The answer is: 20

Gen 37:28

In the saga of Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, the amount of 20 shekels of silver stands as a symbol of treachery and betrayal. This scenario encapsulates not only the deep dysfunction within Joseph's family, but it also mirrors the broader theme of betrayal found throughout biblical narratives. Can you imagine the weight of this act? The very act of selling one’s brother – Joseph’s brothers traded him for the price of a slave, something of inconspicuous cost compared to the value of familial bond.

Interestingly, the shekel was not just currency; it carried deep cultural appreciation. It often popped up throughout various ancient Near Eastern dealings, representing the weight and measure of value. In Joseph's case, it tells us that his life was secondary to the profit his brothers could cash in on.

The covenantal backdrop hints at a greater narrative too. Much later, there's an echo of this familial betrayal when another betrayal occurs in the New Testament—Judas Iscariot famously betrays Christ for thirty pieces of silver. It illustrates how the theme of misjudged worth carries through the Holy Scripture.

What further adds layers to Joseph's story is that he eventually becomes the very instrument of salvation for his family when he provides for them during famine. It’s as if this moment of deepest despair turned into an unexpected avenue of hope, underscoring a subtle yet remarkable strand of redemption visible throughout the biblical tale. Now that’s a plot twist!