Topical Bible: Backstabber

◄ Backstabber ►

Topical Encyclopedia

A "backstabber" is a term used to describe someone who betrays another person, often a friend or ally, by acting treacherously or deceitfully behind their back. This concept, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is illustrated through various narratives and teachings that address betrayal, deceit, and the breaking of trust.

Biblical Examples of Betrayal:

1. Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous example of betrayal in the Bible is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Judas's act of betrayal is recorded in all four Gospels. He agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. In Matthew 26:14-16 , it states, "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 hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver." Judas's betrayal culminated in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49).

2. Absalom: Another example is Absalom, the son of King David, who betrayed his father by conspiring to take the throne of Israel. Absalom's actions are detailed in 2 Samuel 15, where he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6) and declared himself king in Hebron, leading to a rebellion against David.

3. Ahithophel: Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, also exemplifies betrayal. Initially a trusted advisor, Ahithophel sided with Absalom during his rebellion against David. His account is found in 2 Samuel 15:12, where it is noted, "While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. And the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing."

Teachings on Deceit and Betrayal:

The Bible contains numerous teachings that warn against deceit and betrayal. Proverbs 25:9-10 advises, "Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away." This passage underscores the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in relationships.

Psalm 55:12-14 poignantly captures the pain of betrayal by a close friend: "For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God."

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The act of backstabbing is fundamentally at odds with the Christian call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) and to live in truth and honesty. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of unity and trust within the body of Christ, urging believers to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).

In summary, while the term "backstabber" is not directly found in the Bible, the concept is clearly addressed through the narratives of betrayal and the teachings on integrity, trust, and love. These biblical principles serve as a guide for Christians to avoid deceitful behavior and to foster genuine, trustworthy relationships.

Topical Bible Verses

Isaiah 21:2
A grievous vision is declared to me; the treacherous dealer deals treacherously, and the spoiler spoils. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.
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