The answer is: 30

Matt 26:14-15 - which would have been about 4 months wages.

Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver holds a fascinating place in the Gospels, acting as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Christ's ministry. When delving into this story, it’s intriguing to consider not only the motivation behind the betrayal but the symbolism of the silver itself. The amount, often suggesting a significant yet tragically superficial value as it represented roughly four months' wages, emphasizes how easily Judas would forsake Jesus for monetary gain.

But here’s where it gets even juicier: the 30 pieces echo a piece of Old Testament symbolism! In Exodus 21:32, the same amount is the compensation for a slave that was gored by an ox. By paying this amount for Jesus, Judas unintentionally frames the Messiah within this same tragedy and servitude. Quite the heavy mantle, right?

Furthermore, these pieces of silver have morphed into a cultural reference point - “30 pieces of silver” resonates today as shorthand for betrayal. This term mirrors a universal underside of human tendencies and has appeared across literature and art.

Did you know the pieces themselves are often pictured as gleaming silver coins, but were more likely weighted shekels? This fell neatly into the Jewish economy of the day, calling to mind how ancient societies valued money - a contrast we still grapple with today in terms of beliefs and integrity.

Slowly unraveling such themes enriches our understanding of choice, value, and what real, embracing love looks like against personal gain. A thought-provoking layer in the timeless tale of Jesus's outreach and sacrifice!