Lexical Summary prodotés: Traitor, Betrayer Original Word: προδότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance betrayer, traitor. From prodidomi (in the sense of giving forward into another's (the enemy's) hands); a surrender -- betrayer, traitor. see GREEK prodidomi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom prodidómi Definition a betrayer NASB Translation betrayers (1), traitor (1), treacherous (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4273: προδότηςπροδότης, προδοτου, ὁ (προδίδωμι, 2), a betrayer, traitor: Luke 6:16; Acts 7:52; 2 Timothy 3:4. (From (Aeschylus), Herodotus down; 2 Macc. 5:15; 3Macc. 3:24.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 4273 names the one who, through conscious treachery, hands over another to harm: the betrayer, the traitor. The word surfaces only three times in the New Testament but resonates with an entire biblical storyline that contrasts covenant loyalty with faithless desertion. By tracing its occurrences and the larger canonical witness, we gain insight into the nature of betrayal, the character of the God who remains faithful, and the pastoral vigilance required of Christ’s people. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 6:16 identifies Judas Iscariot as the disciple “who became a traitor,” the personal embodiment of treachery against the incarnate Son of God. Though the term appears rarely, each setting is strategic—Gospel, history, and pastoral epistle—offering a panoramic view of betrayal’s personal, corporate, and eschatological dimensions. Old Testament and Second Temple Background While 4273 is Greek, the concept of betrayal saturates the Hebrew Scriptures. The verb bagad (“to deal treacherously”) describes unfaithfulness to covenant partners—whether the LORD, a spouse, or a nation. Psalm 55 portrays the agony of a companion’s treachery, foreshadowing Judas’s kiss. Zechariah 13:6 anticipates wounds “received in the house of my friends,” a prophetic echo of Christ’s suffering at the hands of His own. Intertestamental literature likewise lamented internal betrayal as a root of national tragedy, preparing Jewish ears to feel the sting of Luke’s “traitor.” Judas Iscariot: The Archetypal Betrayer Judas’s infamy defines the word for many readers. Luke’s phrase “who became a traitor” (Luke 6:16) signals a tragic progression: proximity to Jesus yet inward divergence leading to open betrayal. His account warns that external discipleship can mask a heart harboring idolatry (John 12:6) until provoked by disillusionment or greed (Matthew 26:14–16). The juxtaposition of table fellowship and treachery (John 13:18–30) exposes betrayal’s relational violence: trust weaponized. Betrayal of the Prophets and the Righteous One Acts 7:52 broadens the theme from an individual to a national pattern. Stephen reads Israel’s history through a prophetic lens: again and again God sent messengers; again and again the leaders turned traitor. The climactic betrayal is against “the Righteous One,” Jesus Messiah. Here 4273 underscores covenant-breaking as homicide: to betray the prophets’ message is to reject the God who sent them. Stephen stands as the faithful witness whose own martyrdom contrasts with the traitorous crowd, reiterating that betrayal is ultimately aimed at God Himself. End-Time Traitors in Pastoral Perspective Paul’s final letter to Timothy paints a grim portrait of “last days” society—including “traitorous” persons (2 Timothy 3:4). The plural suggests a culture where faithlessness becomes normalized. In context these traitors appear inside professing Christendom (verses 5–7), infiltrating households and opposing apostolic truth like “Jannes and Jambres” opposed Moses. The church must expect such betrayal, expose it, and remain anchored in Scripture (verses 14–17). Thus 4273 functions as an eschatological alarm, urging spiritual sobriety. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Loyalty versus Treachery Betrayal in Scripture always breaks covenant—whether the Mosaic covenant (Acts 7:53), apostolic fellowship (Luke 22:20–23), or the new-covenant ethic (2 Timothy 3:1–5). The faithfulness of God stands in stark relief. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful—He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). 2. Sovereign Purpose Through Betrayal Divine providence turns even treachery toward salvation. Judas’s betrayal leads to the cross (Acts 2:23). Joseph’s brothers intended evil, yet God intended good (Genesis 50:20). Betrayal therefore magnifies grace: human sin cannot thwart redemptive design. 3. Judgment on Betrayers Scripture never trivializes betrayal. Judas ends in ruin (Matthew 27:5). The unrepentant betrayers of Acts 7 face coming judgment (Acts 7:56). The “traitorous” of 2 Timothy 3 will progress “from bad to worse” before ultimate exposure (verse 9). Divine justice upholds covenant fidelity. Ministry Implications 1. Guarding the Heart Pastors and believers must cultivate integrity lest they drift into betrayal’s precursor sins—love of money, wounded pride, secret unbelief. Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) and mutual accountability strengthen defenses. 2. Discernment in Leadership Jesus selected twelve knowing one was a traitor, showing that betrayal may arise inside leadership circles. Churches should vet leaders carefully and remain alert, yet without cynicism, for wheat and tares coexist until harvest (Matthew 13:30). 3. Gracious Response to Betrayers While exercising discipline (Matthew 18:15–17), believers remember that restoration remains possible until hardness becomes final (Hebrews 6:4–6). Christ’s prayer, “Father, forgive them,” models intercession even for those handing Him over. 4. Comfort for the Betrayed Saints wounded by treachery find solace in a Savior who “was betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 26:45). He sympathizes, heals, and will vindicate. Eschatological Vigilance The presence of traitors until Christ returns underscores the call to watchfulness. As lawlessness increases, love may grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Perseverance requires anchoring in Scripture and the Spirit’s power. “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20). Practical Applications for Today • Foster transparent relationships that leave little soil for secret resentment. Related Biblical Concepts • Apostasy (Hebrews 3:12) – Departure from the living God. Conclusion Strong’s 4273 spotlights one of humanity’s darkest acts—handing over a friend, a prophet, the Messiah, or the truth itself. Yet Scripture uses the very instrument of betrayal to unveil divine fidelity. In Christ, the ultimate Victim of treachery becomes the ultimate Victor, assuring His people that no traitor, however sly, can overturn the covenant sealed by His blood. Forms and Transliterations προδοται προδόται προδοτης προδότης prodotai prodótai prodotes prodotēs prodótes prodótēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 6:16 N-NMSGRK: ὃς ἐγένετο προδότης NAS: who became a traitor. KJV: also was the traitor. INT: who became [the] betrayer Acts 7:52 N-NMP 2 Timothy 3:4 N-NMP Strong's Greek 4273 |
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