87+ Bible Verses About Betrayal That Speak the Truth

A betrayal is an act of defilement of a promise, trust, or contract performed by one against someone. It is very commonly faced by many today and has deep-rooted psychological impacts.

Being backstabbed by your confidante or partner can be very traumatic, and here are some references from Bible verses to help you cope with rough times as betrayal.

What Does the Bible Say About Betrayal?

A betrayal is a bad act, according to the Bible. It occurs when someone you rely on turns against you. One example is Judas betraying Jesus. Betrayal is wicked and causes harm to others.

The Bible instructs us to be truthful and faithful to others. If someone betrays us, we should seek forgiveness and make amends. When we are betrayed, God is always there to soothe and lead us.

Old Testament Verses on Betrayal

Psalm 41:9 (NIV):

This verse, written by King David, speaks about the pain of betrayal by a close friend.

It conveys the anguish and disappointment one feels when someone they trust turns against them.

Proverbs 19:5 (NIV):

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”

This verse highlights the consequences of betrayal and dishonesty. It suggests that those who betray trust by bearing false witness or spreading lies will eventually face justice.

Micah 7:5-6 (NIV):

“Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.”

This passage from the book of Micah warns against trusting too easily and highlights the sad reality that betrayal can even come from close family members. It underscores the need for caution and discernment in relationships.

Jeremiah 9:4-5 (NIV):

“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.”

Jeremiah’s words emphasize the widespread deceit and betrayal prevalent in his time. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be cautious in trusting others, recognizing that even friends and family may not always be honest.

New Testament Verses on Betrayal

Matthew 26:21-25 (Judas’ Betrayal Predicted)Verse:

“And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’

In this passage, Jesus predicts that one of His disciples will betray Him during the Last Supper, setting the stage for the betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

Mark 14:43-46 (The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus)

Verse: “And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.”

This verse describes the moment when Judas arrives with a group to betray and arrest Jesus, marking the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion.

Luke 22:48 (Judas’ Betrayal with a Kiss)Verse:

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’

Here, Jesus confronts Judas with the act of betrayal, emphasizing the betrayal’s irony and deceit, as it is carried out with a gesture of friendship and affection, a kiss.

John 13:21-26 (Jesus Predicts His Betrayal)Verse:

“After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’

In this passage, Jesus foretells His betrayal and indicates that one of His disciples will betray Him during the Last Supper.

Acts 1:16-17 (Judas’ Betrayal and Its Consequences)Verse:

“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”

This passage reflects on the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, acknowledging his role in the fulfillment of prophecy and the consequences of his betrayal, which led to the need for a replacement among the disciples.

Bible Verses About Hurt and Betrayal

Proverbs 18:19 (A Brother Offended) Verse: “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”

Meaning: This verse emphasizes how personal offenses and betrayals, even among family or close relationships, can lead to deep hurt and can be challenging to overcome.

Psalm 41:9 (David’s Lament) Verse: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”

Meaning: King David, in this verse, expresses the pain of betrayal by someone he considered a close friend and confidant.


1 Peter 5:7 (Casting Cares on God) Verse: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Meaning: While not directly about betrayal, this verse reminds us to turn to God with our hurts and burdens, seeking His comfort and care in times of betrayal and distress.

Powerful Bible Verses about Betrayal

Genesis 12:3

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

The Almighty will bless you each time you show kindness to others and curse you when you treat others with disrespect and abhorrence.

All people of this planet will receive his blessings through you.

Timothy 2:15

“But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”

Train yourself in a way that cares for nothing but God’s appreciation. Be someone who spreads the true message of the Almighty, does not tamper with the truth, and is proud of himself.

Jeremiah 12:6

“Your relatives, members of your own family – even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.”

Bible Verses About Betrayal

Times will come when you might find yourself betrayed by your own blood and family members but do not give in to such circumstances and stand strong.

Even though they praise you when they are with you, know they are nothing but traitors who talk disrespectfully about you behind your back. Never trust them twice.

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Matthew 6:15

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgive all those who trespass against you, and the heavenly Father will forgive your sins too.

Related: Bible Verses On Adoption

Mark 11:25

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Forgive your trespassers in your prayers and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty in return.

Psalm 55:13

“But it is you, one like myself, my companion, my close friend.”

Psalm 55:14

“With whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.”

It would have been more bearable if I had been betrayed by a foe who hated me.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Christ gives me the strength to do everything.

