Matthew 27:3 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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,

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned. The condemnation, even though not unexpected, might well fill him with horror. But perhaps this unhappy man expected that, while he got the bribe, the Lord would miraculously escape, as He had once and again done before, out of His enemies' power; and if so, his remorse would come upon him with all the greater keenness.

Repented himself - but, as the issue too sadly showed, it was "the sorrow of the world, which worketh death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

And brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. A remarkable illustration of the power of an awakened conscience. A short time before, the promise of this sordid self was temptation enough to his covetous heart to outweigh the most overwhelming obligations of duty and love; now, the possession of it so lashes him that he cannot use it, cannot even keep it!

Matthew 27:3

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,