Everyday sayings of Jesus

Thirty pieces of silver

It’s a rather melodramatic saying: “She took her 30 pieces of silver.” Today, it’s often used when someone sells their kiss and tell story to the tabloids. It speaks of a person who easily betrays someone who has trusted in them, because the offer of money is just too good to turn down.

The original 30 pieces of silver were paid to Judas Iscariot, the friend and follower of Jesus who eventually betrayed him. Here’s the handover of the cash, as told in the old King James version of the Bible…

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, “What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 27:14-16

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