In the biblical context, the term "betrayer" is most prominently associated with Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Judas is infamously known for his act of betrayal, which led to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. The role of a betrayer is one of treachery and disloyalty, often driven by personal gain or malice.

Judas Iscariot: The Archetypal Betrayer

Judas Iscariot is the quintessential betrayer in the New Testament. He was chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve disciples, yet he ultimately betrayed his Master for thirty pieces of silver. The Gospel of Matthew records this transaction: "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-15).

Judas's betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament, as seen in Psalm 41:9: "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus identifies Judas as His betrayer during the Last Supper: "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me" (Matthew 26:23).

The Act of Betrayal

The act of betrayal by Judas is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas leads a group of soldiers and officials to Jesus, identifying Him with a kiss: "Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi,' and kissed Him" (Matthew 26:48-49). This act of betrayal is marked by its intimate nature, as a kiss was a sign of friendship and respect.

Consequences and Legacy

The consequences of Judas's betrayal are severe. Overcome with remorse, Judas attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance is not genuine, and he ultimately takes his own life, as recorded in Matthew 27:5: "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself."

Judas's legacy as a betrayer is one of infamy and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, disloyalty, and the rejection of divine grace. His actions are contrasted with the faithfulness of the other apostles, who, despite their own failings, ultimately remain loyal to Jesus.

Other Biblical Betrayers

While Judas Iscariot is the most well-known betrayer, the Bible contains other examples of betrayal. In the Old Testament, Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, betrays him by supporting Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:12). This act of treachery is met with divine justice, as Ahithophel's counsel is thwarted, leading to his own demise (2 Samuel 17:23).

Another example is Delilah, who betrays Samson by revealing the secret of his strength to the Philistines for a sum of money (Judges 16:4-20). Her betrayal results in Samson's capture and eventual downfall, highlighting the destructive power of deceit and treachery.

Theological Implications

The theme of betrayal in the Bible underscores the gravity of sin and the human propensity to turn away from God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's relationship with God and others. The figure of the betrayer is a stark contrast to the faithfulness of God, who remains steadfast and true to His promises despite human unfaithfulness.(n.) One who, or that which, betrays.4273. prodotes -- a betrayer
... a betrayer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: prodotes Phonetic Spelling:
(prod-ot'-ace) Short Definition: a betrayer Definition: a betrayer ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4273.htm - 6k

The Betrayer Pointed Out.
... THURSDAY"THE DAY OF FELLOWSHIP THE BETRAYER POINTED OUT. When Jesus had
thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the betrayer pointed out.htm

The Words of Christ with and Concerning his Betrayer. (John, xiii. ...
... CHAPTER II. THE LAST SUPPER OF JESUS WITH THE DISCIPLES. Section 267. The Words
of Christ with and concerning his Betrayer. (John, xiii., 11, 21, seq.). ...
/.../section 267 the words of.htm

This Said Jesus, and Went Forth with his Disciples to a Place ...
... his disciples. [3314] And Judas the [3] betrayer knew that place: for Jesus
oft-times met with his disciples there. [3315] And when ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xlviii this said jesus.htm

What Then, if a Homicide Seek Refuge with a Christian...
... Surely the betrayer too is one whom the divine Scripture detesteth. ... What
wilt thou do? wilt thou be false witness, or betrayer? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 22 what then if.htm

John Chapter xiii. 26-31.
... meaning of, and the ungodly to find fault with, the statement, that it was after
the Lord had given the bread, that had been dipped, to His betrayer that Satan ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxii john chapter xiii.htm

Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken.
... It comports better with the fitness of things to place it here. Jesus made Judas
feel his utter nothingness, and his worthlessness even as a betrayer. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxiv jesus betrayed arrested and.htm

"Give Heed unto Me," the Church Says unto You; Give Heed unto Me ...
... saw not what was foretold and fulfilled concerning the Resurrection of Christ, the
Psalm speaking, in His Person, first concerning His betrayer and persecutors ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /7 give heed unto me.htm

(On the Passion, vii. )
... the Sacrament of His Body and Blood, was teaching them what kind of Victim must
be offered up to God, and not even from this mystery was the betrayer kept away ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lviii on the passion.htm

"In Remembrance of Me"
... Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. ... And the betrayer was
privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm

Psalm VII.
... In this silence the Lord, hiding the sacrament of His adorable passion, turns the
brother's voluntary ruin, that is, His betrayer's impious wickedness, into ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm vii.htm

Betrayer (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Betrayer (5 Occurrences). Matthew 26:46 Rouse yourselves.
Let us be going. My betrayer is close at hand." (WEY RSV NIV). ...
/b/betrayer.htm - 7k

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... is-kar'-i-ot (Ioudas Iskariotes, ie 'ish qeriyoth, "Judas, man of Kerioth"): One
of the twelve apostles and the betrayer of Jesus; for etymology, etc., see ...
/i/iscariot.htm - 25k

Judas (42 Occurrences)
... is-kar'-i-ot (Ioudas Iskariotes, ie 'ish qeriyoth, "Judas, man of Kerioth"): One
of the twelve apostles and the betrayer of Jesus; for etymology, etc., see ...
/j/judas.htm - 45k

Rouse (25 Occurrences)
... Let us be going. My betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). Mark 14:42 Rouse yourselves,
let us be going: my betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). ...
/r/rouse.htm - 14k

Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... Let us be going. My betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). ... (WEY). Mark 14:42 Rouse
yourselves, let us be going: my betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). ...
/y/yourselves.htm - 36k

Close (186 Occurrences)
... Let us be going. My betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). ... (WBS). Mark 14:42 Rouse
yourselves, let us be going: my betrayer is close at hand." (WEY). ...
/c/close.htm - 39k

Betrayed (31 Occurrences)

/b/betrayed.htm - 15k

Lay (524 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Matthew 26:48 Now the betrayer had agreed upon a sign with them, to direct
them. ... (DBY). Mark 14:44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. ...
/l/lay.htm - 41k

Iscariote (11 Occurrences)
... up to them; (DBY). Luke 6:16 and Judas brother of James, and Judas Iscariote,
who was also his betrayer; (DBY). Luke 22:3 And Satan ...
/i/iscariote.htm - 9k

Traitor (4 Occurrences)
... See Treason. 2. (n.) Hence, one who betrays any confidence or trust; a betrayer.
3. (a.) Traitorous. 4. (vt) To act the traitor toward; to betray; to deceive. ...
/t/traitor.htm - 8k

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