Matthew 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.

Matthew 27:4 (KJV)

Context

Judas had already agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). At the Last Supper, Jesus identified His betrayer, and Judas left to lead the arresting party to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:20-25). Now, seeing that Jesus was condemned, Judas is filled with remorse and returns the silver to the temple authorities.

Meaning

Judas declares, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” His words form a striking testimony: the one who betrayed Jesus publicly acknowledges both his own guilt and Jesus’ complete innocence. The chief priests and elders answer coldly, “What is that to us? see thou to that,” refusing any share of responsibility. Their later refusal to put the returned silver into the treasury, calling it “blood money,” shows that they understood its meaning but would not repent (Matthew 27:6-8).

Judas’ remorse, however, was not true repentance. He confessed to the priests rather than to God, sought no pardon or cleansing, and then went out and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). His sorrow was the despair of a guilty conscience, not the godly sorrow that leads to salvation. The religious leaders’ dismissive reply mirrors Pilate’s later hand-washing in Matthew 27:24, as both groups tried to evade responsibility for the death of the innocent Son of God.

Application

This verse warns that guilt must drive us to God, not away from Him. Judas’ tragedy shows the difference between remorse and repentance: remorse focuses on the consequences of sin, while repentance turns from sin to seek mercy. It also reminds us that Jesus, the innocent Lamb, willingly gave Himself for sinners, and that those who receive His forgiveness should respond with compassion to others who are burdened by guilt.