Matthew 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.

Matthew 27:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse continues Matthew’s account of events leading to the crucifixion. Judas Iscariot, having betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, was seized by remorse and returned the money to the chief priests before going out to hang himself. The priests then collected the silver and declared it unlawful to place in the temple treasury because it was the “price of blood.”

Meaning

The priests’ scruple reveals a striking inconsistency. They hesitated to put blood money into the treasury, yet they had no hesitation in paying it out to secure the innocent blood of Jesus. Their careful handling of the money stands in sharp contrast to their disregard for the life it purchased. The term “treasury” refers to the temple treasury, kept in the court of the women. Their concern was rooted in the law, which forbade bringing what was esteemed an abomination into the house of God (Deuteronomy 23:18).

Biblical connections

Their subsequent action in verse 7, buying the potter’s field with this same money, fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah (Matthew 27:9-10), demonstrating that even the wicked schemes of men are woven into God’s sovereign plan.

Application

This passage highlights the religious leaders’ misplaced priorities and their failure to recognize Jesus’ innocence. It challenges readers to examine their own hearts for similar inconsistencies—being scrupulous about outward religious duties while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and mercy.

Reflection

God’s sovereign plan can overrule even the worst human intentions, turning the price of blood into a means of fulfilling prophecy and providing a burial place for strangers.