Betrayal is a complicated subject. To some, it can seem like the most devastating thing that could ever happen, but others may not see betrayal as something that should be taken so seriously. The book of Genesis tells us that Jacob, the ancestor of the nation of Israel, had twelve sons in total. His favourite son was Joseph, the firstborn son of his beloved wife Rachel.
In the Bible, betrayal can be a tricky subject. Jesus’ disciples betrayed him multiple times in his lifetime, but he forgave them each time. When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Jesus still prayed for him and asked for forgiveness on Judas’ behalf (Matthew 26:44). It’s important to remember that betrayal is never an excuse for violence or hatred; rather, it should be an opportunity for learning and growth.
Think about what you would want if someone close to you betrayed you in the opposite situation when deciding whether or not to forgive someone who has betrayed you. Would you want them to forgive you? Or would it be better for them to hold on to their anger?
Betrayals In The Bible
Betrayal is a common theme in the Bible. The Bible is rife with tales of betrayal and how God punishes those who commit it. This article lists some of the most famous examples of betrayal in the Bible, including Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus for money, David’s betrayal and murder of Uriah, and Absalom’s killing of his half-brother Amnon after Amnon raped Absalom’s sister Tamar.
Betrayals In the Bible
Betrayal is a common theme in the Bible, with many stories illustrating the pain and consequences of betrayal. Throughout the scriptures, we see examples of betrayal from individuals who were close to the ones they betrayed. These acts of betrayal serve as important lessons for us today on the importance of loyalty, trust, and faithfulness.
1. Judas Betrays Jesus
One of the most well-known betrayals in the Bible is that of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This act of betrayal ultimately led to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Matthew 26:14-16 (NIV)
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 pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
2. Peter Denies Jesus
Another well-known betrayal is Peter’s denial of Jesus three times, as prophesied by Jesus himself.
Mark 14:66-72 (NIV)
While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
3. Absalom Betrays David
In the Old Testament, Absalom, David’s son, betrays his father by turning against him and seeking to take his throne.
2 Samuel 15:10-12 (NIV)
Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’” Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
4. Delilah Betrays Samson
Samson’s story also includes betrayal, as Delilah betrays him by revealing the source of his strength to his enemies.
Judges 16:18-19 (NIV)
When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.
5. King Saul Betrays David
King Saul’s jealousy of David leads to multiple instances of betrayal and attempts to kill him.
1 Samuel 19:10 (NIV)
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.
6. The Betrayal of Joseph by His Brothers
Joseph’s brothers betray him by selling him into slavery out of jealousy, leading to Joseph’s eventual rise to power in Egypt.
Genesis 37:27-28 (NIV)
Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
7. Judas Betrays Jesus with a Kiss
The ultimate act of betrayal, Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest.
Matthew 26:47-49 (NIV)
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 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.
8. Ahithophel Betrays David
Ahithophel, David’s counselor, betrays him by joining Absalom’s rebellion against him.
2 Samuel 17:1-4 (NIV)
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.”
9. The Betrayal of Zechariah
In the New Testament, Zechariah is betrayed by his own people and stoned to death for speaking out against their actions.
Matthew 23:34-35 (NIV)
Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
10. The Betrayal of Samson by Delilah
Once again, Delilah betrays Samson by cutting off his hair, leading to his capture by the Philistines.
Judges 16:19-21 (NIV)
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison.
Judas Iscariot Betrayed Jesus for Money
You may be surprised to learn that Judas received 30 pieces of silver for his betrayal. It’s difficult to say exactly how much money this was, but it is estimated that 30 pieces of silver would be about $3,000 today.
The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly why Judas betrayed Jesus or how he did it, but we do know what happened after his betrayal.
Because he understood why the Romans were arresting him and taking him prisoner—not because they believed he had committed a crime but because they wanted to punish him for attempting to overthrow their government and establish a new kingdom in its place—Jesus refused to defend himself against them (see John 18:36).
However, when Judas was brought before Pilate and told him that Jesus was guilty of all these things—that is, attempting treason—Pilate didn’t believe him at all (see Matthew 27:14-16). And when Pilate questioned Christ’s disciples about whether or not this was true—they said no! They didn’t want anyone else taking credit for their work; they just wanted everyone else out there who might think otherwise silenced (John 18:19). Because those are some pretty compelling reasons!
But alas…there’s always one rotten apple waiting around every bushel basket full of good ones just waiting for an opportunity like this one where someone else does something wrong so we can look like heroes by comparison.”
Peter Betrayed Jesus Three Times
It seems that Peter betrayed Jesus three times, but the Bible also tells us that he repented and was forgiven. If one were to take a close look at the story of Jesus’ betrayal and death on the cross, it would become apparent that he had been planning this event since before his birth. Both Matthew 26:34 and Mark 14:18 confirm this by saying “Jesus knew all along what they would do.”
It is interesting to note that Peter did not deny Jesus because he wanted anything from him other than forgiveness for his sins. He did not betray Jesus because he was afraid of being punished or judged by others either; after all it was Peter himself who said “Do you think I could ever turn my back on Jesus?” (John 18:6). When asked about denying Christ three times, Peter replied “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
Peter denied Christ three times because he didn’t want anyone else knowing how much pain he felt inside every time they called him “Simon Bar-Jona”. This made him feel like less than nothing as no one would even come near him after hearing their comments on how ugly their names were compared with those given by God Himself!
David Betrayed Uriah and His Family
This is one of the most well-known examples of betrayal in the Bible. David was Bathsheba’s husband and he had her husband Uriah killed so that he could have her for himself. However, God punished both David and Bathsheba by making them suffer as a couple. He also punished their children as well, which shows how deeply God felt betrayed by their actions against each other
Absalom Betrayed His Father David by Killing Amnon
Absalom was David’s son, who had been banished from Jerusalem by his father. When he returned, he sought revenge on Amnon—the half-brother who had raped Absalom’s sister Tamar. Absalom killed Amnon with a millstone and fled to Geshur, where he lived for three years until Joab convinced David that Absalom could return safely. However, when Absalom returned to Jerusalem after all these years apart from his father, it was clear that things were far from over between them: Absalom plotted rebellion against David but was killed just before he could carry out his plans.
In the Bible, the betrayers are punished
A betrayal is a serious sin, and the Bible shows that betrayers are not forgiven by God. They are not accepted by God, trusted by God or loved by God. In fact, the Bible says that God will punish the betrayers for their wickedness. The punishment for betrayal is death and hell: Romans 1:32; 2 Timothy 4:16-17.
Conclusion
Betrayal is a common theme in the Bible. Betrayers are punished for their betrayal. The Bible shows how betrayal can be very destructive in our lives, even when it is committed by someone who we love and trust.