Matthew 27:6
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 18
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀργύρια
the silver pieces
G694
ἀργύρια
the silver pieces
Strong's:
G694
Word #:
6 of 18
silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
ἔξεστιν
It is
G1832
ἔξεστιν
It is
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
9 of 18
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
βαλεῖν
for to put
G906
βαλεῖν
for to put
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
10 of 18
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κορβανᾶν
the treasury
G2878
κορβανᾶν
the treasury
Strong's:
G2878
Word #:
14 of 18
a votive offering and the offering; a consecrated present (to the temple fund); by extension (the latter term) the treasury itself, i.e., the room whe
τιμὴ
the price
G5092
τιμὴ
the price
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
16 of 18
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
Historical Context
The temple treasury (κορβανᾶς) received tithes, offerings, and vows for sacred use. Deuteronomy 23:18 forbade money from prostitution or "shameful gain" entering it. The priests' logic: since Judas' betrayal led to bloodshed, the silver was now ceremonially defiled—while ignoring their own guilt in that same bloodshed. This scene occurred during Passover preparation (27:62), when ritual purity was paramount.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern forms of religious scrupulosity might mask deeper moral compromise in your own life?
- How does this scene fulfill Zechariah 11:12-13, where the shepherd is valued at thirty pieces of silver cast into the potter's house in the temple?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
It is not lawful for us to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood—The supreme irony: the chief priests who orchestrated an illegal trial and murder now display scrupulous concern for ritual purity. The Greek korbanas (κορβανᾶς, "temple treasury") could not receive timē haimatos (τιμὴ αἵματος, "blood money") according to Deuteronomy 23:18, which forbids bringing "the price of a dog" into God's house.
They strained at gnats while swallowing camels (Matthew 23:24). Their casuistry is breathtaking: blood money cannot defile the treasury, but the innocent blood they just shed doesn't defile their hands. This verse exposes how religious externalism becomes a shield for moral atrocity—they kept the letter of ceremonial law while murdering the Lord of glory. The thirty pieces Judas returned became evidence against them, money too unholy even for priests who trafficked in judicial murder.