The symbolic connection between the prophet Jeremiah and a specific sum of silver originates in the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of Matthew. This passage alludes to a prophecy concerning the betrayal of Jesus. The cited monetary value, traditionally used as compensation for a slave, highlights the perceived worth placed upon Jesus by Judas Iscariot, leading to his arrest and subsequent crucifixion. This event serves as a pivotal point in Christian theology.
The significance lies in the fulfillment of prophecy and the themes of betrayal, repentance, and redemption. While Jeremiah himself does not explicitly detail the same event, Matthew’s Gospel connects the act of betrayal to a prophetic tradition. This association underscores the divine plan unfolding through human actions, even those driven by greed and deception. The historical context includes the complex relationship between Roman rule, Jewish religious authorities, and the followers of Jesus in first-century Judea. The act of paying for a betrayal links to common practices and social structures of the period.