Matthew 27:4
"I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," he said. "What is that to us?" they replied. "You bear the responsibility."
I have sinned
This phrase is a profound admission of guilt and recognition of wrongdoing. In the Greek, the word for "sinned" is "ἥμαρτον" (hēmarton), which conveys the idea of missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. Judas Iscariot, the speaker here, acknowledges his moral failure in betraying Jesus. This confession is significant as it reflects a moment of self-awareness and the heavy burden of guilt that sin imposes on the human conscience. In the broader biblical narrative, sin is a separation from God, and this admission is a step towards recognizing the need for repentance and redemption.

by betraying
The act of betrayal is central to this verse. The Greek word "παραδοὺς" (paradous) is used, which means to hand over or deliver up. Judas's betrayal of Jesus is one of the most infamous acts in history, symbolizing the ultimate breach of trust and loyalty. This act fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Psalm 41:9, highlighting the foreknowledge and sovereignty of God in the unfolding of redemptive history. Betrayal, in this context, is not just a personal failure but a pivotal moment in the divine plan for salvation.

innocent blood
The phrase "innocent blood" underscores the purity and righteousness of Jesus. The Greek word "αἷμα" (haima) for blood, coupled with "ἀθῷον" (athōon) for innocent, emphasizes the unjust nature of Jesus's condemnation. In the Jewish tradition, shedding innocent blood is a grave sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:10. This acknowledgment by Judas highlights the stark contrast between the sinfulness of humanity and the sinlessness of Christ. It also points to the sacrificial nature of Jesus's death, as the innocent Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

What is that to us?
This response from the chief priests and elders reveals their callousness and moral indifference. The Greek phrase "Τί πρὸς ἡμᾶς" (Ti pros hēmas) indicates a dismissive attitude, showing their lack of concern for justice or truth. Their primary interest was in achieving their own ends, regardless of the means. This reflects a broader theme in Scripture of the hardness of heart that can result from persistent sin and rejection of God's truth.

they replied
The response of the religious leaders is a collective one, indicating a shared responsibility in the decision to condemn Jesus. Their reply is not just an individual reaction but a corporate stance, highlighting the systemic nature of sin and injustice. This collective response also fulfills the prophetic words of Psalm 2:2, where the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed.

You bear the responsibility
This phrase, "Σὺ ὄψει" (Sy opsei), places the burden of guilt squarely back on Judas. It is a stark reminder of personal accountability in the face of sin. While Judas seeks absolution from those who conspired with him, they refuse to share in his remorse, leaving him isolated in his guilt. This highlights the biblical principle that each person is responsible for their own actions and must face the consequences of their choices. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the loneliness and despair that can accompany sin when one turns away from God's grace and forgiveness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judas Iscariot
One of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. His remorse and confession of sin are central to this verse.

2. Chief Priests and Elders
Jewish religious leaders who conspired to arrest Jesus and handed Him over to Pontius Pilate. They dismiss Judas's confession, showing their hardened hearts.

3. Innocent Blood
Refers to Jesus Christ, who was sinless and undeserving of death. This highlights the gravity of Judas's betrayal.

4. Temple
The place where Judas returned the silver coins, symbolizing his attempt to undo his betrayal.

5. Betrayal
The act of delivering Jesus to the authorities, which sets in motion the events leading to His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
The Weight of Sin
Judas's confession, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," underscores the heavy burden of sin and the importance of repentance. True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from God.

The Hardness of Heart
The response of the chief priests and elders, "What is that to us?" illustrates the danger of a hardened heart that is indifferent to sin and its consequences. Believers are called to maintain a tender heart towards God and others.

The Innocence of Christ
Jesus is described as "innocent blood," emphasizing His sinlessness and the injustice of His condemnation. This serves as a reminder of the perfect sacrifice He made for humanity's sins.

Personal Responsibility
The phrase "You bear the responsibility" highlights the personal accountability each individual has for their actions. Believers must acknowledge their sins and seek God's grace for redemption.