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Matthew 6:15

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Your sins will be forgiven only if you pardon the sins of others or those who commit offenses against you.

Family Betrayal in The Bible

Cain’s Betrayal of Abel (Genesis 4:8): Verse: “Cain said to Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”

Meaning: This verse recounts the tragic story of Cain’s jealousy and betrayal of his brother Abel, resulting in the first murder in the Bible.

Joseph’s Brothers Selling Him into Slavery (Genesis 37:12-28): Verse: “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.”

Meaning: Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy and betrayal led them to sell him into slavery, deceiving their father Jacob into thinking that he had been killed by a wild animal.

Absalom’s Betrayal of King David (2 Samuel 15:10-13): Verse: “Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.””

Meaning: Absalom, one of David’s sons, plotted to overthrow his father and take the throne, leading to a significant betrayal of the royal family.

Betrayal in The Bible

Isaiah 53:10

“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.”

Bible Verses About Betrayal That Speak The Truth

Always have faith in the Lord. There is a certain justification for everything that happens around. It was his plan to break you and inflict pain upon you.

And though he made you suffer for someone else’s sins, remember that your good deeds will not go unnoticed. He will eventually reach out for his Son and bless you with a long, healthy, prosperous life. 

Psalm 55:12

“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide.”

If it were some of my opponents who behaved cheekily with me, I could have hidden from him.

But it was you, a man, my friend, my equal, my confidante, with whom I sought God’s guidance and walked in the crowd; it was you who betrayed me.

Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

According to the Law and the Prophets, you must do what you want to be done for yourself.

John 13:21

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.”

Jesus, sorrow-stricken with things, told his disciples that he had an unwavering premonition that one of them would betray him in the future.

Mark 14:11

“They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”

And so Judas looked for other means to deceive Jesus.

Luke 12:53

“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Best Bible Verses About Betrayal

You thought I came down to earth to bring contentment amongst its creatures? Perhaps you are mistaken. I came to split people apart and make them choose sides.

Psalm 109:4

“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”

They return my love with accusations, but I put my faith in my prayers.

Job 19:19

“All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.”

My companions have started to dislike me; my loved ones have driven a wedge between us. 

Matthew 26:45

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.”

Matthew 26:46

“Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Once Jesus came to his disciples and asked them to go ahead and take rest but to pay close attention because the time had arrived for the Son of Man to be disclosed into the hands of sinners.

Luke 12:51

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”

Luke 12:52

“From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.”

Amazing Bible Verses About Betrayal

Luke 12:53

“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

There will be conflicts in a family of five, with two turning against the rest of the three. Fathers and sons and mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law plot against one another, while on the other hand mothers and daughters are on the same side.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God adored the world so much that he sacrificed his only Son to cure it. He made sure that those who put their faith in God shall not perish but live perpetually. 

Exodus 14:14

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Trust in the Lord and keep calm; he will fight all your battles for you.

Psalm 41:9

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

The one who was the closest of all my comrades, someone I confided in, with whom I shared my loaf of bread, has turned his back on me.

Related: Bible Verses On Baptism

Betrayal in The Bible Verse

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus once said that he is the path, truth, and life. One cannot reach the almighty Father directly; they have to pass through Jesus to reach him.

Job 19:13

“He has alienated my family from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.”

My compeers detest me and my relatives live afar. My family is no longer here, and my friends don’t remember me. 

Luke 22:56

A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

Powerful Bible Verses About Betrayal

Luke 22:57

But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

Luke 22:58

“A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied.”

Luke 22:59

About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

Luke 22:60

“Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.”

Luke 22:61

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

When the Lord looked into his eye, that is when Peter recalled what the Lord had told him about him refusing God three times that day right from dawn.

John 3:17

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

God sent his Son on earth to not denounce the people of the earth but to rescue them from the adversities through his Son.

Psalm 27:10 – Even if my parents forsake me, I am sure the Almighty will always be by my side.

Peter 4:13

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Hopeful Bible Verses About Betrayal

Rejoice with him as you share the afflictions of Christ, so that when he fills the world with his splendor, you may be gleaming also with extreme delight.

Corinthians 1:5

“For in him you have been enriched in every way – with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.”

As we partake in Christ’s sorrows, our joys overflow through him.

Hebrews 12:3

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Think of the Almighty, who does nothing but quietly bears the sins committed against him, just so his people won’t lose faith and wither in pain. 

