Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 27:3

"Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders," — Matthew 27:3 (ASV)

Then Judas, which had betrayed him — A better translation is the betrayer, as the Greek participle is in the present tense. The narrative that follows is found only in Matthew, but another version of the same events is given in Acts 1:18. Here, as in the case of Peter, we have to guess at the motives. Had he expected any other result than this? Was he hoping that his Lord, when forced into a decision, would assert His claim as the Christ, display His power, and triumph over His enemies? And was he hoping that in this way he would gain both the reward for his treachery and the credit for having helped establish the Kingdom? This has been maintained by some eminent writers, and it is certainly possible. However, the mere remorse of one who, after acting in the frenzy of criminal passion, sees the horrifying consequences of his deeds, provides an adequate explanation for what follows.

Repented himself — The Greek word used here is not the one commonly used for “repentance,” which involves a change of mind and heart. Instead, it is closer to regret—a simple change of feeling. The coins that he had once gazed on and eagerly clutched were now hateful to him, and their touch felt like molten metal from a furnace. He had to get rid of them somehow. It is terribly suggestive that in this case, unlike Peter’s repentance, there were no tears.