Matthew 27:9
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Matthew 27:9
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;
Chapter Context
Matthew 27 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, fellowship, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-66: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 27:9
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;
Analysis
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:
- Jeremiah's prominence gave his name to the prophetic collection
- an oral tradition from Jeremiah was later written by Zechariah, or
- Matthew conflates Jeremiah 18:2-12; 32:6-9 (potter's field, land purchase) with Zechariah's thirty silver pieces.
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Prophet: προφήτης (Prophētēs) G4396 - Prophet
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Matthew 1:22