💰 Thirty Pieces of Silver: The Symbol of Treason and Betrayal 🐍
Ever wonder why silver always seems a tad tarnished with the sour taste of treason? Maybe that’s Judas’s fault! Let’s dive into the depths of this cliché and its unforgettable origin.
Definition:
Thirty pieces of silver: An agreed sum for a betrayal, originating from the biblical figure Judas Iscariot, who was paid thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:15).
Synonyms:
- Blood money
- Dirty money
- Judas money
- Silver coins
- Bribe
Antonyms:
- Loyalty
- Fidelity
- Honor
- Trust
Related and Similar Terms:
- Turncoat: Someone who switches allegiances.
- Benedict Arnold: Named after a famous American traitor during the Revolutionary War.
- Quisling: A Norwegian military officer who collaborated with Nazis—became synonymous with “traitor.”
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I’d sell my soul for thirty bitcoins…oh wait, they’re worth fifty thousand dollars now!”
- “Thirty pieces of silver today could buy you a latte in mid-town Manhattan.”
Proverbs & Expressions:
- “Et tu, Brute?” – Julius Caesar’s lamentation on being betrayed by Brutus.
- Expression: “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” – Someone who betrays while pretending to be friendly.
Literature, Books, and Songs:
- Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – explores themes of betrayal and redemption.
- Novel: Inferno by Dan Brown – also references artifacts related to Judas and betrayal.
- Song: “Backstabbers” by The O’Jays – classic tune on the treachery of fake friends.
- Poetry: “The Judas Tree” by D.H. Lawrence – explores the theme of betrayal.
- Movie: The Departed – contemporary take on betrayal and deceit within law enforcement.
Quizzes 🧠
### What phrase is synonymous with betrayal in return for money?
- [x] Thirty pieces of silver
- [ ] Golden handshake
- [ ] Penny for your thoughts
- [ ] Cutting corners
> **Explanation:** "Thirty pieces of silver" refers to Judas’s price for betraying Jesus, a symbol of treachery and betrayal.
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### Who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?
- [x] Judas Iscariot
- [ ] Pontius Pilate
- [ ] John the Baptist
- [ ] Simon Peter
> **Explanation:** Judas Iscariot is the biblical figure who betrayed Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.
---
### Fill in the blank: A modern-day term for a traitor is a ______.
- [ ] Crosswalk
- [ ] Ferryman
- [x] Turncoat
- [ ] Carpenter
> **Explanation:** "Turncoat" is a term used to describe someone who betrays their allegiance or switches sides.
---
### True or False: 'Thirty pieces of silver' can be directly linked to modern finance and banking idioms.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While related to financial betrayal, 'thirty pieces of silver' primarily symbolizes literal and figurative betrayal, not modern banking terms.
---
### What is NOT a synonym for a betrayal amount?
- [ ] Blood money
- [ ] Judas money
- [ ] Prisoner's dilemma
- [x] Golden parachute
> **Explanation:** A "golden parachute" involves large severance packages, often unrelated to betrayal for monetary gain, unlike the other terms listed.
In the end, whether you see a standing ovation or the sad, echoing clinks of coins, remember that trust is far richer than any thirty pieces of silver. Until next time, dear word lover, stay loyal and keep your phrases fresh!
Inspirational thought: “Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.”
