Matthew 27:7 - They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them, to bury strangers in.
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What does "Matthew 27:7" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:7, describes the aftermath of Judas Iscariot's betrayal and suicide. Let's break down the meaning:
"They took counsel...": "They" refers to the chief priests and elders, the same people who had conspired to arrest and condemn Jesus. After Judas, remorseful, returned the 30 pieces of silver (the blood money he was paid to betray Jesus) to them, they faced a dilemma.
"...and bought the potter's field with them...": A "potter's field" was likely an area of land that was considered useless, often because it was exhausted from being used to dig clay for pottery. It wasn't suitable for farming or other productive purposes. They used the 30 pieces of silver (which they considered blood money, and therefore tainted) to purchase this field.
"...to bury strangers in.": The field was purchased as a burial place for foreigners, poor people, or those who had no family or means to afford a proper burial. The fact that it was intended for "strangers" reinforces the idea of the outcast and marginalized being buried there.
In summary, the verse means:
The chief priests and elders, not wanting to put the blood money back into the temple treasury, decided to use it to buy a worthless piece of land called the potter's field. They designated it as a burial ground for foreigners and other people who had no other place to be buried.
Significance and Interpretation:
Hypocrisy: The chief priests were concerned about the legality of putting "blood money" back into the treasury but had no problem conspiring to murder an innocent man.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Many scholars believe this event fulfills prophecies in the Old Testament, specifically Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 19:1-13 and Jeremiah 32:6-9, which speak of the betrayal and the buying of a field. This connection highlights the idea that Jesus' life and death were part of God's plan.
Symbolism: The potter's field itself becomes symbolic of death, rejection, and the outcast.
Guilt and Responsibility: The priests attempt to cleanse themselves of guilt by disposing of the blood money, but their actions only further implicate them in the injustice of Jesus' death.
Name: According to Matthew 27:8, that field came to be known as the "Field of Blood" (Aceldama), due to its purchase with blood money.
So, the verse is not just a historical account, but also a commentary on hypocrisy, prophecy, symbolism, and the consequences of betrayal. It highlights the irony of the religious leaders' actions and the fulfillment of God's plan in the midst of human sin.
Matthew 27:7 - They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them, to bury strangers in.
What does "Matthew 27:7" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:7, describes the aftermath of Judas Iscariot's betrayal and suicide. Let's break down the meaning:
"They took counsel...": "They" refers to the chief priests and elders, the same people who had conspired to arrest and condemn Jesus. After Judas, remorseful, returned the 30 pieces of silver (the blood money he was paid to betray Jesus) to them, they faced a dilemma.
"...and bought the potter's field with them...": A "potter's field" was likely an area of land that was considered useless, often because it was exhausted from being used to dig clay for pottery. It wasn't suitable for farming or other productive purposes. They used the 30 pieces of silver (which they considered blood money, and therefore tainted) to purchase this field.
"...to bury strangers in.": The field was purchased as a burial place for foreigners, poor people, or those who had no family or means to afford a proper burial. The fact that it was intended for "strangers" reinforces the idea of the outcast and marginalized being buried there.
In summary, the verse means:
The chief priests and elders, not wanting to put the blood money back into the temple treasury, decided to use it to buy a worthless piece of land called the potter's field. They designated it as a burial ground for foreigners and other people who had no other place to be buried.
Significance and Interpretation:
Hypocrisy: The chief priests were concerned about the legality of putting "blood money" back into the treasury but had no problem conspiring to murder an innocent man.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Many scholars believe this event fulfills prophecies in the Old Testament, specifically Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 19:1-13 and Jeremiah 32:6-9, which speak of the betrayal and the buying of a field. This connection highlights the idea that Jesus' life and death were part of God's plan.
Symbolism: The potter's field itself becomes symbolic of death, rejection, and the outcast.
Guilt and Responsibility: The priests attempt to cleanse themselves of guilt by disposing of the blood money, but their actions only further implicate them in the injustice of Jesus' death.
Name: According to Matthew 27:8, that field came to be known as the "Field of Blood" (Aceldama), due to its purchase with blood money.
So, the verse is not just a historical account, but also a commentary on hypocrisy, prophecy, symbolism, and the consequences of betrayal. It highlights the irony of the religious leaders' actions and the fulfillment of God's plan in the midst of human sin.