Definition and Context: The act of betrayal involves breaking trust or faith with someone, often by revealing secrets or delivering them into the hands of their enemies. In the biblical context, betrayal is a significant theme that highlights the frailty of human loyalty and the consequences of sin.

Old Testament References: Betrayal is not a new concept in the biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, betrayal is often associated with treachery and deceit. For example, in the account of Joseph, his brothers betray him out of jealousy, selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). This act of betrayal sets the stage for God's providential plan to save many lives during a famine.

Another notable instance is found in the account of Samson and Delilah. Delilah betrays Samson by revealing the secret of his strength to the Philistines for monetary gain (Judges 16:4-21). This betrayal leads to Samson's capture and eventual downfall.

New Testament References: The New Testament provides the most infamous example of betrayal in the person of Judas Iscariot. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, betrays Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. This act is recorded in all four Gospels, emphasizing its significance in the narrative of Christ's passion. In Matthew 26:14-16, it is written: "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?' So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver."

The betrayal by Judas is prophesied in the Old Testament, as seen in Psalm 41:9, which Jesus Himself references in John 13:18: "He who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me." This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the divine foreknowledge and the tragic role Judas plays in the redemption narrative.

Theological Implications: Betrayal in the Bible often serves as a catalyst for God's redemptive work. While human betrayal is a manifestation of sin and brokenness, it is used by God to fulfill His purposes. The betrayal of Jesus, though a grievous sin, leads to the crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Christian faith and the salvation of humanity.

Moral and Ethical Lessons: The biblical accounts of betrayal serve as a warning against the dangers of deceit, greed, and disloyalty. They remind believers of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in their relationships with God and others. The accounts also highlight the need for repentance and forgiveness, as seen in the contrasting responses of Judas and Peter, who also denied Jesus but later repented and was restored.

Conclusion: The theme of betrayal in the Bible is a profound reminder of the human condition and the need for divine grace. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and to seek steadfastness in their walk with God.3860. paradidomi -- to hand over, to give or deliver over, to ...
... para and didomi Definition to hand over, to give or deliver over, to betray NASB
Word Usage betray (17), betrayed (10), betraying (9), betrays (3), commended (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3860.htm - 11k898. bagad -- to act or deal treacherously
... root Definition to act or deal treacherously NASB Word Usage acted deceitfully
(1), acted treacherously (2), betrayed (1), betrays (1), deal (1), deal ...
/hebrew/898.htm - 6k

Therapius of Bulla Said: "If a Man Gives up and Betrays the ...
... Book VII. Chapter 25. " 48. Therapius of Bulla said: "If a man gives up
and betrays the baptism? "48. Therapius of Bulla [1827 ...
/.../chapter 25 48 therapius.htm

Introduction
... It has been questioned whether Marcus Aurelius' son is intended by the name Lucius
Aurelius Commodus, and it has been suggested that the Plea betrays a faint ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction 7.htm

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh ...
... And then the flesh, as it is the greatest retardment in good, it is the greatest
incitement to evil, it is a bosom enemy, that betrays us to Satan, it is near ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii for they that.htm

Harmless Fires
... 3:13-25. The way in which the 'Chaldeans' describe the three recusants,
betrays their motive in accusing them. 'Certain Jews whom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm

Port of Spain
... other, possibly, a pebble to balance them? As they approach, their doleful
visage betrays them. Chinese they are, without a doubt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iv port of spain.htm

Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ...
... It flatters, but under its tongue is suffering and sorrow; it weeps, but betrays;
it betrays to catch the poor when it has attracted him (Psalm 10:9). Beware ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlv circa a d 1120.htm

The Minne-Songs
... It soon betrays two opposite tendencies, one of which takes up the external side
of these romances, that of love of adventure and worldly success; while the ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the minne-songs.htm

Introduction.
... 8: "...There have been some vain individuals, who, with a presumption that betrays
the grossest folly, have forged a Revelation of Paul, crammed with all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/introduction.htm

Acts and Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
... order that the surmise might be free from doubt, He made it clear, saying, To
whomsoever I shall give the piece of bread out of my hand, he it is who betrays ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of the holy apostle andrew/acts and martyrdom of the.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... rather as a severe judge with a condemned criminal; but the cry of Christ, when
he is brought to an extremity which we shall never reach, betrays no faltering ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

Betrays (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Betrays (13 Occurrences). ... Matthew 26:46 Arise, let's
be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand." (WEB NAS). ...
/b/betrays.htm - 9k

Traitor (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who violates his allegiance and betrays his country; one guilty of treason;
one who, in breach of trust, delivers his country to an enemy, or ...
/t/traitor.htm - 8k

Arise (235 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Matthew 26:46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."
(WEB ASV DBY). ... Behold, he who betrays me is at hand." (WEB ASV DBY). ...
/a/arise.htm - 37k

Betraying (14 Occurrences)

/b/betraying.htm - 10k

Betroth (5 Occurrences)

/b/betroth.htm - 9k

Rise (417 Occurrences)
... RSV). Matthew 26:46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at
hand." (Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). Matthew ...
/r/rise.htm - 39k

Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... king's secrets, known only to himself and his trusted friends (Essays in Biblical
Greek, 58); but it is more likely that the writer here betrays the influence ...
/m/mystery.htm - 42k

Behold (1513 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand." (WEB
KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS). ... Behold, he who betrays me is at hand." (WEB ASV DBY NAS). ...
/b/behold.htm - 35k

Judas (42 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The disciple who betrayed Christ. Hence: A treacherous person; one who betrays
under the semblance of friendship. 2. (a.) Treacherous; betraying. Int. ...
/j/judas.htm - 45k

Let's (74 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 26:46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is
at hand." (WEB). Matthew 27:49 The rest said, "Let him be. ...
/l/let's.htm - 27k

What does the Bible say about gossip? | GotQuestions.org

What is divine providence? | GotQuestions.org

Was Judas Iscariot forgiven / saved? | GotQuestions.org

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