Matthew 27:9
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;
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 23
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
G4137
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 23
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τοῦ
that which
G3588
τοῦ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
that which
G3588
τοῦ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
8 of 23
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος
saying
G3004
λέγοντος
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
that which
G3588
τοῦ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀργύρια
pieces of silver
G694
ἀργύρια
pieces of silver
Strong's:
G694
Word #:
14 of 23
silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
τοῦ
that which
G3588
τοῦ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμὴν
the price
G5092
τιμὴν
the price
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
16 of 23
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
τοῦ
that which
G3588
τοῦ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐτιμήσαντο
did value
G5091
ἐτιμήσαντο
did value
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
18 of 23
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐτιμήσαντο
did value
G5091
ἐτιμήσαντο
did value
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
20 of 23
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
ἀπὸ
they of
G575
ἀπὸ
they of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Historical Context
Matthew wrote to Jewish Christians (AD 60s-80s) who needed to understand how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy despite apparent contradictions. The attribution puzzle wouldn't have troubled ancient readers familiar with composite quotations and thematic fulfillment. The thirty pieces and potter's field were historical facts the Jerusalem church could verify—Judas's blood money purchased Akeldama (Acts 1:18-19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'slave price' valuation of Jesus expose the depth of Israel's (and humanity's) rejection of God's ultimate gift?
- Does the attribution puzzle strengthen or weaken Matthew's case for Jesus as Messiah? How does this challenge our expectations of biblical prophecy fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet—Matthew attributes the prophecy to Jeremiah (Ἰερεμίου), yet the cited text primarily comes from Zechariah 11:12-13, creating one of Scripture's most discussed attribution questions. Ancient solutions include:
The thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued (τριάκοντα ἀργύρια, τὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου)—The exact fulfillment: Judas's betrayal price matched the prophetic sum for a rejected shepherd.
In Exodus 21:32, thirty shekels was the compensation for a gored slave—Israel priced their Messiah as a dead slave. The Greek tetimēmenou (valued/priced) emphasizes the bitter irony: the Priceless One received slavery's valuation from those who should have treasured Him most.