The term "perfidious" is derived from the Latin word "perfidia," meaning treachery or deceitfulness. In a biblical context, perfidious behavior is characterized by betrayal, faithlessness, and a lack of loyalty, often in relation to one's covenant with God or with fellow human beings. The Bible, while not using the term "perfidious" directly, addresses the concept through various narratives and teachings that highlight the consequences of deceit and betrayal.

Biblical Examples of Perfidy

1. Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous example of perfidy in the Bible is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Judas's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is a quintessential act of treachery. In Matthew 26:14-16 , it is recorded: "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."

2. Delilah and Samson: Another example is the account of Delilah and Samson. Delilah's deceitful actions in betraying Samson to the Philistines for monetary gain illustrate perfidious behavior. Judges 16:18 states: "When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her his whole heart, she sent word to the lords of the Philistines, saying, 'Come up once more, for he has revealed his whole heart to me.' Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands."

3. The Israelites' Unfaithfulness: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are often depicted as perfidious in their relationship with God. Despite God's faithfulness, the Israelites repeatedly turn to idolatry and break their covenant with Him. In Jeremiah 3:20 , God laments, "But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD.

Teachings Against Perfidy

The Bible consistently teaches against perfidious behavior, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and integrity. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse underscores the destructive nature of deceit and the value of living a life of integrity.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of faithfulness in relationships and commitments. In Matthew 5:37 , He instructs, "But let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' For anything more comes from the evil one." This teaching highlights the importance of honesty and reliability in one's words and actions.

Consequences of Perfidy

The Bible illustrates that perfidious actions often lead to dire consequences. Judas Iscariot's betrayal ultimately leads to his own demise, as he is overcome with remorse and takes his own life (Matthew 27:3-5). Similarly, the Israelites' repeated unfaithfulness results in their exile and suffering, as seen throughout the prophetic books.

In contrast, the Bible promises blessings and favor for those who remain faithful. In Revelation 2:10 , the faithful are encouraged: "Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." This promise serves as a reminder of the eternal rewards for those who resist perfidious temptations and remain steadfast in their faith.1. (a.) Violating good faith or vows; treacherous; deceitful; faithless; as, a perfidious friend.

2. (a.) Involving, or characterized by, perfidy.

Eve and Mary Continued.
... insidious brevity it comprises a multitude of things which are all the more dangerous
because they are unforeseen, being concealed in a perfidious and cloudy ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vi eve and mary.htm

How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had ...
... he had no want of his assistance; but he commanded him to punish the king of Arabia;
for he had heard both from him, and from Cleopatra, how perfidious he was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how herod made.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... [3114] Let no one deceive the brotherhood by a falsehood: let no one corrupt
the truth of the faith by perfidious prevarication. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... accord: His suasion was in guile; in freedom man. Performed it. Whileas the
perfidious one. Continuously through the centuries [1345]. Is ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm

Importance of the Time of Youth; Difficulties and Dangers that ...
... sin ere the passions of the heart manifested their presence; and their hearts have
quivered from the sting of remorse ere they felt the perfidious lurings of ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter i importance of the.htm

Illusions of Youth, Value of Time at this Period of Life.
... the miseries of this life, there is another of a darker and heavier shade, fabricated
by the imagination, and which it draws with a perfidious complacency over ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter ii illusions of youth.htm

Knox and Queen Mary, 1561
... If so, she knew Huntly for the ambitious traitor he was, a man peculiarly perfidious
and self-seeking, with a son who might be thrust on her as a husband, if ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xiv knox and queen.htm

The World.
... Those who are separated from it without having ever known it are exposed to be deceived
by its perfidious allurements; and those who, in order to know it, with ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vii the world.htm

Hymn for Christmas-Day
... And thus employed, they fell below The sway of man's perfidious foe: Plunged
in the smoky sheer abyss They sank bereft of their true bliss. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymn for christmas-day.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... as a punishment from heaven.[5] The desire of showing in Judas the accomplishment
of the menaces which the Psalmist pronounces against the perfidious friend[6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

Perfidious (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Violating good faith or vows; treacherous; deceitful;
faithless; as, a perfidious friend. ...Perfidious (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/perfidious.htm - 6k

Unfaithful (58 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Not faithful; not observant of promises, vows, allegiance, or duty; violating
trust or confidence; treacherous; perfidious; as, an unfaithful subject ...
/u/unfaithful.htm - 23k

False-hearted (6 Occurrences)
... False-hearted. Falsehood . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Hollow or unsound at
the core; treacherous; deceitful; perfidious. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/f/false-hearted.htm - 8k

False.
... 2. (superl.) Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue;
treacherous; perfidious; as, a false friend, lover, or subject; false to ...
/f/false..htm - 16k

Faithless (46 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Not true to allegiance, duty, or vows; perfidious; treacherous; disloyal;
not of true fidelity; inconstant, as a husband or a wife. ...
/f/faithless.htm - 20k

Treacherous (34 Occurrences)
... (a.) Like a traitor; involving treachery; violating allegiance or faith pledged;
perfidious in private life; betraying a trust; faithless. ...
/t/treacherous.htm - 16k

Treachery (18 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence;
treasonable or perfidious conduct; perfidy; treason. ...
/t/treachery.htm - 12k

Perfects (1 Occurrence)

/p/perfects.htm - 6k

Perform (155 Occurrences)

/p/perform.htm - 41k

Perfidious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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