Matthew 27:5
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥίψας
he cast down
G4496
ῥίψας
he cast down
Strong's:
G4496
Word #:
2 of 11
to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀργύρια
the pieces of silver
G694
ἀργύρια
the pieces of silver
Strong's:
G694
Word #:
4 of 11
silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Suicide was rare in Jewish culture and considered a grave sin, forbidden by the sixth commandment. Judas's act occurred during Passover week (c. AD 30-33), when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. His return to the temple—specifically the sanctuary where only priests could enter—shows his desperate attempt to undo his crime. The chief priests' refusal to take back the money (v. 6) left him without human recourse.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) from worldly sorrow that leads to death, as seen in Judas?
- How does Judas's tragic end illuminate the permanent consequences of betraying Christ, even when remorse follows?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple (ἔρριψεν τὰ ἀργύρια)—Judas hurled (ἔρριψεν, erripsen, violent throwing) the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary (naos, the inner temple building, not merely the temple courts). This desperate act reveals the unbearable torment of a guilty conscience confronting the irreversibility of betrayal.
And went and hanged himself (ἀπήγξατο, apēnxato)—The middle voice suggests self-inflicted death. This is the only NT use of this verb for hanging. Acts 1:18 adds that he fell headlong and burst open—likely the rope broke after decomposition. Judas's suicide contrasts starkly with Peter's tears of repentance (Matthew 26:75). Both betrayed Christ, but Judas turned to self-destruction while Peter turned to restoration. His end fulfills Psalm 109:8 ('let another take his office') and echoes Ahithophel's suicide after betraying David (2 Samuel 17:23), the typological precursor to Christ.