Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5798 betrayal

5798 betrayal

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5798 betrayal

The treacherous exposing or deceiving of people by those they formerly trusted. It is usually associated with an enemy masquerading as a friend, or with a broken or abused relationship. Betrayal was suffered by Jesus Christ and can be expected by his followers.

Betrayal is part of human experience

Examples of those experiencing betrayal

Psalm 41:9 See also Judges 16:18; 1 Samuel 18:17; 2 Samuel 19:26-27; Psalm 55:12-14 Betrayal carries acute feelings for its victims; Jeremiah 12:6; Lamentations 1:2,19

Examples of those murdered through betrayal

The power struggles of Israel's early kingship period gave rise to many bloody betrayals:

2 Samuel 3:27; Samuel 4:6; Samuel 11:15; Samuel 13:28-29; Samuel 20:10; 1 Kings 21:8-10

Betrayal is seen as a particularly wicked act

Isaiah 33:1 See also 1 Chronicles 12:17; Proverbs 25:9-10; Isaiah 24:16-17; Matthew 26:24 pp Mark 14:21 pp Luke 22:22

The betrayal of Jesus Christ

Judas determines to betray Jesus Christ

Matthew 26:14-16 pp Mark 14:10-11 pp Luke 22:3-6

Jesus Christ's knowledge of events

Matthew 26:21-23 pp Mark 14:18-20 See also Matthew 20:17-19 pp Mark 10:33-34; Luke 22:21; John 13:11,18; Psalm 41:9; John 13:21-27

Jesus Christ is betrayed by a kiss

Matthew 26:47-49 pp Mark 14:43-45 pp Luke 22:47-48 The kiss featured in several betrayals as part of feigned friendship (see e.g., 2Sa 20:9-10 and Pr 27:6).

The betrayer's remorse

Matthew 27:3-5

Betrayal may be part of Christian experience

Matthew 10:21 pp Mark 13:12 pp Luke 21:16 See also Daniel 7:25; Matthew 10:35-36; Micah 7:6

Betrayal as a sign of the end times

Matthew 24:10

God never betrays those who trust in him

Psalm 89:33 See also Psalm 118:8; Psalm 125:1; Proverbs 29:25; Isaiah 26:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:12