The Futility of Worldly Remorse
Judas's remorse led to despair rather than redemption. This teaches that worldly sorrow without turning to God can lead to hopelessness, whereas godly sorrow leads to repentance and life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Judas's confession of sin in Matthew 27:4 challenge us to examine our own hearts and actions?

2. In what ways can the response of the chief priests and elders serve as a warning against becoming indifferent to sin?

3. How does the concept of "innocent blood" in this verse deepen our understanding of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our repentance is genuine and leads to a change in behavior?

5. How can we guard against the kind of despair that Judas experienced, and instead find hope and forgiveness in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Zechariah 11:12-13
This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, connecting Judas's actions to the fulfillment of Scripture.

Acts 1:18-19
Describes the aftermath of Judas's betrayal, including his death and the field purchased with the betrayal money, known as the Field of Blood.

Psalm 41:9
A prophetic psalm that speaks of betrayal by a close friend, which is fulfilled in Judas's actions against Jesus.
Judas's ConfessionW.F. Adeney Matthew 27:4
See Thou to That!'Alexander MaclarenMatthew 27:4
The Uselessness of RemorseR. Tuck Matthew 27:4
A Gnawing ConscienceHenry Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
Conscience Needs RevelationA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Dissatisfaction of JudasJohn Trapp.Matthew 27:1-10
Gradual Downfall of JudasE. Thring, M. A.Matthew 27:1-10
Iscariot's ConfessionS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Iscariot's Motive for SuicideS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Judas and the Priests -- End of Evil AssociationJ. Ker, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Judas, Which Had Betrayed HimE. Thring, M. A.Matthew 27:1-10
Manner of Iscariot's DeathH. B. Hackett, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Origin of NameBloomfield.Matthew 27:1-10
Passion is Stronger than the Fear of DeathO. B. Frothingham.Matthew 27:1-10
Refusing a LegacyF. Hastings.Matthew 27:1-10
Revulsion of Feeling After Sin is CommittedA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
See Thou to ThatA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The BetrayerA. Weston.Matthew 27:1-10
The Devil Tempts to DespairAyguan.Matthew 27:1-10
The Field of Blood.-- Site of AceldamaDr. Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The Mixture of Good and Bad in JudasS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The Price of BloodJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 27:1-10
The Remorse of Judas on the Condemnation of ChristH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance and Suicide of JudasE. T. Carrier.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasC. Bradley.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasW. H. Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasHenry Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The True Confessor and the FalseDr. Bonar.Matthew 27:1-10
The Unconverted Warned by the Remorse of the LostB. W. Noel, M. A., G. J. Noel.Matthew 27:1-10
What is that to Us?J. Ker, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Christ Before Pilate. No. 1Marcus Dods Matthew 27:1, 2, 11-14
People
Barabbas, Eli, Elias, Elijah, Israelites, James, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Pilate, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Arimathea, Cyrene, Field of Blood, Galilee, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Place of the Skull
Topics
Betrayed, Betraying, Blood, Business, Death, Delivered, Giving, Guiltless, Hands, Innocent, Matter, Replied, Responsibility, Saying, Sin, Sinned, That's, Upright, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 27:3-4

     5567   suffering, emotional
     5831   depression
     6227   regret
     8278   innocence, teaching on

Matthew 27:3-5

     5054   responsibility, examples
     5798   betrayal
     5865   gestures
     5979   waste
     8451   mortification

