What does the Bible say about betrayal?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that betrayal is a grievous sin against God and neighbor, yet the Lord sees the wounded, judges deceit, and calls His people to forgive as they have been forgiven in Christ. Psalm 41:9 foretells the pain of treachery by a trusted friend, fulfilled supremely when Judas betrayed Jesus for money in Luke 22:3-6 and 22:48. Matthew 24:10 warns that betrayal will mark times of spiritual falling away, while Proverbs 19:5 assures us that false witnesses will not escape God’s judgment. Believers are called to resist evil through God’s armor in Ephesians 6:10-18, to practice mercy and forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25, and to treat others according to the golden rule in Matthew 7:12.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 19:5 10 votes
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
- Ephesians 6:10-18 10 votes
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
- Matthew 6:14-15 7 votes
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Psalms 41:9 5 votes
Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.
- Matthew 24:10 4 votes
Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.
- Genesis 12:3 4 votes
I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
- Luke 22:48 3 votes
But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
- Matthew 7:12 3 votes
Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
- Mark 11:25 3 votes
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
- Luke 22:3-6 2 votes
Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve. He went away and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them. They were glad, and agreed to give him money. He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
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