Betrayal is a painful experience that many people face at some point in their lives. Whether it’s betrayal by a friend, family member, or romantic partner, the Bible has a lot to say about this difficult topic.
Here are some key Bible verses about betrayal:
Psalms 55:12-14 – Betrayal by a close friend
For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
In this Psalm, David laments over being betrayed by someone close to him. He expresses deep hurt over the betrayal of someone he trusted as a friend and companion.
Psalms 41:9 – Betrayal by a close advisor
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
This verse likely refers to David’s advisor Ahithophel betraying him and siding with David’s son Absolom, who was leading a revolt. It illustrates the deep pain that comes with being betrayed by someone in a position of trust.
John 13:18-27 – Jesus betrayed by Judas
I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
This passage foretells Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Despite being one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Judas betrayed him with a kiss for money. Jesus knew ahead of time that this would happen, but it was still profoundly tragic.
Matthew 26:47-50 – Betrayal with a kiss
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
This passage describes Judas’ actual betrayal of Jesus – identifying him with a kiss so the crowd could seize him and crucify him. Being betrayed with a kiss heightens the sense of intimate treachery.
Proverbs 25:9-10 – Avoid betraying others
Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
This proverb warns against betraying the confidence of others. It emphasizes keeping people’s secrets and arguments private to avoid causing shame and disrepute.
Luke 22:3-6 – Plotting a betrayal
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
This passage depicts how Judas’ betrayal was premeditated. He plotted with Jesus’ enemies on how to betray him for money, waiting for an ideal moment to carry it out secretly.
Psalms 55:20-21 – The wounds of betrayal
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
In this Psalm, David describes the great wound and pain that accompany betrayal. The betrayer’s smooth words hide the violent intentions of their heart.
Isaiah 53:3-6 – Jesus betrayed and sacrificed for us
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
This prophecy foretells Jesus being betrayed and sacrificed for humankind’s transgressions. Though betrayed, Jesus’ sacrifice brought salvation to those who believe in him.
Romans 3:23-25 – Betrayal’s root cause
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
This passage indicates that humanity’s universal sin nature is what required Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Our shared tendency to sin and betray others is what makes redemption through Christ necessary.
Lamentations 1:2 – Betrayal by friends
She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.
In this passage, Jerusalem is represented as a woman weeping over betrayal by friends who have become enemies. It conveys the loneliness and anguish that accompany such betrayal.
Micah 7:5 – Betrayal by family
Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
This verse warns against trusting in friends or romantic partners who may betray you. Family betrayals cut deeply because of the expected loyalty of family ties.
Matthew 10:21 – Betrayal by family
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.
Jesus warned his disciples that following him could even divide families and lead to familial betrayals. When families reject Christ, it can result in deep rifts and betrayals.
Psalms 109:3-5 – Prayers for betrayers
They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
This Psalm expresses pain over being accused and betrayed by friends who return evil for good. However, the response is a commitment to prayer rather than revenge.
Matthew 5:43-45 – Loving betrayers
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
Jesus calls his followers to an extraordinarily high standard – to love and pray even for betrayers and enemies. This love reflects God’s love towards ungrateful and evil people.
Romans 12:17-19 – Leave vengeance to God
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Followers of Christ are called to break the cycle of retaliation and revenge. Rather than take vengeance, we can trust God to ultimately deal justly with betrayers.
Psalms 143:7-9 – Turn to God
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
When we’ve been betrayed, this Psalm turns us to God for comfort, hope, guidance and restoration. God’s presence and love is an anchor when relationships betray us.
2 Timothy 4:14-16 – God will judge
Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
Paul shares that he was betrayed and abandoned, even by Christian brothers. Yet he trusts God to ultimately judge the betrayer’s deeds rather than seeking personal revenge.
1 Peter 2:21-23 – Christ’s example
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Peter reminds believers that Christ himself was betrayed unjustly, yet did not sin or retaliate in response. Through his example, we can entrust our betrayers to God’s just judgment.
Betrayal is unfortunately a common human experience, even among God’s people. But in His Word, God gives us many lessons and encourages us with His promises of justice, restoration, and ultimate victory. By turning to Christ, we gain strength to forgive betrayers while still leaving justice in God’s hands.