The term "betrayeth" is an archaic form of the verb "betray," which means to deliver someone into the hands of an enemy by treachery or disloyalty. In the context of the Bible, betrayal is a significant theme, often associated with acts of unfaithfulness and treachery against God or fellow humans. The most notable instance of betrayal in the Scriptures is the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot.

Judas Iscariot's Betrayal

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, is infamous for betraying Jesus Christ to the religious authorities, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. This act of betrayal is prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus acknowledges Judas' impending betrayal during the Last Supper: "The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born" (Matthew 26:24).

Judas' betrayal is further detailed in the Gospel of John, where Jesus identifies him as the betrayer: "Jesus answered, 'It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread after I have dipped it.' Then He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot" (John 13:26). Judas' act of betrayal is sealed with a kiss, a gesture of false affection, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke: "While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him" (Luke 22:47).

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The theme of betrayal is not limited to the New Testament. The Old Testament contains foreshadowing and typology that prefigure the betrayal of Christ. Psalm 41:9, often seen as a prophetic reference to Judas, states: "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me" . This verse highlights the pain of betrayal by a trusted companion, a sentiment echoed in the New Testament narrative.

Spiritual Implications

Betrayal in the Bible is not merely a historical event but carries deep spiritual implications. It serves as a warning against the dangers of unfaithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God. The act of betrayal is seen as a grave sin, reflecting a heart that has succumbed to evil influences. In the case of Judas, his betrayal is linked to his love of money and his ultimate despair, leading to his tragic end.

Lessons for Believers

For believers, the account of betrayal in the Bible serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and integrity in one's relationship with God and others. The account of Judas Iscariot is a reminder of the destructive power of sin and the need for vigilance in guarding one's heart against temptation. It also highlights the sovereignty of God, who, despite human treachery, accomplishes His divine purposes.

In summary, "betrayeth" in the biblical context is a profound and sobering concept, illustrating the depths of human sinfulness and the redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ.

Of the Method in which the Four Evangelists are Shown to be at one ...
... to them, [we find that] He spoke again concerning His betrayer, in terms which Luke
recounts, when he says, "But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter i of the method in.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... hands of sinners. "Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth
me.". THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST. And straightway, while ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

The Solidarity of the Human Family
... Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me."Matt.26:36-46.
Jesus was personally very sociable. He evidently enjoyed mixing with people. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ii the solidarity of.htm

B. The Last Supper. Ch. 22:7-38
... after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which
is poured out for you.21 But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the last supper ch.htm

Jesus is Thrice Denied by Peter
... And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely
thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus is thrice denied by.htm

This Said Jesus, and Went Forth with his Disciples to a Place ...
... betrayed into the hands of sinners. [3341] Arise, let us go: [3342] for he
hath come that betrayeth me. [22] [3343] And while he was ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xlviii this said jesus.htm

'They Also Serve who Only Stand and Wait'
... at Supper, and said, Lord! which is he that betrayeth Thee?' He was also
bound by close ties to Peter. So with the familiarity of ...
/.../they also serve who only.htm

'Strong Crying and Tears'
... into the hands of sinners.42. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth
Me is at hand."Mark 14:32-42. The three who saw Christ's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/strong crying and tears.htm

The Agony
... Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth Me is at hand." Mark
14:34-42 (RV) SKEPTICS and believers have both remarked that St. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 34-42 the agony.htm

In the Garden
... the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth
Me is at hand." Mark 14:32-42 (RV) ALL scripture, given ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 32-42 in the garden.htm

Betrayeth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Betrayeth (6 Occurrences). Matthew 26:46 Arise, let
us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me. (ASV). ...
/b/betrayeth.htm - 7k

Betraying (14 Occurrences)

/b/betraying.htm - 10k

Bewray (1 Occurrence)
... the American Standard Revised Version "his right hand encountereth oil," the American
Revised Version, margin "the oil of his right hand betrayeth itself"); (2 ...
/b/bewray.htm - 9k

Betrayest (1 Occurrence)

/b/betrayest.htm - 6k

Bewrayer
... the American Standard Revised Version "his right hand encountereth oil," the American
Revised Version, margin "the oil of his right hand betrayeth itself"); (2 ...
/b/bewrayer.htm - 8k

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