30 Bible Verses About Betrayal (With Explanation)

Betrayal is a profound and painful experience that can shatter trust and relationships. The Bible addresses betrayal in various contexts, offering wisdom, comfort, and lessons on how to deal with it.

From stories of treachery to teachings on forgiveness and restoration, these verses provide guidance on handling betrayal with faith and integrity. Here are 30 Bible verses about betrayal, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.

1. Psalm 41:9

“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

David laments the betrayal of a close friend, expressing the deep hurt it causes. This verse captures the personal pain of betrayal from someone trusted and loved.

2. Matthew 26:14-15

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.”

Judas betrays Jesus for money, showing the ultimate act of treachery. This verse highlights the betrayal of Jesus, a pivotal moment in the Gospel story.

3. Luke 22:48

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'”

Jesus confronts Judas’s betrayal, noting the irony of a kiss used as a sign of treachery. This verse emphasizes the deceitfulness of Judas’s act.

4. Proverbs 25:9-10

“Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another; lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.”

This proverb warns against betraying confidences, as it can lead to disgrace and damaged relationships. It underscores the importance of trustworthiness.

5. Micah 7:5-6

“Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household.”

Micah speaks of a time when betrayal is rampant, even among family members. This verse highlights the pervasive nature of betrayal in difficult times.

6. Psalm 55:12-14

“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng.”

David expresses the deep pain of being betrayed by a close companion. This verse underscores the unique hurt that comes from betrayal by a trusted friend.

7. Genesis 37:28

“Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.”

Joseph’s brothers betray him by selling him into slavery. This verse highlights the severe consequences and emotional pain of betrayal within a family.

8. 2 Samuel 15:31

“Then someone told David, saying, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ And David said, ‘O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!'”

David learns of Ahithophel’s betrayal, praying for God to thwart his plans. This verse reflects the betrayal of trusted advisors and the reliance on God for justice.

9. Matthew 10:21

“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.”

Jesus foretells of familial betrayal in times of persecution. This verse highlights the extreme nature of betrayal that can occur during times of crisis.

10. John 13:21

“When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.'”

Jesus reveals His knowledge of the impending betrayal. This verse shows Jesus’s foreknowledge and the emotional impact of betrayal on Him.

11. Psalm 109:4

“In return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer.”

David responds to betrayal with prayer, seeking God’s help. This verse highlights the importance of turning to God in times of betrayal and hurt.

12. Proverbs 11:13

“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”

This proverb contrasts the actions of a betrayer with those of a faithful person. It emphasizes the value of discretion and loyalty.

13. Job 19:19

“All my close friends abhor me, and those whom I love have turned against me.”

Job laments the betrayal and abandonment by his close friends. This verse reflects the added pain of being deserted by those who were once close.

14. Lamentations 1:2

“She weeps bitterly in the night, her tears are on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.”

Jeremiah mourns the betrayal and loneliness of Jerusalem. This verse captures the profound sorrow that comes from being forsaken by friends.

15. Psalm 3:1

“Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.”

David feels surrounded by betrayal and opposition. This verse expresses the overwhelming sense of being besieged by those who once supported him.

16. Zechariah 13:6

“And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'”

This prophecy speaks of wounds inflicted by friends, symbolizing betrayal. It highlights the deep hurt caused by betrayal from those close to us.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Mountains (Bible Explained)

17. Mark 14:44

“Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, ‘Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.'”

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, a symbol of affection turned into treachery. This verse emphasizes the deceptive nature of betrayal.

18. Psalm 55:20-21

“He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.”

David describes the deceitful nature of betrayal. This verse captures the contrast between outward appearance and inner intent in acts of treachery.

19. Jeremiah 20:10

“For I heard many mocking: ‘Fear on every side!’ ‘Report,’ they say, ‘and we will report it!’ All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, ‘Perhaps he can be induced; then we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.'”

Jeremiah faces betrayal and mockery from those around him. This verse reflects the prophet’s experience of being undermined and betrayed by his acquaintances.

20. Galatians 2:4

“And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage).”

Paul speaks of betrayal by false brethren. This verse highlights the danger of deceit and the need for vigilance within the Christian community.

21. Psalm 31:11

“I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me.”

David feels abandoned and betrayed by those close to him. This verse captures the isolation and rejection that often accompany betrayal.

22. Obadiah 1:7

“All the men in your confederacy shall force you to the border; the men at peace with you shall deceive you and prevail against you. Those who eat your bread shall lay a trap for you. No one is aware of it.”

Obadiah warns of betrayal by allies. This verse emphasizes the treachery of those who pretend to be friends but harbor deceitful intentions.

23. Psalm 35:11-12

“Fierce witnesses rise up; they ask me things that I do not know. They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul.”

David laments being betrayed despite his good deeds. This verse highlights the injustice and sorrow of receiving evil in return for kindness.

24. Matthew 26:23

“He answered and said, ‘He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.'”

Jesus identifies His betrayer among His closest followers. This verse underscores the intimacy and treachery of Judas’s betrayal.

25. Proverbs 27:6

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

True friends may offer painful but honest correction, while enemies disguise their betrayal with false affection. This verse contrasts genuine friendship with deceitful betrayal.

26. Isaiah 33:1

“Woe to you who plunder, though you have not been plundered; and you who deal treacherously, though they have not dealt treacherously with you! When you cease plundering, you will be plundered; when you make an end of dealing treacherously, they will deal treacherously with you.”

Isaiah pronounces woe on those who betray others. This verse warns that betrayal will ultimately lead to being betrayed, emphasizing the principle of reaping what one sows.

27. Psalm 55:16

“As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me.”

In response to betrayal, David turns to God for salvation. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking divine help and trusting in God’s deliverance.

28. Romans 1:29-30

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.”

Paul lists deceit and betrayal among other sins. This verse highlights the destructive nature of betrayal and its place among other harmful behaviors.

29. Psalm 55:22

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

David encourages trusting God amidst betrayal. This verse reassures believers that God will support and sustain them through the pain of betrayal.

30. John 13:27

“Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What you do, do quickly.'”

Jesus acknowledges Judas’s decision to betray Him. This verse reflects the inevitability of Judas’s actions and Jesus’s foreknowledge of the betrayal.

These verses provide a comprehensive understanding of betrayal, offering both the raw emotions it evokes and the spiritual responses it demands. They remind us that while betrayal is deeply painful, turning to God for strength and justice is the way to overcome and find peace.