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Matthew 5:12

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Look at how blessed you are, blaming the Almighty for any ill-treatment, taunt, and evil thing that happens to you.

Psalm 55:16

“As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me.”

Psalm 55:17

“Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

When I reach out to the Almighty, I know he will rescue me, morning, noon and night.

I pondered over these and cried my heart out, and the Lord heard my voice.

Peter 2:23

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Good Bible Verses About Betrayal

He stayed calm and did not strike back when he was looked down upon; neither did he pet grievances and inflict revenge upon his miscreants for all his sufferings.

Romans 12:14

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Shower your miscreants, not with curses but only blessings. Make peace with everyone around you.

Betrayal Bible Verses About Backstabbing

Psalm 41:9 (NIV) Verse: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

This verse expresses the pain of betrayal, particularly by someone close, who was considered a friend.

Proverbs 3:29 (NIV) Verse: “Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.”

This verse advises against scheming or plotting harm against those you live in close proximity to, emphasizing the importance of trust and neighborly relationships.

Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) Verse: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

Meaning: While not directly about backstabbing, this verse highlights the harm caused by betraying someone’s confidence through gossip or spreading secrets.

Matthew 26:48-49 (NIV) Verse: “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.”

This verse describes the moment when Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, illustrating the act of deceit and betrayal.

Bible Says About Betrayal

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Matthew 5:12

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Those who suffer abuse for the sake of goodness, how blessed are they for owning the entire kingdom of heaven?

Hebrews 12:15

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Ensure that no one misses out on God’s benediction and nobody falls victim to bitterness and hostility that causes unpleasantness to others. 

Judges 16:18

“When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands.”

When Delilah perceived that he had spoken his heart out to her, she summoned the Lords of the Philistines and told them about everything he confessed to her. And the Lords of the Philistines thanked her, and she was paid for her betrayal.  

Philippians 3:13

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

Nice Bible Verses About Betrayal

Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Dear brethren, I might not understand many things, but there is one thing I know, by discarding those things that belong to the past and reaching out for those that are ahead of me, I am inclined towards being rewarded by the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:16

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.”

Romans 12:17

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”

Do not be overwhelmed with vengeance but give God the opportunity to express his outrage because it is written that retribution lies with him and not in the hands of mere mortals. If anyone pays back the sinners, it is the Lord.

Matthew 19:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Jesus observed the people and told them that all things are not possible to be done by sheer humans, but with God, everything is possible. 

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

You will find yourself completely at peace with those who have loyal minds because they put their faith in you.

Peter 2:23

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Christ never punished his miscreants. Instead, he left the judgment to be made in the hands of God, and he knew everyone would be treated fairly.

Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Our spirit guides us through our weaknesses. Sometimes when we do not know what we want to pray for, the spirit steps in through our wordless whispers. 

Lamentations 1:2

Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is none to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.

Her heart-rending cries can be heard every night, tears rolling down her pale cheeks; so many lovers and there is none to offer her solace, all her friends have been perfidious, and they are now her enemies. 

Isaiah 33:1

Woe to you, destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer, you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed.

You will find that no sooner did you finish destroying than you are being destroyed and no sooner did you stop committing treachery than people have begun treating you treacherously.

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Proverbs 25:9

“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence.”

Proverbs 25:10

“Or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.”

When you engage yourself in a quarrel with your neighbor, remember never to spill the secret of somebody else, or the person hearing it will disgrace you by spreading the word all across the town.

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:19

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Great Bible Verses About Betrayal

Do not be too self-conceited but surround yourself with humble people. It is the most foolish thing to think that you are wiser than you actually are.

Luke 22:21

But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.

But look, the one deceiving me has his hands with mine on the table. 

John 13:11

“For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.”

And throughout He had known the name of the one who was misleading him, which is why He said that not all among them were clean.

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

If loyal be the bruises of a friend, then deceitful are the kisses of a foe.

Psalm 118:8

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in human beings.”

It is wiser to seek shelter from the Almighty rather than trusting in man. 

Proverbs 29:25

“To fear anyone will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

The fear of mankind can be dangerous, but he who has faith in the Lord will be victorious. 

Conclusion:

The Bible provides multiple verses regarding lying, demonstrating how serious and destructive it can be.

The anguish and consequences of betrayal are demonstrated by Judas betraying Jesus and David’s friend turning against him.

These verses encourage us to respect trust, loyalty, and forgiveness while warning us about treachery’s consequences.

The Bible instructs us to be honest and faithful in our relationships.

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