Matthew 27:3 says Judas was “seized with remorse” after Jesus was condemned, and he even returned the silver and confessed his sin. But in Acts 1:25, Peter says Judas went “to his own place”—a strong phrase that many take to mean judgment. That makes me wonder: was Judas’s sorrow genuine repentance, or more of a desperate regret without true faith?
How do you read these verses?
Reference:
The question is whether Judas’s response qualifies as biblical repentance, and the Greek text allows us to answer that carefully and clearly.
In Matthew 27:3, the verb used of Judas is μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai), translated “he felt remorse” or “he was seized with regret.”
This term refers to emotional sorrow or regret over an action, often because of its outcome, and it does not in itself imply a turning to God, faith, or moral transformation.
The New Testament’s primary term for repentance is μετάνοια (metanoia), with the verb μετανοέω (metanoeō).
This word denotes a change of mind and direction that results in a turning toward God, marked by faith, humility, and submission, not merely by grief over sin’s consequences.
Matthew intentionally uses μεταμέλομαι rather than μετανοέω, even though he is fully familiar with the language of repentance.
This lexical choice indicates that Judas experienced sorrow, but not repentance in the covenantal or saving sense.
Judas does confess his sin in Matthew 27:4, using the verb ἐξομολογέομαι (exomologeomai), meaning to acknowledge or admit wrongdoing.
However, confession by itself does not constitute repentance, since Scripture consistently shows that repentance includes a turning to God in faith, not merely an admission of guilt.
There is no indication in the text that Judas turns to Christ, seeks mercy, or entrusts himself to God’s grace.
His actions focus on returning the silver and expressing regret, but not on reconciliation with God.
Acts 1:25 describes Judas as departing “to his own place,” using the phrase εἰς τὸν τόπον τὸν ἴδιον (eis ton topon ton idion).
Within its Jewish and narrative context, this expression functions as a sober statement of judgment rather than a neutral description of death.
Paul later provides a helpful distinction in 2 Corinthians 7:10 between godly sorrow that produces repentance leading to salvation and worldly sorrow that leads to death.
Judas’s sorrow aligns with the latter category, as it does not result in faith, restoration, or life.
In summary, Judas’s remorse was real and serious, but it is not described by Scripture as biblical repentance.
Biblical repentance involves a turning to God through faith, whereas Judas’s sorrow remains focused on his action and its consequences rather than on trusting God for mercy.
This distinction is important pastorally, because Scripture calls sinners not only to feel sorrow over sin, but to turn to God in repentance and faith.
[repented himself] A different Greek word from that used, ch. Mat_3:2; it implies no change of heart or life, but merely remorse or regret. See note ch. Mat_21:29; Mat_21:32.
Mat_27:3 vs. 3-10
Matthew presents a contrast between the denial of Peter and that of Judas. A contrast of their conduct and outcome.
Judas shows grief and sorrow (not the word “repent” which John the Baptist and Jesus called for however. Luk_3:3; Mar_1:4; Mat_3:2; makes a confession and attempts to make “restitution”, but does not return to God (Christ).
Matt. 27.3 = metamellomai “regret”
Luke 3:3 = metanoia “repent”
Matt 3.2 = metanoeo “repent”
metanoeo
Thayer Definition:
Good article.
J.
I believe Johann’s answer is spot on.
Difference: Remorse (Worldly Sorrow) Repentance (Godly Sorrow)
Focus: Focuses on self, the consequences, and the guilt. Focuses on God, the relationship, and the healing.
Emotion": Characterized by regret, shame, or despair. Characterized by humility and a desire for change.
Action: Stays stuck in the past; no change in behavior. Turns around and moves in a new direction.
Outcome: Leads to “death”, emotional or spiritual stagnation. Leads to “life” and restoration.
“As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
The difference between the two men who failed Jesus, Judas and Peter, is found in where they looked after they sinned:
Judas looked at the sin: He was so consumed by what he had done that he saw no way out. He tried to fix it himself by returning the money to the priests. When that didn’t work, his despair led to suicide. He focused on the penalty, not the Provider of grace.
Peter looked at the Savior: Peter also wept bitterly, but he remained in the community of believers and was eventually reconciled to Jesus on the beach in Galilee. He focused on restoration.
Hope this helped
Peter
There’s another verse I look at that I think is relevant. It’s in Hebrews 12
“lest there be any fornicator or [f]profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. **17 **For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”
At the heart of his repentance was the loss of the blessing. His regret was on the consequence of his action and not on frivolous way He had treated the blessing. Repentance is more than being sorry for the outcome. It’s coming into agreement with God that your action sinned against Him.
Judas was remorseful that Jesus was arrested and Judas was the cause. I don’t think it went any further than that. He had made a mistake and was truly remorseful about the consequence of that mistake, but what it shows that underneath his action was a heart that didn’t know who Jesus truly was. He should have known. Peter knew and his repentance was real.
Judas killed himself because he couldn’t live with what he’d done. If he knew God then he would also have known true repentance.
This passage answers the question for me, since it is Jesus’s own declaration.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12)
KP