The answer is: 20

Gen 37:28

Joseph’s story takes quite a turn in Genesis after his brothers, in a fit of jealousy, decide to sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites. They sold him for a mere 20 shekels of silver, which might seem insignificant to us today. To put that into perspective, at the time, this amount was roughly the price of a slave—indicative of just how much value they placed on their brother versus 11, which is quite a lot considering he was, ultimately, one of them!

It's interesting to note that Joseph is regarded as a type of figure in many faith traditions—a precursor to later prophetic or messianic characters. His journey from being cast away by his brothers to later rising to power in Egypt adds drama to the narrative. Similarly, his brothers’ negligible price for him echoes throughout history whenever we consider the value placed on individuals and the way betrayal can unfold within families.

Moreover, the number 20 itself pops up repeatedly in scripture, often symbolizing complete cycles or reexamining humanity's moral responsibilities. Throughout Joseph’s story, we witness themes of redemption and destiny that also echo throughout the unfolding narrative of Biblical Israel.

So, the next time someone unfolds the story of Joseph, remember that behind those 20 shekels lies profound significance—not just in Joseph’s life but in the overarching narrative of family dynamics and prophecy in the Biblical text. An enduring tale, for sure!