance of "blood money" a profound violation of Deuteronomy 23:18. Matthew alone records Judas's fate, emphasizing the theological consequence of betraying the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between Judas's remorse and Peter's repentance, and where do you see each pattern in your own life?
- How does the priests' refusal of responsibility challenge us about complicity in injustice we set in motion but distance ourselves from?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood (ἥμαρτον παραδοὺς αἷμα ἀθῷον)—Judas's confession uses hēmarton ("I sinned"), the aorist tense indicating a completed, irreversible act. His recognition of Christ as haima athōon ("innocent blood") unwittingly fulfills Isaiah 53:9 ("he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth"). Yet this is remorse, not repentance—Judas acknowledges guilt but seeks relief from consequences rather than restoration with God.
What is that to us? see thou to that (τί πρὸς ἡμᾶς; σὺ ὄψῃ)—The chief priests' callous dismissal reveals the hardness that religious externalism produces. The phrase sy opsē ("you will see to it") throws responsibility back on Judas with brutal indifference. They paid thirty pieces of silver (the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32) to secure his betrayal, but now disown any moral culpability. This exchange exposes the difference between worldly sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 7:10) and godly grief that produces repentance.