Matthew 27:3-6

     7330   chief priests

Matthew 27:3-8

     7318   blood, symbol of guilt

Matthew 27:3-10

     4233   field of blood
     5260   coinage
     5603   wages

Matthew 27:4-5

     5901   loneliness

Library
The Blind Watchers at the Cross
'And sitting down they watched Him there.' --MATT. xxvii. 36. Our thoughts are, rightly, so absorbed by the central Figure in this great chapter that we pass by almost unnoticed the groups round the cross. And yet there are large lessons to be learned from each of them. These rude soldiers, four in number, as we infer from John's Gospel, had no doubt joined with their comrades in the coarse mockery which preceded the sad procession to Calvary; and then they had to do the rough work of the executioners,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Veil Rent
'Behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.'--MATT. xxvii. 51. As I suppose we are all aware, the Jewish Temple was divided into three parts: the Outer Court, open to all; the Holy Place, to which the ministering priests had daily access to burn incense and trim the lamps; and the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest was permitted to go, and that but once a year, on the great Day of Atonement. For the other three hundred and sixty-four days the shrine lay silent,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sentence which Condemned the Judges
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. And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13. Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? 14. And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Crucifixion
'And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34. They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink. 35. And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots. 36. And sitting down they watched Him there; 37. And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'See Thou to That!'
'I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. 24. I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.'--MATT. xxvii. 4, 24. So, what the priests said to Judas, Pilate said to the priests. They contemptuously bade their wretched instrument bear the burden of his own treachery. They had condescended to use his services, but he presumed too far if he thought that that gave him a claim upon their sympathies. The tools of more
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Taunts Turning to Testimonies
'... The chief priests mocking Him ... said, 42. He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him.' --MATT. xxvii. 41-43. It is an old saying that the corruption of the best is the worst. What is more merciful and pitiful than true religion? What is more merciless and malicious than hatred which calls itself 'religious'? These priests, like many a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourth Word
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani."--ST. MATT. XXVII. 46; ST. MARK XV. 34. There are three peculiar and distinguishing features of this fourth word which our Saviour uttered from His Cross. 1. It is the only one of the Seven which finds a place in the earliest record of our Lord's life, contained in the matter common to St. Matthew and St. Mark. 2. It is the only one which has been preserved to us in the original Aramaic, in the very syllables which were formed by the lips of Christ. 3. It is the
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

Let Him Deliver Him Now
It is very painful to the heart to picture our blessed Master in his death-agonies, surrounded by a ribald multitude, who watched him and mocked him, made sport of his prayer and insulted his faith. Nothing was sacred to them: they invaded the Holy of holies of his confidence in God, and taunted him concerning that faith in Jehovah which they were compelled to admit. See, dear friends, what an evil thing is sin, since the Sin-bearer suffers so bitterly to make atonement for it! See, also, the shame
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Rent Veil
THE DEATH of our Lord Jesus Christ was fitly surrounded by miracles; yet it is itself so much greater a wonder than all besides, that it as far exceeds them as the sun outshines the planets which surround it. It seems natural enough that the earth should quake, that tombs should be opened, and that the veil of the temple should be rent, when He who only hath immortality gives up the ghost. The more you think of the death of the Son of God, the more will you be amazed at it. As much as a miracle excels
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Lama Sabachthani?
Our Lord was then in the darkest part of his way. He had trodden the winepress now for hours, and the work was almost finished. He had reached the culminating point of his anguish. This is his dolorous lament from the lowest pit of misery--"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I do not think that the records of time or even of eternity, contain a sentence more full of anguish. Here the wormwood and the gall, and all the other bitternesses, are outdone. Here you may look as into a vast abyss;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 36: 1890

Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--Matthew 27:46. IF any one of us, lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ had been anywhere near the cross when he uttered those words, I am sure our hearts would have burst with anguish, and one thing is certain--we should have heard the tones of that dying cry as long as ever we lived. There is no doubt that at certain times they would come to us again, ringing shrill and clear through the thick darkness. We should
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Eloi.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--ST MATTHEW xxvii. 46. I do not know that I should dare to approach this, of all utterances into which human breath has ever been moulded, most awful in import, did I not feel that, containing both germ and blossom of the final devotion, it contains therefore the deepest practical lesson the human heart has to learn. The Lord, the Revealer, hides nothing that can be revealed, and will not warn away the foot that treads in naked humility even upon the
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Third Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Formally Condemned by the Sanhedrin and Led to Pilate.
(Jerusalem. Friday After Dawn.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 1, 2; ^B Mark XV. 1; ^C Luke XXII. 66-23:1; ^D John XVIII. 28. ^a 1 Now when morning was come, ^c 66 And as soon as it was day, ^b straightway ^c the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, ^a all the chief priests and { ^b with} the elders ^a of the people ^b and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and ^a took counsel against Jesus to put
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First Time.
(Jerusalem. Early Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 11-14; ^B Mark XV. 2-5; ^C Luke XXIII. 2-5; ^D John XVIII. 28-38. ^d and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. [See p. 641.] 29 Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee. [The Jewish rulers first attempt to induce
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Remorse and Suicide of Judas.
(in the Temple and Outside the Wall of Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 3-10; ^E Acts I. 18, 19. ^a 3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned [Judas, having no reason to fear the enemies of Jesus, probably stood in their midst and witnessed the entire trial], repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. [There are two Greek words which are translated "repented,"
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Crucifixion.
Subdivision A. On the Way to the Cross. (Within and Without Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 31-34; ^B Mark XV. 20-23; ^C Luke XXIII. 26-33; ^D John XIX. 17. ^a 31 And when they had mocked him, they took off from him the ^b purple, ^a robe, and put on him his garments [This ended the mockery, which seems to have been begun in a state of levity, but which ended in gross indecency and violence. When we think of him who endured it all, we can not contemplate the scene without a shudder. Who
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
It matters little as regards their guilt, whether, pressing the language of St. John, [6034] we are to understand that Pilate delivered Jesus to the Jews to be crucified, or, as we rather infer, to his own soldiers. This was the common practice, and it accords both with the Governor's former taunt to the Jews, [6035] and with the after-notice of the Synoptists. They, to whom He was delivered,' led Him away to be crucified:' and they who so led Him forth compelled' the Cyrenian Simon to bear the Cross.
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus in the Tomb.
It was about three o'clock in the afternoon, according to our manner of reckoning,[1] when Jesus expired. A Jewish law[2] forbade a corpse suspended on the cross to be left beyond the evening of the day of the execution. It is not probable that in the executions performed by the Romans this rule was observed; but as the next day was the Sabbath, and a Sabbath of peculiar solemnity, the Jews expressed to the Roman authorities[3] their desire that this holy day should not be profaned by such a spectacle.[4]
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The vicariousness of Prayer
The Vicariousness of Prayer I The work of the ministry labours under one heavy disadvantage when we regard it as a profession and compare it with other professions. In these, experience brings facility, a sense of mastery in the subject, self-satisfaction, self-confidence; but in our subject the more we pursue it, the more we enter into it, so much the more are we cast down with the overwhelming sense, not only of our insufficiency, but of our unworthiness. Of course, in the technique of our work
P. T. Forsyth—The Soul of Prayer

The Fifth Word from the Cross
The fourth word from the cross we looked upon both as the climax of the struggle which had gone on in the mind of the divine Sufferer during the three hours of silence and darkness which preceded its utterance and as the liberation of His mind from that struggle. This view seems to be confirmed by the terms in which St. John introduces the Fifth Word--"After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished,[2] that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst." The phrase, "that the
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before Mentioned,
be convinced of the truth and certainty of the Christian religion, and be persuaded to make it the rule and guide of all their actions, would not be convinced, (so far as to influence their practice and reform their lives,) by any other evidence whatsoever; no, not though one should rise on purpose from the dead to endeavour to convince them. That the evidence which God has afforded us of the truth of our religion is abundantly sufficient. From what has been said, upon the foregoing heads, it is
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Links
Matthew 27:4 NIV
Matthew 27:4 NLT
Matthew 27:4 ESV
Matthew 27:4 NASB
Matthew 27:4 KJV

Matthew 27:4 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Matthew 27:3
Top of Page
Top of Page