Did Judas Iscariot Die by Hanging or by Falling?

 Did Judas Iscariot Die by Hanging or by Falling?

Dr. Maxwell Shimba explains:

 Introduction

One of the common questions that arises regarding the death of Judas Iscariot is the apparent discrepancy between the accounts of Matthew 27:5, which describes Judas' death by hanging, and Acts 1:18, which narrates Judas' fall and bursting open. Critics of the Bible often claim this is a contradiction, while Christian scholars argue there is harmony between the two passages when considered carefully. This chapter will explore these two biblical texts in detail, using commentary, concordance, and comprehensive exegesis to explain why there is no contradiction in the accounts of Judas Iscariot's death.

Textual Comparison

- *Matthew 27:5 (NKJV):** "Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself."

- **Acts 1:18 (NKJV):** "Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out."

On the surface, these two accounts appear to present two very different descriptions of Judas' death: one by hanging, the other by falling. However, a deeper examination reveals that these accounts are not contradictory but complementary.

Harmonizing the Accounts

1. **The Method of Judas' Death (Hanging)**

Matthew 27:5 clearly states that Judas hanged himself. This is the primary method of his death, which is confirmed by most traditional interpretations and commentaries. Judas, overwhelmed with guilt after betraying Jesus, took his own life by hanging.

According to **Matthew Henry's Commentary**, Judas was filled with remorse after betraying Jesus, which led him to take drastic action. His method of suicide—hanging—was common in ancient times as a form of swift death. Judas, realizing the gravity of his betrayal, acted impulsively, ending his life in despair rather than seeking forgiveness. 

2. **The Aftermath of Judas' Death (Falling and Bursting)**

Acts 1:18 provides additional details about what happened after Judas hanged himself. The phrase "falling headlong" is understood by many scholars to describe the aftermath of the hanging. After Judas’ body hung for some time, it likely began to decompose. Eventually, his body may have fallen, either due to the rope breaking or someone cutting it down, resulting in the bursting open of his abdomen as described in Acts.

**Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible** suggests that this passage in Acts refers to the physical consequence of Judas' hanging. When Judas’ body was eventually released from the rope, either through the decay of the rope or by someone removing the body, it fell to the ground in such a manner that his entrails burst out.

**John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible** adds that the term "falling headlong" could imply that his body fell face downwards after the hanging, causing severe damage upon impact with the rocky ground. This would have led to the gory description in Acts, where his body burst open.

3. **Cultural and Environmental Factors**

In understanding the harmonization of these texts, it is essential to consider the geographical and cultural context of Judas' death. In the hilly, rocky terrain surrounding Jerusalem, it would not have been uncommon for someone who hanged themselves to fall a considerable distance if the body were released from the noose. This would explain why, after hanging, Judas' body might have fallen "headlong," causing the gruesome details recorded in Acts 1:18.

Commentary and Concordance Insights

1. **Matthew 27:5 – The Act of Suicide**

- According to the **Strong's Concordance**, the word used in Matthew 27:5 for "hanged" (Greek: *apēgxato*) literally means to strangle or suspend oneself by the neck. This confirms the act of hanging as the primary cause of Judas' death.

- **Matthew Henry’s Commentary** highlights the emotional and psychological turmoil Judas must have experienced, resulting in a decision to end his life.

2. **Acts 1:18 – The Aftermath**

- The Greek word translated as "falling headlong" (Greek: *prēnēs genomenos*) in Acts 1:18 is a term that can describe a sudden collapse or fall. **Strong's Concordance** indicates that the phrase can imply the falling of a body, possibly after hanging, supporting the view that this describes what happened after the initial act of suicide.

- **The Expositor's Greek Testament** notes that the bursting of Judas' body likely occurred after his hanging, either due to decomposition or from a fall. This commentary emphasizes that Luke, the author of Acts, is providing supplementary details rather than an alternate account.

3. **How Both Accounts Align**

- **Matthew Poole’s Commentary** explains that there is no conflict between the two passages. Judas first hanged himself (as described in Matthew) and, after his body was left unattended for a while, fell in a manner that caused his abdomen to burst (as described in Acts).

- **Adam Clarke’s Commentary** also reconciles the accounts by suggesting that the two descriptions reflect different stages of the same event: Judas' death was by hanging, and the graphic details in Acts refer to what happened after his body was left hanging and later fell to the ground.

Conclusion: No Contradiction

The two accounts of Judas' death in Matthew and Acts are not contradictory but complementary. Matthew focuses on the immediate cause of Judas' death—hanging—while Acts provides additional information about what happened after Judas’ death. Both descriptions can be reconciled by understanding that Judas first hanged himself and, after a period of time, his body fell, causing it to burst open.

This chapter shows that careful study of the original languages, context, and cultural environment clarifies any perceived discrepancies. The Bible, as divinely inspired, often provides complementary details across different books and authors to offer a fuller picture of historical events. In the case of Judas Iscariot’s death, the combination of hanging and falling presents a consistent narrative when viewed through a comprehensive exegetical lens.

Shimba Bible Study Series 

Shalom 

Dr. Maxwell Shimba 

Shimba Theological Institute 

New York, NY