Bible verses about betrayal reveal one of the deepest emotional wounds a person can endure, especially when trust is broken by someone close. In Scripture, betrayal is powerfully illustrated through the life of Jesus Christ, whose own disciple turned against Him during His final hours.
In Matthew 26:14-15, Judas Iscariot’s act of selling Jesus for thirty pieces of silver marks one of the most heart-wrenching examples of treachery. Yet, through His response from Judas’s deceptive kiss to His calm words at the Last Supper Jesus demonstrated unshakable grace, faith, and forgiveness.
This timeless truth teaches that betrayal often hides behind love’s mask, but divine strength lies in responding with compassion instead of vengeance. Verses such as Luke 22:47-48 and John 13:21-27 remind believers to stay steadfast, guard their hearts, and trust God’s greater purpose, even through life’s deepest betrayals.
Bible Verses About Betrayal
Bible verses about betrayal reveal deep Biblical lessons on betrayal, showing how deceit tests faith and character. The betrayal passages in the Bible highlight stories like Judas and Jesus, reminding us that betrayal is a sin in the Bible that leads to pain but also spiritual growth through forgiveness, repentance, and divine justice.
The Ultimate Act of Betrayal – Jesus and Judas
1: Matthew 26:14-15
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling prophecy and revealing how greed can corrupt even those in Jesus’s inner circle, as highlighted in the Judas betrayal Bible verse.
3: Mark 14:18-21
At the Last Supper, Jesus predicts that betrayal will come from one of His closest followers, illustrating how betrayal often arises from those we trust the most, turning friends into traitors.
“As they were eating together, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me, someone who is eating with me.” The disciples were filled with sorrow, and each one asked, “You don’t mean me, do you?” Jesus answered, “It is one of the Twelve, the one who dips bread into the dish with me.”
4: John 13:21-27
Even Jesus felt the emotional weight of betrayal, showing how Satan can influence those we trust the most.
“After speaking these words, Jesus was deeply troubled and said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at each other, uncertain of who He was referring to. Then, as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.”
5: Luke 22:47-48
Jesus revealed the hypocrisy of using a gesture of love to betray Him, showing His divine awareness of human deception.
“While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd arrived, with Judas, one of the Twelve, leading them. He came up to Jesus and was about to kiss Him, but Jesus said, ‘Judas, are you using a kiss to betray the Son of Man?'”
6: John 6:70-71
Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him, showing that betrayal is part of God’s larger plan.
“Jesus responded, ‘I chose you, the Twelve, didn’t I? But one of you is a devil!’ (He was referring to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, despite being one of the Twelve, would eventually betray Him.)
7: Acts 1:16-18
Judas’ fate shows the spiritual impact of betrayal and how his choices fulfilled biblical prophecy, offering profound lessons found in Biblical lessons on betrayal for dealing with betrayal.
“‘Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, as the Holy Spirit spoke through David long ago about Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus… With the money he earned from his betrayal, Judas purchased a field; there, he fell headfirst, and his body ruptured, spilling his intestines.’”
8: Matthew 27:3-5
Guilt after betrayal can be overwhelming, but true repentance means turning to God, not giving in to despair.
“After Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, realized that Jesus was condemned, he felt deep regret. He took the thirty pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ They responded, ‘What’s that to us? It’s your problem.’ In distress, Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. He then went away and took his own life.”
Read also this article: 45 Bible Verses about Exposing Your Body
Examples of Betrayal in the Old Testament
9: Psalm 41:9
King David faced betrayal from a trusted companion, which foreshadowed Jesus’ own betrayal by Judas. This connection highlights the deep spiritual significance of betrayal, both in the Old and New Testaments.
“My close friend, whom I trusted and who ate with me, has betrayed me.”
10: Psalm 55:12-14
Betrayal hurts the most when it comes from someone with whom we’ve shared deep friendship and spiritual connection, as reflected in Bible verses about betrayal by a friend that remind us how even the closest bonds can be broken.
“If it were an enemy mocking me, I could bear it; if a foe were attacking me, I could flee. But it’s you, a man like me, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once shared joyful fellowship in God’s house, walking among the worshipers.”
11: 2 Samuel 15:12
Ahithophel’s betrayal shows how trusted advisors can become part of conspiracies against godly leadership.
“As Absalom was making sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s advisor, from his hometown of Giloh. This fueled the conspiracy, and Absalom’s support continued to grow.”
12: Psalm 109:4-5
Sometimes, our kindness and friendship are met with accusations and hatred. In these moments, it’s important to stay grounded in prayer, remaining focused on compassion and faith despite the negativity we face.
“They accuse me despite my friendship, but I am a man of prayer. They repay my kindness with evil and return my friendship with hatred.”
