Among the disciples of Jesus, Judas Iscariot occupies a unique and tragic role, his name forever synonymous with betrayal and treachery. The Bible recounts the events leading to Judas’s infamous act of betrayal, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and the consequences of moral compromise. Let’s explore the narrative of Judas through verses that illuminate his tragic legacy and offer lessons on loyalty, integrity, and the perils of succumbing to greed and betrayal.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Jealousy And Envy
Bible Verses About Judas
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 deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”
This verse describes how Judas made a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It highlights the greed and betrayal of Judas, showing his willingness to hand over Jesus to his enemies.
Matthew 26:48-50
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”
This verse depicts the moment of betrayal when Judas identifies Jesus to the soldiers by greeting him with a kiss. Jesus refers to Judas as a friend, even in this moment of betrayal, showing his love and forgiveness even towards his betrayer.
Matthew 27:3-5
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
After witnessing the condemnation of Jesus, Judas experiences overwhelming remorse and guilt. He returns the thirty pieces of silver, acknowledging his sin of betraying innocent blood. However, the chief priests and elders show no remorse or compassion, refusing to take responsibility for their role in Jesus’ arrest. Overwhelmed by his actions, Judas tragically takes his own life.
Acts 1:18-19
“(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)”
This verse provides additional details about the fate of Judas after his death. The money obtained from his betrayal was used to buy a field, where he met a gruesome end. The mention of his body falling and his intestines spilling out emphasizes the tragic and horrific consequences of his actions.
John 6:70-71
“Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)”
In this verse, Jesus reveals that he knew from the beginning that one of his chosen disciples would betray him. He identifies Judas as that betrayer, calling him a devil. This verse shows that even though Jesus knew of Judas’ future betrayal, he still chose him as one of the Twelve.
John 13:21-26
“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.’ His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, ‘Ask him which one he means.’ Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.”
In this passage, Jesus predicts his betrayal and reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. The disciples are confused about who this betrayer might be, and Peter asks John to find out. Jesus identifies Judas by giving him a piece of bread dipped in a dish, symbolically indicating his role as the betrayer.
John 17:12
“While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”
Jesus acknowledges that he kept all his disciples safe while he was with them, except for the one who was destined for destruction, referring to Judas. This verse highlights how even though Jesus protected his disciples, he allowed certain events to unfold according to God’s plan and the fulfillment of Scripture.
Acts 1:15-16
“In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, ‘Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.”
Peter addresses the believers and acknowledges the fulfillment of Scripture regarding Judas. He mentions how the Holy Spirit had long ago spoken through David about the betrayal of Jesus by someone like Judas, emphasizing the divine orchestration behind these events.
Acts 1:20
“‘For,’ said Peter, ‘it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his place of leadership.'”‘
Peter quotes from the Book of Psalms to affirm the significance of Judas’ actions and the need for another disciple to take his place. This verse further illustrates the fulfillment of prophecy and the continuation of Jesus’ ministry even after the loss of Judas.
Luke 22:3-6
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.”
This passage reveals how Satan entered Judas and influenced him to betray Jesus. Judas willingly seeks out the chief priests and officers of the temple guard, making plans to betray Jesus when an opportune moment arises. The religious leaders eagerly agree to pay Judas for his betrayal, highlighting the collaboration between Judas and those who opposed Jesus.
Mark 14:10-11
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”
A similar account to Luke 22:3-6, this verse portrays Judas approaching the chief priests with the intention of betraying Jesus. The chief priests are pleased with Judas’ proposition and promise to pay him. Judas then waits for the right moment to hand Jesus over to them.
Luke 22:47-48
“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'”
As Jesus is speaking, Judas arrives leading a crowd to arrest Jesus. Judas uses a kiss as the signal to identify Jesus. However, Jesus confronts Judas, exposing the hypocrisy and betrayal behind his act of affection.
Matthew 27:9-10
“Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.'”‘
Matthew refers to the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the thirty pieces of silver that Judas received for betraying Jesus. This money is used to buy the potter’s field, as foretold by Jeremiah. This verse signifies the intricate connection between Judas’ actions and the fulfillment of divine plans.
