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Matthew 27:4

KJV

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Read it in context Before Pilate
Start reading at Matthew 27:1 (Matthew 27:1 to Matthew 27:26). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Judas' remorse and the proceedings before Pilate lead to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.

  1. 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
  2. 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  3. 27:3 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. 27:4 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. 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
  6. 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.
  7. 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  8. 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
  9. 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;
  10. 27:10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.
  11. 27:11 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.
  12. 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
  13. 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
  14. 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
  15. 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
  16. 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
  17. 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  18. 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
  19. 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
  20. 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  21. 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
  22. 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
  23. 27:23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
  24. 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
  25. 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
  26. 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:26, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19

Who wrote it, and how we know

Matthew (Levi), the apostle From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Matthew 27

This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.

Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20

Before Pilate
Matthew 27:1–26 You are here · 27:4

FocusBetrayal's aftermath and condemnation

Connection to the wholeJudas' remorse and the proceedings before Pilate lead to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.
interpretation
Mockery and crucifixion
Matthew 27:27–44

FocusThe rejected king

Connection to the wholeThe soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified.
interpretation
Jesus dies
Matthew 27:45–56

FocusThe death and its witnesses

Connection to the wholeJesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred.
interpretation
Burial and the guard
Matthew 27:57–66

FocusThe secured tomb

Connection to the wholeThe burial and measures to guard the tomb establish the setting for the resurrection account in chapter 28.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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