King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:5 Mean?

Matthew 27:5 in the King James Version says “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Matthew 27:5 · KJV

Context

3

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

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.

5

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

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.

7

And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

Read Matthew 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) from worldly sorrow that leads to death, as seen in Judas?
  2. How does Judas's tragic end illuminate the permanent consequences of betraying Christ, even when remorse follows?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ῥίψας2 of 11

“he cast down”

G4496

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

τὰ3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀργύρια4 of 11

“the pieces of silver”

G694

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

ἐν5 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ6 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναῷ7 of 11

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ἀνεχώρησεν8 of 11

“departed”

G402

to retire

καὶ9 of 11

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπελθὼν10 of 11

“went”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἀπήγξατο11 of 11

“and hanged himself”

G519

to strangle oneself off (i.e., to death)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 27:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:18-192 Samuel 17:23Job 7:151 Kings 16:18Job 2:9Luke 1:21

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