Luke 22:21-22
“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!'”
Jesus reveals the presence of the betrayer among the disciples during the Last Supper. He emphasizes that his betrayal and ultimate fate are part of God’s predetermined plan. However, Jesus also pronounces a woe upon the individual who will betray him, indicating the severity of their actions and the consequences they will face.
John 13:2
“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.”
This verse highlights how the devil had already influenced Judas to betray Jesus before the evening meal began. It demonstrates the spiritual battle taking place behind the scenes and the role Judas played in fulfilling the plans of the enemy.
John 13:27-30
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’ But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”
In this passage, Satan enters into Judas after he takes the bread from Jesus. Jesus instructs Judas to proceed with his plan quickly, and the other disciples do not comprehend the true meaning behind Jesus’ words. Judas leaves the gathering, and the mention of it being night symbolizes the darkness of his betrayal.
Matthew 26:25
“Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.'”‘
Judas pretends ignorance and questions whether he is the one who would betray Jesus. Jesus affirms Judas’ statement, indirectly acknowledging Judas’ intentions. This moment reinforces the foreknowledge and insight of Jesus concerning the actions of his disciples.
John 12:4-6
“But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”
This passage offers insight into Judas’ character and motivations. Judas objects to the use of expensive perfume, using the guise of concern for the poor. However, John reveals that Judas was not genuinely interested in helping the poor but instead had a history of stealing money from the disciples’ common fund.
John 18:2-5
“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said.”
This verse describes how Judas leads a group of soldiers and officials to arrest Jesus in the garden. Jesus willingly goes out to meet them, fully aware of what is about to transpire. He confidently declares his identity, indicating his willingness to surrender himself for the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Matthew 26:24
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Jesus makes a statement about the betrayer, acknowledging that the Son of Man will indeed go as prophesied. He pronounces a woe upon the betrayer, emphasizing the severity of their actions and the consequences they will face. Jesus’ statement about it being better if the betrayer had not been born reflects the gravity of their betrayal.
Zechariah 11:12-13
“I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’-the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.”
This verse from the Book of Zechariah prophesies the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It describes the moment when the prophet is paid the exact amount as determined by those who valued him. The mention of throwing the money to the potter signifies the worthlessness and contempt with which Judas’ betrayal would be regarded.
Psalms 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
In this psalm, David laments the betrayal of a close friend. This verse serves as a foreshadowing of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, as he was one of his disciples who shared meals with him. It captures the pain and shock that can come from betrayal within a close relationship.
What Does the Bible Say About Judas?
In the Bible, Judas Iscariot is known for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, ultimately leading to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The betrayal of Judas is a significant event in the life of Jesus and is mentioned in all four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Bible portrays Judas as a disciple of Jesus who was chosen to be one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:4). He was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the money bag for the disciples (John 12:6). However, the Gospel of John specifically mentions that Judas was a thief and would steal from the money bag (John 12:6). This characterizes Judas as someone who was deceptive and unfaithful in the position of trust given to him.
In Matthew 26:14-15, it is recorded that Judas went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” From that moment, Judas sought an opportunity to betray Jesus. This act of betrayal ultimately led to Jesus being handed over to the authorities and subsequently crucified, fulfilling the prophecy but also bringing condemnation upon Judas.
After the betrayal, Judas experienced deep regret and remorse for his actions. He returned the thirty pieces of silver, acknowledging that he had betrayed innocent blood (Matthew 27:3-4). Judas’ response shows a recognition of the severity of his betrayal, but instead of seeking forgiveness and reconciling with Jesus, he tragically chose to end his own life (Matthew 27:5).
The story of Judas serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of deception, greed, and betrayal. It underscores the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and the grave impact of one’s actions. Judas’ choices ultimately led to his own destruction and eternal condemnation.
As Christians, we can learn from Judas’ tragic story the devastating consequences of betraying trust, the importance of genuine repentance, and the gracious offer of forgiveness and restoration through Christ’s sacrifice, which remains available to all who truly seek it (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9).