“Betrayal is a painful experience that has deep emotional and spiritual consequences. The Bible provides profound wisdom on the subject.”
Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences in life, whether it’s from a close friend, a family member, or even a trusted colleague. Throughout history, betrayal has left deep scars on individuals and communities, and it is often seen as an act of profound personal violation. The Bible, as a sacred text, addresses betrayal in various forms, offering guidance and comfort for those who face this heart-wrenching reality.
In this blog post, we delve into several Bible verses that speak about betrayal. These scriptures not only recount instances of betrayal in biblical times but also provide valuable insights on how to cope with such painful experiences. From the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot to David’s painful betrayal by his close friend, the Bible’s teachings on betrayal are rich in meaning and relevance for today’s world.
Understanding what the Bible says about betrayal can help us navigate our emotions, find healing, and learn how to handle such situations with wisdom. Whether you’re dealing with betrayal in personal relationships or finding solace in the words of the Scriptures, these Bible verses offer hope and clarity. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches us about betrayal and how we can find peace in the face of this painful reality.
Top Bible Verses About Betrayal
Matthew 26:14-16
“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 silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”
This verse describes the moment when Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Judas’s actions show that betrayal often comes from a place of greed or personal gain. The betrayal of Jesus by one of his closest followers is one of the most tragic moments in the New Testament, illustrating how betrayal can come from those we trust the most.
Psalm 41:9

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
This Psalm reflects the deep pain of betrayal by a friend. The psalmist speaks of the heartache caused when someone close, a trusted companion, turns away. It highlights the emotional depth of betrayal, emphasizing the personal relationship that has been violated.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Here, Proverbs teaches that betrayal can sometimes come from someone we consider a friend. However, the verse also suggests that even the wounds of a friend may be beneficial in the long run. They may be the result of a difficult but necessary truth, unlike the flattering words of an enemy, which are often deceitful.
John 13:21
“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'”
In this verse, Jesus is aware that one of his disciples will betray him. His deep sorrow reveals the pain that comes with the betrayal of someone close to you. The disciples, unsure of who it would be, show how betrayal can be unexpected and shocking.
Matthew 26:48-50
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”
The famous betrayal by Judas is shown in this passage. Judas’s greeting of Jesus with a kiss, a symbol of affection, underscores the deceptive nature of betrayal. Jesus, however, responds with dignity, addressing Judas as a “friend” even in his moment of betrayal. This shows that even in betrayal, there can be a call to grace.
Mark 14:18
“While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.'”
This verse underscores the surprise of betrayal coming from someone who shares a meal and intimate moments with you. The act of dining together symbolizes fellowship and trust, making the betrayal even more painful.
Amazing Bible Verses About Revival
Luke 22:3-4
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.”
The devil’s involvement in Judas’s betrayal highlights the spiritual aspect of betrayal. The passage reminds us that betrayal can have a spiritual dimension, where external forces may influence a person’s actions.
Zechariah 11:12-13
“I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.”
This prophecy in Zechariah is seen as a foreshadowing of the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It illustrates the value placed on betrayal, which was ultimately seen as insignificant and discarded.
2 Samuel 15:12
“While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Gilo, his hometown. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.”
In 2 Samuel, the betrayal is of King David by his own son Absalom and his trusted counselor Ahithophel. The betrayal here involves political maneuvering and the heartbreak of being betrayed by family and trusted allies.
Jeremiah 20:10
“I hear many whispering, ‘Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!’ All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, ‘Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.'”
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of betrayal from those he thought were his friends. They eagerly anticipate his downfall, reflecting how betrayal can come from those who once appeared to be allies.
Job 19:19
“All my intimate friends detest me; those I loved have turned against me.”
In Job, we see a man who has lost everything, including the trust of his friends. This verse shows how betrayal can feel like a complete abandonment, leaving an individual in emotional isolation.
Micah 7:5-6
“Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace, be careful of your words. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—your enemies are members of your own household.”
Micah speaks of betrayal within families, warning against trusting even the closest family members. It highlights how betrayal can permeate the very core of one’s closest relationships.
Matthew 24:10
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
This verse reflects a broader picture of betrayal in the end times. Jesus warns that in the last days, betrayal will be widespread, even among those who once followed the faith. It highlights how betrayal can extend beyond personal relationships to betrayals of faith and loyalty, demonstrating the increasing moral decay in society.
Luke 22:47-48
“While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'”
In this passage, Judas’s betrayal is sealed with a kiss, an action that normally symbolizes affection and respect. Jesus’s question shows the contrast between love and betrayal, and highlights the hypocrisy in Judas’s actions.
Acts 1:16
“Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.”
This verse underscores the prophetic nature of Judas’s betrayal. It was part of a divine plan foretold in Scripture. Judas’s role in the betrayal of Jesus was not random but rather a fulfillment of prophecy, showing that even in betrayal, God’s purposes were being carried out.
Mark 14:43-45
“Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.'”
This verse is a direct recounting of Judas’s betrayal, emphasizing how he led a group of armed men to arrest Jesus. Judas’s kiss, once a symbol of affection, is turned into a signal for the arrest, showing how betrayal can twist love and trust into something destructive.
John 18:2
“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.”
This passage speaks of the intimacy and familiarity Judas had with Jesus. Judas knew where Jesus often prayed and met with his disciples. It emphasizes the depth of their relationship, making Judas’s betrayal all the more painful because of the trust and closeness they once shared.
1 Corinthians 11:23
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread…”
In 1 Corinthians, Paul recounts the night of the Last Supper, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas. This verse connects betrayal with the institution of the Lord’s Supper, showing that Jesus’s sacrificial death was in part due to the betrayal he endured.
John 13:2
“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.”
This verse provides insight into the spiritual influence behind Judas’s betrayal. It indicates that Satan played a role in prompting Judas to turn against Jesus, suggesting that betrayal can have a spiritual dimension.
Matthew 27:3-4
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.'”
Judas’s remorse after betraying Jesus shows that the consequences of betrayal can lead to guilt and regret. His attempt to return the silver pieces demonstrates his recognition of the wrong he committed, though it did not lead to reconciliation.
Psalm 55:12-14
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.”
This Psalm reflects the heartache of being betrayed by someone close. The psalmist speaks of betrayal not from an enemy, but from a friend, someone they shared fellowship with. It highlights the depth of pain when trust is broken by someone you considered a companion.
Matthew 10:4
“Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
This verse mentions Judas alongside Simon the Zealot, highlighting Judas’s role as a betrayer. It shows that betrayal, while particularly associated with Judas, can come from unexpected places, even among those closest to us.
John 6:70-71
“Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.”
In this passage, Jesus acknowledges Judas’s betrayal before it occurs. Despite Judas being chosen as one of the Twelve disciples, his eventual betrayal was inevitable. This verse reflects the tension between divine selection and human failure.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…”
This passage describes a society where betrayal and other immoral behaviors will be rampant in the last days. It highlights how betrayal is a sign of the times, associated with people who have lost their moral compass and love for others.
Psalm 109:4
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
This Psalm describes betrayal in the context of false accusations. The psalmist is betrayed by those who were once friends, yet he responds with prayer. It teaches the importance of turning to God for strength when faced with betrayal.
Proverbs 25:9-10
“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.”
This proverb advises against betraying confidences, especially in legal matters. It teaches that trust is sacred and that betrayal in these situations can have lasting consequences.
Matthew 26:23-24
“Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.'”
Jesus acknowledges Judas’s betrayal, highlighting that it was predestined but still condemns Judas for his actions. This verse illustrates the seriousness of betrayal, showing that even if it fulfills prophecy, the person who betrays will face grave consequences.
Matthew 26:25
“Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.'”
Here, Judas tries to conceal his actions, asking if he is the betrayer. Jesus’s response indicates that Judas knows what he is doing, underscoring the idea that betrayal is a conscious, intentional action.
Luke 22:21-22
“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him!”
Jesus foretells Judas’s betrayal during the Last Supper, revealing that his betrayer is sitting with him. Despite the inevitability of the betrayal, Jesus warns of the severe consequences for the betrayer.
Psalm 55:20-21
“My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.”
This passage speaks of betrayal through deceitful words. The smooth talk of a betrayer hides a heart full of violence, showing how betrayal often involves manipulation and hypocrisy.
Matthew 26:21-22
“And while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?'”
Jesus predicts the betrayal at the table, leading the disciples to question if they themselves will betray him. This shows the confusion and disbelief that often accompany betrayal, especially when it comes from someone close.
Luke 22:31-34

