Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the "piece of silver" was a common unit of currency and held significant economic and symbolic value. The term is often associated with various transactions and events throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both everyday commerce and profound theological themes.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 37:28 · The earliest notable mention of silver pieces is in the account of Joseph, where his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. This transaction highlights the betrayal and familial discord that set the stage for Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt. 2. Exodus 21:32 · The Mosaic Law provides a legal framework involving silver, such as the compensation of thirty shekels of silver for a slave gored by an ox. This regulation underscores the value placed on human life and property within the Israelite community. 3. Judges 17:2-4 · Silver is also seen in religious contexts, as in the account of Micah, who used eleven hundred pieces of silver to create an idol. This narrative illustrates the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices that plagued Israel. New Testament References 1. Matthew 26:14-16 · Perhaps the most infamous mention of silver pieces is in the account of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This act of treachery fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13, where the prophet speaks of the thirty pieces of silver as the "handsome price" at which he was valued by the people. “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’ And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:14-15) 2. Matthew 27:3-5 · After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas attempted to return the silver to the chief priests and elders, but they refused. In despair, Judas threw the money into the temple and hanged himself. The chief priests used the silver to buy the potter's field, fulfilling another prophecy and demonstrating the consequences of sin and remorse. Symbolic and Theological Significance The piece of silver serves as a powerful symbol throughout the Bible. It represents human greed, betrayal, and the cost of sin. In the case of Judas, the thirty pieces of silver became a poignant reminder of the price of betrayal and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The use of silver in various legal and religious contexts also reflects the economic realities of ancient societies and the moral and ethical teachings of the Scriptures. In summary, the piece of silver is more than just a monetary unit; it is a narrative device that conveys deep spiritual truths and historical realities within the biblical text. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Piece of SilverPIECE OF SILVER Two words are thus rendered in the Old Testament (ratstse-khaceph, and qesiTah) and two in the New Testament argurion, and drachme). The first expression means pieces of silver broken off from bars or larger pieces (Psalm 68:30). The second is used for money in Joshua 24:32, and is so rendered in the Revised Version (British and American). The pieces were not coins, but perhaps bore a stamp. See MONEY. In other passages of the Old Testament where pieces of silver are mentioned, the Hebrew has simply a numeral joined with keTeph, "silver," as in the account of the selling of Joseph (Genesis 37:28). In Isaiah 7:23 the word silverlings means small pieces of silver, and they were no doubt shekels. In the New Testament the Greek arguria (Matthew 26:15; Matthew 27:3-9), is translated as pieces of silver, but probably means shekels. In Acts 19:19 the same word occurs, but in this case the reference is probably to the denarius or drachma (compare Luke 15:8). Thus, the 30 pieces of Matthew would be equal to about 4 British pounds or USD20 (in 1915), and the 50,000 of Acts to about 2,000 British pounds or USD10,000 (in 1915). Smith's Bible Dictionary Piece of SilverI. In the Old Testament the word "pieces" is used in the Authorized Version for a word understood in the Hebrew (if we except) (Psalms 68:30) The phrase is always "a thousand," or the like, "of silver." (Genesis 20:16; 37:28; 45:28; Judges 9:4; 16:5; 2 Kings 6:25; Hosea 3:2; Zechariah 11:12,13) In similar passages the word "shekels" occurs in the Hebrew. There are other passages in which the Authorized Version supplies the word "shekels" instead of "pieces," (22:19,29; Judges 17:2,3,4,10; 2 Samuel 18:11,12) and of these the first two require this to be done. The shekel, be it remembered, was the common weight for money, and therefore most likely to be understood in an elliptical phrase. The "piece" or shekel of silver weighed 220 grains, or about half an ounce, and was worth a little more than half a dollar (55 cents). II. In the New Testament two words are rendered by the phrase "piece of silver:"
Greek 694. argurion -- silvery, by ext. a piece of silver ... a piece of silver. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: argurion Phonetic Spelling: (ar-goo'-ree-on) Short Definition: silver, a shekel, money in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/694.htm - 6k 1406. drachme -- as much as one can hold in the hand, a drachma (a ... 5553. chrusion -- a piece of gold, gold 4715. stater -- a stater (a coin) Strong's Hebrew 95. agorah -- payment... piece of silver. From the same as 'Aguwr; properly, something gathered, ie Perhaps a grain or berry; used only of a small (silver) coin -- piece (of) silver. ... /hebrew/95.htm - 6k 7192. qesitah -- (unit of value), perhaps piece Library The Lost Silver Piece Elisha's Way of Treating Enemies A Sort of Sorites, as the Logicians Call It, to Show that the ... Finding God Second Great Group of Parables. Peter and the Tribute-Money. Article xxii (X): of Both Kinds in the Lord's Supper. But Having Now done with this Account of the Consummation... The Person and Work of the Substitute The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736. Resources Was Adam and Eve's sin really about eating a piece of forbidden fruit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org Do eucharistic miracles really happen? | GotQuestions.org Piece: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |