JOSEPH W. TKACH
April 1988
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 27:9.
Please notice very carefully what this verse says: "Then was
fulfilled that which was SPOKEN by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that
was valued ...." Jeremiah spoke these words. If he wrote them,
they are not included in the book of Jeremiah.
The fact that a similar prophecy is found in the book of
Zechariah (Zech. 11:12-13) has led some to believe that the word
"Jeremiah" in Matthew 27:9 should be "Zechariah." In all
authoritative texts, however, the original Greek word is
"Jeremiah."
The simple explanation, then, is that Jeremiah spoke the
prophecy, and Zechariah, writing at a later time, was inspired to
record it. God's Word does not contradict itself (John 10:35).
Thank you for your interest. If we can be of further
assistance to you in your study of God's Word, please let us
know.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL