In the biblical context, the term "traitor" refers to individuals who betray trust, allegiance, or loyalty, often with grave consequences. The Bible provides several examples and teachings regarding traitors, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of betrayal.

Old Testament Examples

1. Ahithophel: One of the most notable traitors in the Old Testament is Ahithophel, King David's counselor. Ahithophel betrayed David by siding with Absalom during his rebellion. His betrayal is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:12, "While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing." Ahithophel's treachery ultimately led to his downfall and suicide (2 Samuel 17:23).

2. Judas Maccabeus' Betrayers: In the intertestamental period, the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire saw instances of betrayal. Some Jews, seeking favor with the ruling powers, betrayed their own people, as seen in the accounts of 1 Maccabees, though not part of the Protestant canon, it provides historical context to the theme of betrayal.

New Testament Examples

1. Judas Iscariot: The most infamous traitor in the New Testament is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. Judas betrayed Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. This act of betrayal is highlighted in Matthew 26:14-16, "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. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

2. Demas: Another example is Demas, who, although not a traitor in the traditional sense, abandoned Paul during his time of need. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." Demas' desertion is seen as a form of betrayal to the mission and fellowship of the early church.

Biblical Teachings on Betrayal

The Bible consistently condemns betrayal and treachery, associating them with wickedness and sin. Proverbs 25:9-10 warns against betraying a confidence: "Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away."

In the New Testament, betrayal is seen as a grave sin, particularly when it involves the betrayal of Christ or the Christian community. Jesus Himself speaks of betrayal as a sign of the end times in Matthew 24:10, "At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another."

Spiritual Implications

Betrayal is not only a breach of trust but also a reflection of one's spiritual state. It often stems from selfishness, greed, or fear, leading individuals away from God's commandments. The consequences of betrayal are severe, both in earthly relationships and in one's relationship with God. The Bible calls believers to be faithful, trustworthy, and loyal, reflecting the character of Christ, who is the ultimate example of faithfulness.

Conclusion

The theme of betrayal in the Bible serves as a warning and a call to integrity. It reminds believers of the importance of loyalty to God and to one another, urging them to resist the temptations that lead to treachery.

The Traitors
... CHAPTER XXXVIII THE TRAITORS. ... They pledged themselves to proceed to Pithom last night,
which was the night they came together in council, and take the traitors. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

Marcus of Mactaris Said: "It is not to be Wondered at if Heretics. ...
... What is marvellous is that some of us, traitors to the trut3. To him we answer:
It is indeed much more to be wondered at, and deserving ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 2 2 marcus.htm

Therapius of Bulla Said: "If a Man Gives up and Betrays the ...
... the judgment of Therapius is couched; but Judas, according to the teaching of the
gospel, was a traitor; then all those men held communion with traitors who at ...
/.../chapter 25 48 therapius.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ...
... Herod was having a bad day. "Traitors!" he hissed. ... "Traitors!" said Herod, and as
he spoke his powerful hands were tearing his kerchief into rags. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 13 in travel-worn garb.htm

He Adds to This, as if He had Brought Together an Argument with ...
... the following: "And, which is still more absurd, God himself conspired against those
who sat at his table, by converting them into traitors and impious men ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxii he adds to.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... Swords of fate were in the gloom that surrounded the traitors. ... Let us be fair,
and warn them that all who approve this plan are traitors. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556
... Ferocious as had been the English invasion of Scotland in 1547, the English party
in Scotland, many of them paid traitors, did not resent these "rebukes of a ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter vii knox in scotland .htm

The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ...
... Bid him bring beast and gladiator and the strong men of the prisons. Let him not
forget the traitors. ... Traitors of the betrayed council were there beside him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 24 the festival of.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... "Down with the traitors! ... Public opinion branded with the names of traditors, or traitors,
those who had weakened and given over the sacred books to the pagans. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

Traitors (2 Occurrences)
...Traitors (2 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers
of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/traitors.htm - 6k

Betrayers (1 Occurrence)
... be-tra'-ers (prodotai, "betrayers," "traitors"): Stephen charged the Jews with being
betrayers of the Righteous One (Acts 7:52) ie as having made Judas' act ...
/b/betrayers.htm - 7k

Punish (84 Occurrences)
... a crime or fault, either with or without a view to the offender's amendment; to
cause to suffer in retribution; to chasten; as, to punish traitors with death ...
/p/punish.htm - 33k

Traitor (4 Occurrences)

/t/traitor.htm - 8k

Highminded (3 Occurrences)
... (2 Timothy 3:4, "Traitors, heady, highminded," the Revised ... 2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors,
heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (KJV). ...
/h/highminded.htm - 8k

Nest (22 Occurrences)
... a retreat, or place of habitual resort; hence, those who occupy a nest, frequent
a haunt, or are associated in the same pursuit; as, a nest of traitors; a nest ...
/n/nest.htm - 18k

Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... The latter, inflated by its unexpected dignity, pompously offers its "shade' to
its faithful subjects, while threatening all traitors with punishment (brambles ...
/j/jotham.htm - 25k

Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... of Christ; (See NAS). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, heady, lofty, lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God, (YLT). Revelation 21:10 So ...
/l/lofty.htm - 20k

Lovers (57 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lovers.htm - 24k

Trampest (1 Occurrence)

/t/trampest.htm - 6k

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