King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:9 Mean?

Matthew 27:9 in the King James Version says “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the p... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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; whom: or, whom they bought of the children of Israel

Matthew 27:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

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; whom: or, whom they bought of the children of Israel

10

And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

11

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.


Commentary

KJV Study 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: (1) Jeremiah's prominence gave his name to the prophetic collection, (2) an oral tradition from Jeremiah was later written by Zechariah, or (3) 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does the 'slave price' valuation of Jesus expose the depth of Israel's (and humanity's) rejection of God's ultimate gift?
  2. Does the attribution puzzle strengthen or weaken Matthew's case for Jesus as Messiah? How does this challenge our expectations of biblical prophecy fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τότε1 of 23

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐπληρώθη2 of 23

was fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τοῦ3 of 23

that which

G3588

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

ῥηθὲν4 of 23

was spoken

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

διὰ5 of 23

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰερεμίου6 of 23

Jeremy

G2408

hieremias (i.e., jermijah), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 23

that which

G3588

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

προφήτου8 of 23

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

λέγοντος9 of 23

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Καὶ10 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἔλαβον11 of 23

they took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τοῦ12 of 23

that which

G3588

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

τριάκοντα13 of 23

the thirty

G5144

thirty

ἀργύρια14 of 23

pieces of silver

G694

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

τοῦ15 of 23

that which

G3588

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

τιμὴν16 of 23

the price

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

τοῦ17 of 23

that which

G3588

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

ἐτιμήσαντο18 of 23

did value

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

ὃν19 of 23

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐτιμήσαντο20 of 23

did value

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

ἀπὸ21 of 23

they of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

υἱῶν22 of 23

the children

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰσραήλ23 of 23

of Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)


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 27:9 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 27:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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