Matthew 27:4 - saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”

Generated Verse: Matthew 27:4

What does "Matthew 27:4" mean?


This verse from Matthew 27:4 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus:

"Saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” This part highlights Judas's realization and acknowledgement of his wrongdoing. He confesses that he has sinned by betraying someone he now believes to be innocent. The phrase "innocent blood" suggests Judas understands the gravity of his actions – he has contributed to the potential death of an innocent man. This implies a belated recognition of Jesus's true nature and perhaps a dawning understanding of the injustice of the situation.

"But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.” This is the response of the chief priests and elders (mentioned earlier in the chapter) to Judas's remorse and attempt to return the betrayal money. Their reply is cold, dismissive, and self-serving. They are essentially saying:
"What is that to us?" This indicates they are not concerned with Judas's guilt or the moral implications of their actions. They are only interested in their own power and objectives. They used Judas, and now that he's served his purpose, they don't care about his feelings or his moral crisis.
"You see to it." This shifts the responsibility entirely onto Judas. They refuse to take any blame or offer any help or forgiveness. They are telling him that he alone must deal with the consequences of his actions, even though they instigated and benefited from the betrayal.

In Summary:

The verse reveals:

Judas's belated remorse: He recognizes the injustice and his own sin.
The cold-heartedness of the religious leaders: They are interested only in their own goals and show no compassion or concern for justice or for the guilt that Judas carries. They see Judas as a tool they've used and discarded.
The weight of Judas's guilt and isolation: He is left to bear the burden of his actions alone, abandoned by those who used him.

This verse is a powerful illustration of the themes of betrayal, guilt, responsibility, and the contrasting responses of remorse and callousness. It sets the stage for Judas's tragic end, as he is driven to despair by his guilt and the rejection of the religious leaders. It also underscores the corrupt nature of the religious leaders who were more concerned with maintaining their power than with justice and truth.

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