13: Jeremiah 20:10
Prophet Jeremiah faced betrayal from those who pretended to be friends while secretly plotting against him, as seen in bible verses about betrayal by friends that illustrate the painful reality of deceit among trusted companions.
“I hear many muttering, ‘Fear is everywhere! Denounce him! Let’s turn against him!’ All my friends are watching for me to fall, saying, ‘Maybe he will be misled, and then we can defeat him and get our revenge.'”
14: Job 19:13-14
Job experienced betrayal and abandonment by his family and friends in his darkest hour, yet he remained faithful, as depicted in Bible verses about betrayal by family.
“He has separated me from my family; my friends have turned their backs on me. My relatives have abandoned me, and even my closest friends have forgotten me.”
Prophet Micah warned that in corrupt times, betrayal would come from even family and close relationships.
“Do not rely on a neighbor or trust a friend. Even with the woman close to you, be careful with your words. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter turns against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s greatest enemies are often within his own household.”
16: Zechariah 11:12-13
This prophecy came true when Judas betrayed Jesus, proving God already knew the betrayal would happen.
“I said to them, “If you think it’s right, give me my wages; if not, keep them.” They counted out thirty pieces of silver as my payment. Then the Lord told me, “Throw it to the potter the fine price they placed on me!” So I took the silver and tossed it to the potter in the Lord’s temple.”
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Jesus’ Message on Betrayal and the Final Days
17: Matthew 10:21
The meaning behind Jesus’ warning reveals that in the end times, family members turning against each other will show how deeply moral values will decline.
“Brothers will hand over their own brothers to be killed, fathers will betray their children, and children will rise against their parents, causing their deaths.”
During the end times, many will abandon their faith and betray fellow believers, showing how deeply trust and unity will fade among people.
“At that time, many will abandon their faith and will betray and hate one another.”
19: Luke 21:16
Jesus warned His followers that staying true to their faith could lead to losing close relationships, even facing betrayal from their own family members.
“You will face betrayal from parents, siblings, relatives, and friends, and some of you will be handed over to death.”
20: 2 Timothy 3:1-4
Apostle Paul explained that in the end times, people would become selfish and unloving, caus(6 pictures done)ing widespread betrayal and loss of genuine compassion.
“But understand this: In the last days, difficult times will come. People will love only themselves and money, be arrogant, proud, and abusive, disobey their parents, show no gratitude or holiness, lack love and forgiveness, spread lies, lose self-control, act cruelly, reject what is good, betray others, act recklessly, and seek pleasure instead of loving God.”
21: 1 Corinthians 11:19
At times, betrayal and division happen to show who truly remains faithful to God and lives with genuine devotion.
“There must be differences among you so that those who truly have God’s approval can be recognized.”
22: Matthew 26:31
Jesus revealed that His own disciples would leave Him, showing how fear and weakness can cause people to turn away, even from those they love.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Tonight you will all abandon me, as it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”
23: John 18:2-3
Judas took advantage of his close understanding of Jesus’ routines to carry out the betrayal, revealing how trust can be misused by those with wrong intentions.
24: Mark 14:10-11
Judas deliberately looked for the right moment to betray Jesus, revealing that betrayal often begins with careful thought and deliberate planning.
“Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. They were pleased and agreed to pay him, so Judas began looking for the right moment to hand Jesus over.”
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Reactions to Betrayal and God’s Justice
25: Romans 12:19
When you experience betrayal, avoid seeking revenge and trust that God will bring justice in His perfect way and time, as shown in Biblical advice on trust and betrayal.
“My dear friends, don’t seek revenge. Leave space for God’s judgment, for as it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
26: Proverbs 25:21-22
27: Psalm 27:10
Even if parents turn away, God’s unfailing love remains, and He welcomes us with care and comfort when everyone else leaves, as shown in Bible verses about betrayal and comfort.
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will take me in and care for me.”
28: Isaiah 54:17
God assures His faithful servants that no attack or false accusation will succeed, as He Himself will defend and honor those who trust in Him.
“No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will silence every voice that speaks against you. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants, and their justice comes from me,” says the Lord.”
29: Psalm 37:1-2
People who act with betrayal or deceit may seem successful for a while, but their success will fade, and they will face the consequences of their actions, as warned in Bible verses about deceit and faith.
“Don’t worry about evildoers or envy those who do wrong, for they will fade away like grass and soon wither like green plants.”
30: 1 Peter 2:23
31: Psalm 55:22
When betrayal causes deep pain, God promises to hold up and give strength to those who remain faithful to Him.
“Give your worries to the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to fall.”
32: 2 Thessalonians 1:6
God’s justice is sure and unchanging; He will make things right and deal with those who have wronged His people.
