The answer is: Gave them back

Matt 27:3-4 - He threw them down in front of the chief priests and elders, and being tainted money they decided they couldn't put it in the treasury and so bought a field instead in which to bury strangers

The story of Judas Iscariot and the infamous 30 pieces of silver is one of those captivating bits of drama that really shows the human encounter with ethics and betrayal. Have you ever thought about the symbolism of money in this tale? The silver was likely derived from the Jewish practice of using coins for payment—from the Temple sacrifices, to be precise. Judas was motivated by greed to betray his teacher, but his remorse came crashing over him like a wave once he realized the weight of his actions.

When Judas threw the coins back at the priests, it wasn’t just a casual rejection; it was a desperate capitulation, a moment of regret. The fact that the leaders considered the silver “tainted” teaches us something profound about the morality associated with money gained through unethical means. Today, this region of Judah is referred to as the "Field of Blood," but originally, this was a burial ground for those who couldn't afford proper funerals. How poetic that coinage gained from such treachery would be repurposed for burial.

The betrayal of Judas resonates in various religious traditions and even popular culture, illustrating a timeless struggle: to choose allegiance, even to the ideals of an individual, over the lure of monetary gain. It pushes us to reflect—what do we value, and how far are we willing to go to honor that value? Judas’ story isn't just one of betrayal, but also a profound cautionary tale on the pitfalls of greed and the consequences that echo through history.