What does the term "thirty pieces of silver" symbolize in literature?

The term "thirty pieces of silver" symbolically represents payment for treachery and betrayal, drawing a direct reference from the biblical account of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for this exact amount. The phrase has evolved in literature and popular culture to signify the cost of disloyalty and the moral implications of sacrificing one's integrity for personal gain. It evokes themes of greed, moral compromise, and the consequences of betrayal, underscoring how a seemingly small sum of money can lead to significant moral downfall and spiritual consequences. This rich symbolic meaning resonates through various texts and discussions around betrayal, emphasizing the weight of one's choices and the moral lessons derived from them.