The answer is: 30

Matt 27:3

When you think about the betrayal of Jesus, it's hard to overlook the figure of Judas Iscariot. He puzzles and intrigues us, primarily because of the staggering price he placed on the life of Christ: just thirty pieces of silver! This was not an arbitrary amount. The thirty pieces were actually the price of a slave, as specified in Exodus 21:32. This hints at a deeper irony, highlighting how little Judas valued Jesus compared to even a human life.

The thirty pieces of silver also have profound implications in the grand narrative of the New Testament. After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas returned the money and famously hanged himself—this act sparking intense debate among scholars regarding the theological implications of remorse and despair.

Here's an exciting piece of trivia: that thirty pieces of silver did not go unforgotten; they are repurposed to purchase a potter's field—an eerily fitting outcome for the traitorous money. This field, known as the Akeldama or "Field of Blood," serves as a striking symbol of the consequences of betrayal and guilt echoing through history.

The Gospel texts illuminate this event, with each writer offering their unique take, but the alarming conclusion remains the same: betrayal—even for something that seems significant at the moment—can quiet the teachings of love and trust. It's a powerful narrative urging us to consider what we value and who we choose to follow. Pretty mind-blowing, right?