New Testament
Matthew 26:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He asked them, "What will you pay me to hand him over to you?" They agreed with him for thirty pieces of silver.
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And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
What Matthew 26:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, approaches the religious leaders and asks how much they will pay him to betray Jesus. They agree to give him thirty pieces of silver, which was a significant amount of money at the time. This act of betrayal is pivotal in the story of Jesus, as it leads to his arrest and crucifixion. The thirty pieces of silver symbolizes the value Judas placed on his relationship with Jesus, showing how greed can lead to moral compromise. This moment highlights the themes of betrayal, greed, and the consequences of choices made for personal gain. Judas's actions serve as a warning about the dangers of valuing material wealth over integrity and loyalty.
How to apply Matthew 26:15 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own values and priorities. Are we ever tempted to compromise our integrity for financial gain or personal advantage? It serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationships and moral principles over material wealth, ensuring that we remain faithful to our commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does thirty pieces of silver symbolize in Matthew 26:15?
In Matthew 26:15, the thirty pieces of silver symbolize the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. This amount reflects the value Judas placed on his relationship with Jesus, highlighting how greed can lead to moral compromise. The silver represents not just a monetary value, but also the spiritual and ethical cost of betrayal, serving as a warning about prioritizing material wealth over loyalty and integrity.
Why did Judas betray Jesus for money?
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver due to a combination of greed and disillusionment. His actions reflect a deeper moral failing, where he chose financial gain over his loyalty to Jesus. This betrayal is significant in the narrative of the New Testament, illustrating the dangers of valuing money and personal advantage above one's principles and relationships.
What can we learn from Judas's betrayal in this verse?
Judas's betrayal teaches us about the consequences of compromising our values for material gain. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of loyalty and integrity. This verse encourages us to examine our own priorities and to remain steadfast in our commitments, even when faced with temptations that may lead us away from our moral principles.
How does Matthew 26:15 relate to the themes of loyalty and integrity?
Matthew 26:15 starkly contrasts loyalty and integrity with betrayal and greed. Judas's willingness to betray Jesus for money highlights a failure of loyalty, demonstrating how easily one can be swayed by financial temptation. This verse challenges readers to reflect on their own commitments and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of personal gain, reminding us that true loyalty often requires sacrifice.
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