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Here, Jesus warns Peter about the challenges ahead, as Peter will deny him three times. It highlights that betrayal, while painful, does not have to be the end of a relationship, as there is room for repentance and restoration.
John 13:27
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.'”
This verse marks the moment when Judas fully succumbs to the influence of Satan, leading him to betray Jesus. It emphasizes the spiritual nature of betrayal and how it can be a product of external forces influencing an individual’s heart and mind.
Matthew 27:5
“So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
Judas’s remorse leads to his tragic end. His inability to cope with the consequences of his betrayal results in suicide, illustrating the devastating emotional and spiritual toll that betrayal can have on a person.
Zephaniah 3:4
“Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.”
This verse speaks of betrayal not only by individuals but by the religious leaders who should have been the moral guides. It shows that betrayal can come from those who are meant to uphold righteousness.
What Does the Bible Say About Betrayal?
Betrayal in the Bible is a powerful theme, demonstrating how personal and painful it can be when those we trust the most turn against us. The Bible warns against betrayal, calling it a serious moral wrong, yet it also offers hope and comfort for those who suffer betrayal.
Key Insight
1. What Is the Biblical Meaning of Betrayal?
Betrayal in the Bible often represents an act of breaking trust, whether in a personal relationship or with God. It can result in emotional pain, separation, and consequences.
2. Why Did Judas Betray Jesus?
Judas’s betrayal was motivated by greed and a desire for personal gain. His actions fulfilled prophecy, yet it remains one of the most tragic and misunderstood events in the Bible.
3. How Can I Forgive Someone Who Betrayed Me?
The Bible teaches forgiveness, even when it’s hard. Forgiving someone who betrayed you can bring healing and restore peace, though it requires strength and faith.
4. What Does Psalm 41:9 Teach Us About Betrayal?
This Psalm emphasizes the deep hurt of being betrayed by a friend, especially someone you trust deeply. It shows that betrayal can come from those you love and hold dear.
5. How Can I Protect Myself from Betrayal?
The Bible encourages wisdom and vigilance. Trust in God’s guidance and be careful of whom you entrust with your heart.
Conclusion:
Betrayal is a deep wound that can leave lasting scars, but the Bible offers wisdom, comfort, and healing for those who experience it. The scriptures teach us that betrayal is not only an emotional pain but a spiritual challenge. If it’s through the example of Jesus forgiving Judas or the many stories of betrayal throughout the Bible, there is always hope for healing and reconciliation.
Trust in God’s justice and wisdom, and remember that even in the face of betrayal, there is always a path toward peace.

Hi! I’m Ethan Matthews, a tech enthusiast and avid traveler, sharing insights and adventures from my journeys around the globe.