Betrayers
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In the biblical narrative, the theme of betrayal is a significant and recurring motif, often highlighting the frailty of human loyalty and the consequences of sin. Betrayers are individuals who, through deceit or treachery, violate trust and loyalty, often leading to profound spiritual and relational consequences.

Judas Iscariot

The most infamous betrayer in the Bible is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Judas's betrayal is a pivotal event in the New Testament, leading to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew records Judas's act of betrayal: "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 hand Him over to you?' So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-15). Judas's betrayal is marked by his identification of Jesus with a kiss, a gesture of friendship, which he used to signal Jesus to the arresting soldiers (Matthew 26:48-49).

Ahithophel

In the Old Testament, Ahithophel is another notable betrayer. He was a trusted advisor to King David but later sided with Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against his father, David. Ahithophel's betrayal is seen as a significant threat to David's reign, as his counsel was highly esteemed. However, his advice was ultimately thwarted by Hushai, another of David's advisors, leading to Ahithophel's demise (2 Samuel 15-17).

Delilah

Delilah, though not a betrayer in the traditional sense of loyalty to a leader or friend, is another figure associated with betrayal. She was instrumental in the downfall of Samson, a judge of Israel, by coaxing him into revealing the secret of his strength. Delilah's betrayal was motivated by a bribe from the Philistine rulers, who promised her silver in exchange for Samson's secret (Judges 16:4-5).

Joseph's Brothers

The account of Joseph and his brothers is a profound example of familial betrayal. Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery, deceiving their father, Jacob, into believing that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:26-28). This act of betrayal set in motion a series of events that ultimately led to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the eventual reconciliation with his family.

Themes and Lessons

Betrayal in the Bible often serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of sin and the importance of faithfulness. It underscores the human propensity to fall short of divine standards and the need for redemption and forgiveness. The accounts of betrayers also highlight God's sovereignty and ability to bring about His purposes, even through human treachery. For instance, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers ultimately led to the preservation of the Israelites during a time of famine, demonstrating God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises (Genesis 50:20).

Spiritual Implications

The spiritual implications of betrayal are profound, as it often leads to a rupture in relationships and a departure from God's will. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of loyalty and integrity, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The New Testament exhorts Christians to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love" and to "honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10), emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and trust within the community of believers.

In summary, the accounts of betrayers in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation. They also point to the ultimate betrayal of Jesus Christ, which, though tragic, was used by God to bring about the salvation of humanity.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETRAYERS

be-tra'-ers (prodotai, "betrayers," "traitors"): Stephen charged the Jews with being betrayers of the Righteous One (Acts 7:52) i.e. as having made Judas' act their own; compare Luke 6:16: "Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;" 2 Timothy 3:4, "traitors."

Greek
4273. prodotes -- a betrayer
... Word Origin from prodidomi Definition a betrayer NASB Word Usage betrayers
(1), traitor (1), treacherous (1). betrayer, traitor. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4273.htm - 6k

4293. prokataggello -- to announce beforehand
... persecute? They killed those who had (4293 ) the coming of the Righteous One,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become" (). Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4293.htm - 7k

Library

1 John v. 3-Jan
... [2537] Lo, the gospels are pro duced, we read where the Church is spread abroad:
men dispute against us, and say to us, "Betrayers!" [2538] Betrayers of what? ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily x 1 john v.htm

Abstain from the Poison of Heretics.
... in the same mind, and in the same judgment." [759] For there are some vain talkers
[760] and deceivers, not Christians, but Christ-betrayers, [761] bearing ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the trallians/chapter vi abstain from the poison.htm

Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ...
... have preferred doing more for a strange nation than for their own people, and so
by such conduct become the deserters and neglecters, nay, the betrayers of the ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xvii conclusion the romans.htm

"Example of Life and Instruction of Manners. "
... Although these godless judges failed in accomplishing their purpose, they were
not on this account less scandalous betrayers of virtue. ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/example of life and instruction 2.htm

When I Heard This, I was in Doubt what to Do...
... However, such things ought to be done with discretion; for they of Tiberias have
not been the only betrayers of our liberty, but many of the most eminent ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 69 when i heard.htm

Epistle Xlvi. Cyprian's Answer to Cornelius, Congratulating Him on ...
... the uncorrupted and substantial dignity of these confessors, that they have departed
from the deserters and fugitives, that they have left the betrayers of the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xlvi cyprians answer to.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... "Despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady." "Traitors," betrayers of
friendship; "heady," having no steadiness; "high-minded," filled with arrogance. ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Stephen the First Christian Martyr
... They also killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, whose betrayers
and murderers you have become"you who received the law given through angels ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/stephen the first christian martyr.htm

That Astrology, Soothsaying, and Similar Arts are the Invention of ...
... But they who have revolted from the service of God, because they are enemies of
the truth, and betrayers [339] of God attempt to claim for themselves the name ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvii that astrology soothsaying and.htm

Revolt and Extraordinary Death of Procopius. Eleusius, Bishop of ...
... Valens put him and his betrayers to a cruel death; and although it is said that
he had sworn to show favor to the two generals, he caused them to be sawn ...
/.../chapter viii revolt and extraordinary death.htm

Thesaurus
Betrayers (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETRAYERS. ... Multi-Version Concordance Betrayers
(1 Occurrence). Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? ...
/b/betrayers.htm - 7k

Foretold (18 Occurrences)
... persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One,
of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. (WEB). ...
/f/foretold.htm - 13k

Murderers (9 Occurrences)
... They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have
now become betrayers and murderers. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/m/murderers.htm - 10k

Murdered (25 Occurrences)
... and they killed those who declared before about the coming of the Righteous One,
of whom now ye betrayers and murderers have become, (See RSV NIV). ...
/m/murdered.htm - 14k

Predicted (10 Occurrences)
... persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of
whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. (See NIV). ...
/p/predicted.htm - 9k

Previously (44 Occurrences)
... persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of
whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. (See NAS). ...
/p/previously.htm - 20k

Persecuted (34 Occurrences)
... and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom
ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/p/persecuted.htm - 16k

Persecute (48 Occurrences)
... They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have
now become betrayers and murderers. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/persecute.htm - 20k

Beforehand (38 Occurrences)
... Yes, they killed those who announced beforehand the advent of the righteous One,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become-- (WEY DBY RSV). ...
/b/beforehand.htm - 17k

Betrayer (5 Occurrences)

/b/betrayer.htm - 7k

Resources
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Concordance
Betrayers (1 Occurrence)

Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS)

Subtopics

Betrayers

Related Terms

Betrayers (1 Occurrence)

Betrayeth (6 Occurrences)

Betrayer
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