Piece Of Silver
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Piece Of Silver in the Bible?
A piece of silver was a unit of currency in the ancient Near East, defined by weight rather than minted denomination, typically consisting of standardized ingots or cut fragments of silver bars used for trade and payment.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that silver was valued by weight helps readers grasp the economic reality behind biblical transactions, such as the thirty pieces of silver, illustrating the tangible worth of precious metals in ancient commerce and social interactions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Piece Of Silver were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Piece Of Silver in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Piece Of Silver clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Piece Of Silver." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/piece-of-silver/