Betrayal is a painful experience that most of us will encounter at some point in our lives. It might come from friends, family, or colleagues, and it often leaves us feeling hurt and confused.
It involves a violation of trust, and it can come from friends, family, or even colleagues. The Bible, rich in wisdom and guidance, addresses the issue of betrayal in various stories and teachings.
These scriptures not only reflect the reality of betrayal but also guide us towards compassion and resilience. Do read on!
Also Read: Bible Verses About Letting Go
Top Bible Verses About Betrayal
Matthew 26:14-16
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”
This verse highlights the tragic betrayal of Jesus by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot. It underscores the vulnerability of even close relationships to the lure of material gain and deceit. Judas’s actions set in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, a reminder of the profound impact of betrayal.
Psalm 41:9
“Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.”
This verse from Psalms expresses the deep pain and sorrow felt when betrayed by a close friend. It resonates with the universal experience of trust being broken by those we consider dear, emphasizing the emotional weight of such treachery.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
This proverb reveals the paradox of friendship and betrayal, suggesting that honest rebuke from a true friend is more valuable than insincere flattery from an enemy. It emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships based on truth and integrity.
John 13:21
“Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!'”
Jesus’s foreknowledge of His betrayal underscores His divine awareness and the pain of knowing that betrayal would come from within His circle of trusted disciples. It highlights the human experience of betrayal and the emotional turmoil it brings.
Matthew 26:48-50
“The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’ So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.’ Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.”
This passage describes the moment of Jesus’s betrayal with a kiss, an act that is both symbolic and ironic. A kiss, typically a gesture of love and respect, becomes a signal of treachery. Jesus’s calm response shows His acceptance of His fate and His understanding of Judas’s role in the divine plan.
Mark 14:18
“As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.'”
This verse captures the moment Jesus announces the impending betrayal during the Last Supper. It serves as a solemn reminder of the presence of betrayal even in the most intimate settings and among those we trust the most.
Luke 22:3-4
“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.”
The verse highlights the spiritual battle behind betrayal, with Satan influencing Judas to commit his act of treachery. It underscores the role of evil in prompting betrayal and the vulnerability of human hearts to such influences.
Zechariah 11:12-13
“And I said to them, ‘If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.’ So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.”
This Old Testament prophecy is seen as a foreshadowing of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It reflects the perceived value of a life and the contempt shown by those who would betray for monetary gain.
2 Samuel 15:12
“While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David’s counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum.”
This verse recounts the betrayal of King David by his trusted advisor Ahithophel, who joins Absalom’s rebellion. It illustrates the political and personal ramifications of betrayal and the shifting loyalties that can undermine leadership and stability.
Jeremiah 20:10
“I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me ‘The Man Who Lives in Terror.’ They threaten, ‘If you say anything, we will report it.’ Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. ‘He will trap himself,’ they say, ‘and then we will get our revenge on him.'”
Jeremiah expresses his anguish over the betrayal of friends and the spread of rumors against him. This verse captures the paranoia and fear that accompany betrayal, especially when it comes from those once trusted.
Job 19:19
“My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.”
Job’s lament highlights the abandonment and betrayal he feels from his close friends amidst his suffering. It speaks to the isolation and additional pain that comes when betrayal occurs during times of personal hardship.
Micah 7:5-6
“Don’t trust anyone—not your best friend or even your wife! For the son despises his father. The daughter defies her mother. The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law. Your enemies are right in your own household!”
Micah’s warning about betrayal within one’s own household emphasizes the pervasive nature of treachery. It underscores the breakdown of familial and societal bonds, portraying a world where trust is scarce.
Matthew 24:10
“And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.”
In this verse, Jesus predicts that in the end times, many will fall away from faith and betray one another. It reflects the increasing prevalence of betrayal as a sign of spiritual decline and societal disintegration.
Luke 22:47-48
“But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?'”
This passage recounts the moment Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, prompting Jesus to question his actions. The intimacy of the act of betrayal through a kiss is contrasted with its treacherous intent, emphasizing the personal nature of Judas’s betrayal.
Acts 1:16
“Brothers,’ he said, ‘the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.'”
This verse, spoken by Peter, acknowledges the fulfillment of Scripture through Judas’s betrayal. It connects the act of betrayal to the divine plan and prophecy, showing that even treachery can serve a greater purpose in God’s sovereign design.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Enemies
Mark 14:43-45
“And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’ Then you can take him away under guard. As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. ‘Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.”
This account of Judas’s betrayal details the prearranged signal to arrest Jesus. The use of a kiss, a gesture of respect and affection, as the means of betrayal, highlights the profound duplicity of Judas’s actions.
John 18:2
“Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples.”
This verse points out Judas’s intimate knowledge of Jesus’s whereabouts, which he used to facilitate the betrayal. It underscores the vulnerability of being betrayed by someone within one’s trusted circle.
1 Corinthians 11:23
“For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread.”
This verse references the night of Jesus’s betrayal as a significant moment in Christian tradition, marking the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It ties the act of betrayal to the sacrament, symbolizing the profound implications of Judas’s actions.
John 13:2
“It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.”
This verse indicates the diabolical influence behind Judas’s betrayal, highlighting the spiritual warfare involved. It suggests that betrayal is not merely a human failing but can also be influenced by evil forces.
Matthew 27:3-4
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he declared, ‘for I have betrayed an innocent man.’ ‘What do we care?’ they retorted. ‘That’s your problem.'”
