In biblical times, silver was a common medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. The phrase "a thousand pieces of silver" appears in several contexts throughout the Bible, often signifying a substantial amount of money or value. This entry explores the various instances and implications of this phrase in the biblical narrative.

Genesis 20:16
In the account of Abraham and Sarah's sojourn in Gerar, King Abimelech takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. When God intervenes, revealing that Sarah is Abraham's wife, Abimelech returns her to Abraham. To vindicate Sarah and compensate for the misunderstanding, Abimelech gives Abraham "a thousand pieces of silver." The Berean Standard Bible states: "And to Sarah he said, 'Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and you are fully vindicated.'" This gesture serves as a public declaration of Sarah's innocence and a means to restore her honor.

Judges 17:2-4
The narrative of Micah and his mother in the Book of Judges also involves a thousand pieces of silver. Micah confesses to his mother that he has taken the silver she had dedicated to the LORD. Upon returning it, his mother declares her intention to use part of it to create a carved image and a cast idol. The BSB records: "He said to his mother, 'The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver with me; I took it.' Then his mother said, 'The LORD bless you, my son!' And when he had returned the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother, she said, 'I now dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son to make a carved image and a cast idol. I will give it back to you.'" Although the amount here is slightly more than a thousand, it underscores the significant value and the religious implications of the silver.

Judges 16:5
In the account of Samson and Delilah, the Philistine rulers offer Delilah a substantial bribe to betray Samson. They promise her "eleven hundred pieces of silver" from each of them if she can discover the secret of Samson's strength. The BSB states: "The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, 'Entice him, and find out the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Then each of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.'" This large sum highlights the Philistines' desperation to defeat Samson and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goal.

Song of Solomon 8:11
In the Song of Solomon, the vineyard of Solomon is leased out to keepers, and its fruit is valued at a thousand pieces of silver. The BSB reads: "Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon. He leased out the vineyard to keepers; each was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver." This reference illustrates the prosperity and value associated with Solomon's possessions, as well as the economic practices of the time.

2 Kings 15:19-20
During the reign of Menahem, king of Israel, Pul, the king of Assyria, invades the land. To secure his kingdom, Menahem pays Pul a thousand talents of silver, a vast sum, to gain his support and confirm his rule. The BSB notes: "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from Israel—all the wealthy men—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land." Although the amount here is expressed in talents rather than pieces, it reflects the immense value and political significance of silver in international relations.

Throughout these accounts, "a thousand pieces of silver" serves as a symbol of wealth, compensation, and influence, reflecting the economic and social dynamics of the biblical world.