“BETRAYAL IN THE BIBLE”
In biblical terms, betrayal involves a deliberate violation of trust, often by someone close, leading to harm or injustice. It encompasses deceit, disloyalty, and the breaking of sacred covenants. Hebrew Word Root for Betrayal.
ETYMOLOGY
Hebrew
Root : בָגַד (bagad )
Meaning: To betray, be unfaithful, act treacherously
Noun : בָ גַיבדה (betrayal) – begidah
Greek
Root Verb: παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi)
Meaning: To hand over, betray
Noun: προδοσία (prodosia) – betrayal
Person: προδότης (prodótēs) – traitor
Theological Meaning of Betrayal
Theologically, betrayal is not merely a personal offense but a sin against God. It reflects a breach of the commandment to love one’s neighbor and undermines the divine order of relationships. Acts of betrayal often stem from selfishness, greed, or fear, indicating a lack of faith in God’s provision and protection.
From the Scripture:
1. Judas Iscariot
Judas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, betrayed Him to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. At the Last Supper, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer, fulfilling prophecy and setting in motion the events leading to the crucifixion. ( Matthew 26: 14 –16 )
Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!” 22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. 23 The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” 25 So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” 28 None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. 29 Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. 30 So Judas left at once, going out into the night. ( John 13: 21 –30 )
2. Joseph and His Brothers
Joseph’s brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery. Despite this betrayal, Joseph rose to power in Egypt and later forgave his brothers, highlighting themes of redemption and God’s sovereignty. ( Genesis 37 )
3. Samson and Delilah
Delilah, bribed by the Philistine rulers, betrayed Samson by discovering the secret of his strength and revealing it to his enemies. ( Judges 16: 4 –21 )
4. David and Ahithophel
Ahithophel, King David’s trusted advisor, betrayed him by aligning with Absalom during the rebellion. David prayed for God to turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness. ( 2 Samuel 15: 31 )
Theological implications and redemption
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.” ( Matthew 26: 14 –16 )
This translation underscores the deliberate nature of Judas’s actions and the fulfillment of prophecy. While betrayal is a grievous sin, the Bible also offers hope for redemption. Jesus, even as He was betrayed, demonstrated the ultimate act of forgiveness, praying for those who crucified Him.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. ”And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. ( Luke 23: 34 )
Believers are called to emulate Christ’s example of loyalty and love, evening the face of betrayal. The Bible encourages forgiveness, as seen in the Lord’s Prayer.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” ( Matthew 6: 12 )
This teaching emphasizes the importance of extending grace and seeking reconciliation.