Judas’s remorse after betraying Jesus highlights the moral and emotional consequences of betrayal. His return of the silver and admission of sin reflect his regret and the heavy burden of guilt that follows treachery.
Psalm 55:12-14
“It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”
These verses from Psalms poignantly express the pain of being betrayed by a close friend. The betrayal is all the more painful because it comes from someone with whom the psalmist shared deep fellowship and worship.
Matthew 10:4
“Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).”
This verse lists Judas Iscariot among the disciples, noting his eventual betrayal. It serves as a constant reminder of the presence of betrayal within Jesus’s inner circle, a theme that permeates the Gospel narratives.
John 6:70-71
“Then Jesus said, ‘I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.”
Jesus’s statement about Judas being a devil underscores the seriousness of the betrayal and the moral failing it represents. It highlights Jesus’s foreknowledge and the tragic role Judas would play.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
Paul’s warning to Timothy about the moral decline in the last days includes betrayal among friends as a sign of spiritual and societal decay. It underscores the pervasive nature of betrayal and the need for vigilance and integrity.
Psalm 109:4
“I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them!”
This verse reflects the heartache of being betrayed by those one loves and prays for. It captures the tension between love and betrayal, and the difficulty of maintaining love in the face of such treachery.
Proverbs 25:9-10
“When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.”
This proverb advises against betraying secrets during disputes, highlighting the damage such betrayal can cause to one’s reputation. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and discretion in maintaining trust and relationships.
Matthew 26:23-24
“Jesus replied, ‘One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!'”
Jesus’s warning about the betrayal emphasizes the grave consequences of such an act. His statement about the fate of the betrayer underscores the severity and moral weight of betrayal, particularly against the Son of Man.
Matthew 26:25
“Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, ‘Rabbi, am I the one?’ And Jesus told him, ‘You have said it.'”
Judas’s direct question to Jesus and Jesus’s affirmative response highlight the moment of acknowledgment and the inevitability of the betrayal. It reflects the tension and foreboding of the impending act of treachery.
Luke 22:21-22
“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.”
Jesus’s words during the Last Supper point out the presence of the betrayer among His friends, emphasizing the sorrow and inevitability of the betrayal. It underscores the juxtaposition of friendship and treachery within the same intimate setting.
Psalm 55:20-21
“As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!”
This psalm describes the duplicity of a betrayer who uses smooth words and false promises. It captures the deceitful nature of betrayal and the contrast between outward appearances and inner intentions.
Matthew 26:21-22
“While they were eating, he said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.’ Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, ‘Am I the one, Lord?'”
The disciples’ distress upon hearing Jesus’s announcement of betrayal reflects their concern and self-examination. It underscores the gravity of betrayal within their close-knit group and the introspection it prompts.
Luke 22:31-34
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said, ‘Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.'”
Jesus’s prediction of Peter’s denial, a form of betrayal, highlights the frailty of human resolve and the need for divine grace. Despite Peter’s intentions, his failure serves as a lesson in humility and the importance of repentance and restoration.
John 13:27
“When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, ‘Hurry and do what you’re going to do.'”
This verse marks the moment when Judas becomes fully committed to his act of betrayal, under Satan’s influence. Jesus’s command to proceed highlights His acceptance of the events that would unfold, fulfilling the divine plan.
Matthew 27:5
“Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.”
Judas’s tragic end reflects the ultimate consequence of his betrayal and the unbearable weight of guilt. His suicide serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of betrayal and the despair it can bring.
Zephaniah 3:4
“Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.”
This verse criticizes the betrayal of religious leaders who seek personal gain over faithfulness to God. It underscores the corruption and hypocrisy that can arise within spiritual communities, leading to betrayal of their sacred trust.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Manipulation
What Does the Bible Say About Betrayal
Betrayal is a painful experience that can leave deep scars on a person’s heart and mind. The Bible addresses betrayal in several ways, offering guidance, understanding, and hope for those who have been betrayed.
The Bible acknowledges that betrayal is a part of the human experience. It shows us that even Jesus, who was perfect, faced betrayal from one of His closest followers, Judas Iscariot. This act of betrayal was not only a personal attack but also part of a larger divine plan. It reminds us that betrayal can happen to anyone, regardless of their character or actions.
The Bible also teaches us about the nature of betrayal through various stories. For example, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, who sold him into slavery. Despite this terrible act, Joseph eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt and was able to save his family during a famine. This story illustrates that while betrayal can lead to suffering, it can also be a stepping stone to greater things if we remain faithful and trust in God’s plan.
Forgiveness is a key theme when it comes to dealing with betrayal. The Bible encourages us to forgive those who have wronged us, just as God forgives us for our sins. This doesn’t mean that we ignore the hurt or pretend that it didn’t happen, but rather that we choose to release the anger and bitterness that can consume us. Forgiveness is more for our healing than for the benefit of the betrayer.
Moreover, the Bible provides comfort and assurance that God is always with us, even in our darkest times. When we feel the sting of betrayal, we can turn to God for strength and solace. He understands our pain and promises to never leave us or forsake us.
In conclusion, the Bible’s teachings on betrayal remind us that it is a painful yet common part of life. It shows us that even in the midst of betrayal, we can find hope, forgiveness, and a deeper reliance on God. Through these experiences, we grow stronger in our faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan for our lives.