“God is fair; He will bring hardship upon those who cause you suffering.”
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Forgiveness and Renewal After Betrayal
33: Matthew 6:14-15
Forgiving those who hurt or betray us is necessary for a healthy spirit and a strong relationship with God, not just a choice we make.
“If you forgive others when they wrong you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive them, your Father will not forgive your own sins.”
34: Luke 23:34
Even while suffering on the cross because of betrayal, Jesus showed mercy by praying that those who hurt Him would be forgiven.
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, because they don’t understand what they’re doing.’ Then they cast lots to divide His clothes among themselves.”
35: John 21:15-17
After Peter denied Jesus, the Lord forgave him completely and gave him a new purpose, showing that true repentance leads to restoration.
“After they had eaten, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ Peter replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus then said, ‘Take care of my lambs.’”
36: Ephesians 4:32
We should forgive those who betray or hurt us with the same love and completeness that God showed when He forgave us through Jesus Christ.
“Be gentle and caring toward one another, forgiving each other just as God forgave you through Christ.”
37: Colossians 3:13
God lovingly heals the pain caused by betrayal and comforts the hearts that have been deeply hurt by broken trust.
“He heals those with broken hearts and wraps up their wounds with care.”
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Practical Ways to Live Out Bible Verses About Betrayal
Experiencing betrayal can be deeply painful, but living out biblical wisdom can help you heal and respond with grace. Here are practical ways to apply Bible verses about betrayal in your life:
Memorize Comforting Scriptures: Pick a few Bible verses that deeply touch your heart and remember them. When you feel hurt by betrayal, these words will remind you of God’s strength and comfort, as found in Scripture on betrayal and forgiveness.
Keep a Healing Journal: Write your thoughts, prayers, and lessons from your journey. Record how God is guiding you, healing your heart, and showing His faithfulness even in painful moments, as reflected in Verses about betrayal and healing in the Bible.
Choose Forgiveness Every Day: Forgiveness is an ongoing process. Each day, let go of anger and ask God to give you peace while praying for those who wronged you.
Surround Yourself With Support: Stay connected with caring believers who can pray with you and share wise, faith-filled encouragement as you grow stronger, drawing from Bible support for those betrayed.
Trust God’s Unchanging Nature: When people fail you, rely on God’s steady love and promises. He never betrays or abandons those who put their faith in Him.
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Conclusion
Bible verses about Betrayal provide profound insight into the deep emotional wounds caused by broken trust, particularly when the betrayal comes from those closest to us. The story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus illustrates how betrayal often arises from trusted individuals, and how it can be disguised as affection.
Jesus’ response demonstrating grace and forgiveness even toward His betrayer reflects powerful Bible teachings on betrayal and loyalty, reminding believers to respond with compassion rather than vengeance.
Through Holy Scripture on overcoming betrayal, we learn the importance of staying spiritually strong, guarding our hearts, and trusting God’s greater purpose, even amid life’s hardest trials. Ultimately, these verses about treachery in the Bible remind us that forgiveness, faith, and divine justice lead to healing, and that even our deepest pain can be transformed by God into something meaningful for His greater plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Adultery?
Betrayal Bible verses about adultery condemn adultery as a serious sin, with the commandment "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Jesus expanded this to include lustful thoughts.
The Old Testament prescribed the death penalty, while the New Testament urges fleeing from immorality and honoring marriage, offering forgiveness through faith.
What are Bible Verses About Betrayal KJV?
Bible verses about betrayal in the KJV include Psalm 41:9, which says, "Even mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." In Matthew 26:21, Jesus predicts that one of His disciples will betray Him.
Matthew 24:10 also highlights, "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." These verses address personal betrayal, the betrayal of Jesus, and the widespread betrayal that will occur in challenging times.
What are Some Quotes on Betrayal from the Bible?
Some Bible quotes on betrayal and deceit include, "Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, has lifted his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9), and Jesus’s question to Judas, "Are you going to betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48). Other scriptures emphasize the harm caused by betrayal and the consequences for the betrayer, such as "Betrayals are inevitable, but woe to the one who betrays others" (Luke 17:1-2).
Additionally, bible quotes about cheating and lying warn against deceitful actions, as in "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity.
What is the Bible Guidance on Betrayal?
The Bible teaches forgiveness and trust in God’s justice when faced with betrayal. Jesus urges us to forgive and love those who betray us (Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 6:27-28). Additionally, Romans 12:19 reminds us to leave vengeance to God: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
What is the Punishment for Betrayal in Bible?
The punishment for betrayal in the Bible is spiritual separation from God and deep remorse, as seen in Judas’s story. It teaches that betrayal brings guilt and divine justice until one repents.
