One of the most agonizing types of betrayal someone can encounter is backstabbing. People we trust, including friends, relatives, or close friends, frequently betray us when we least expect it. The truth of human betrayal is a topic that the Bible does not avoid discussing. In actuality, Scripture provides insight, consolation, and direction to individuals who have been harmed by dishonest hearts. According to the Bible, even though backstabbers may appear to have short-term success, the Lord’s all-seeing eyes do not overlook their deeds.
The Bible verses about backstabbers is filled with accounts of people who were betrayed by those closest to them. The agony of being betrayed is a topic that God’s people are familiar with, from the selling of Joseph by his brothers to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The Bible verses about backstabbers serves as a reminder that while human hearts may fail us, God’s fidelity is unfailing. For those who have experienced backstabbing, these passages can be a source of healing as well as a warning against becoming one of these people.
Even when we have been wronged, God’s Word tells us how to protect our hearts from retaliation and bitterness. Scripture exhorts us to believe in God’s justice and let Him deal with those who betray us rather than punishing evil with evil. The Bible verses about backstabbers also exhorts us to use discernment in our friendships, looking for bonds based on loyalty, truth, and divine love. Even though traitors may temporarily hurt us, God will always defend and defend those who stick with Him.
This compilation of Bible passages offers guidance and support for overcoming the emotional scars left by betrayed people. The Bible verses about backstabbers provides consolation and clarity, regardless of whether you’ve been wounded by someone’s covert betrayal or you’re looking for the courage to get past it. In addition to helping you heal, these verses will give you the strength to face your suffering and have faith that God’s justice will be served.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About BackStabbers in 2025
1. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
This verse highlights the deep sting of betrayal, especially when it comes from someone close. David expresses the pain of being deceived by a trusted companion. Backstabbers often operate in silence and closeness, making their actions even more devastating. God’s Word here acknowledges that betrayal is a common human wound, but it also points to the need for discernment and comfort in God.
2. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Backstabbers often use gossip as their main weapon, spreading lies and stirring conflict between people. This verse reminds us of the divisive nature of backstabbing and teaches us to be cautious of those who thrive on secret conversations and hidden motives.
3. 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.”
Judas is the ultimate biblical example of a backstabber. He sold out Jesus for personal gain, proving that betrayal often comes from people who are close but secretly driven by selfish desires. This account reminds believers that even when betrayed, God’s plan will still prevail.
4. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
A true friend may offer hard truth, but a backstabber will mask their intentions with flattery and affection. This verse teaches us the importance of discerning genuine friends from those who offer empty words but harbor ill will.
5. 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?'”
Judas’s kiss is symbolic of false affection from a backstabber. It shows that betrayal often wears a friendly face. The lesson here is to stay prayerful and vigilant, trusting God to reveal the truth behind people’s intentions.
6. Micah 7:5-6
“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.”
This passage shows the reality of human betrayal, even in close relationships. It encourages believers to trust God above all and be cautious about placing absolute confidence in others, as even those closest to us can sometimes turn.
7. Jeremiah 9:4
“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.”
This verse is a sobering reminder that backstabbers can be found even among those we consider family or close friends. It warns against blind trust and emphasizes relying on God for true wisdom and discernment.
8. Psalm 55:12-14
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship.”
David captures the heartache of betrayal by a friend. This verse emphasizes that the closer the relationship, the deeper the wound caused by backstabbing. It also encourages us to pour our pain out to God, who understands and heals.
9. Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… Such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.”
Backstabbers often sow discord to serve their own selfish interests. Paul warns Christians to remain alert to such behaviors and to distance themselves from divisive and deceitful individuals.
10. Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue… and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Backstabbers thrive on lies and division, both of which are detestable to God. This verse reminds us that God sees and judges those who harm others through deceitful words and actions.
11. Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
God clearly opposes backbiters and backstabbers. This verse teaches us that the Lord is aware of every hidden conversation and promises justice against those who damage others through secret slander.
12. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus’ teaching may seem difficult, but it’s revolutionary for dealing with backstabbers. Instead of responding with revenge, He instructs us to respond with love and prayer, trusting God to handle justice.
13. 2 Timothy 3:1-4
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be… treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Backstabbing is a symptom of the moral decay in the world. This verse prepares believers for the reality that betrayal will increase, but it also calls us to stand firm in faith and integrity.
14. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Backstabbers often break trust by spreading confidential information. This verse encourages believers to be people of integrity and to guard others’ secrets as a sign of true friendship.
15. Psalm 118:8-9
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”
This verse reminds us that human loyalty can fail, but God’s faithfulness never will. When faced with backstabbers, the safest place is under God’s protection and guidance.
16. Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
This verse assures us that backstabbers who spread lies and deceit will eventually face God’s justice, even if their actions seem to go unnoticed for a time.
17. Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Backstabbers may think they can act without consequence, but this verse reminds us that God’s justice ensures everyone reaps the results of their actions, whether good or evil.
18. Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse offers practical advice: stay away from people who gossip, because they are often the same people who will betray you when your back is turned.
19. Job 19:19
“All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.”
Job’s words reflect the sorrow of being abandoned and betrayed by close companions in his time of need. The lesson here is to seek comfort in God, who never leaves us even when people do.
20. Matthew 24:10
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
Jesus warned that betrayal would be common in the last days. This verse teaches us to remain grounded in faith, even when people around us falter or backstab us.
21. John 13:18
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.'”
Jesus quoted this verse to show that betrayal is sometimes part of a larger plan that God allows for His glory. It reminds us that backstabbers may catch us off guard, but they never surprise God, and He can use even their actions for His purposes.
22. Proverbs 14:5
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”
A backstabber’s most common weapon is false testimony. This verse shows the sharp contrast between integrity and deception, urging believers to be truthful and to avoid the company of those who thrive on lies.
23. 2 Samuel 15:31
“Now David was told, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ So David prayed, ‘Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.'”
Ahithophel was a trusted adviser to David who became a backstabber. David’s response wasn’t revenge but prayer, showing us the godly way to handle betrayal — by seeking divine intervention rather than retaliation.
24. James 3:10
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Backstabbers often flatter in front of you but curse you behind your back. This verse teaches us that a person of faith should be consistent in their words — and it encourages us to be wary of those who are not.
25. Proverbs 26:24-26
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.”
This scripture warns against those who wear the mask of kindness but hide ill intentions in their hearts. Backstabbers are masters of false charm, and God calls us to be discerning and not easily deceived by smooth words.
26. Matthew 10:36
“A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
Sometimes the people who hurt us the most are those closest to us — family or friends. Jesus teaches that betrayal is part of the fallen world, and being emotionally prepared will help us navigate it while trusting God’s ultimate justice.
27. Psalm 35:12-13
“They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.”
David laments the pain of helping others only to be backstabbed in return. This shows the heartbreaking nature of betrayal, but also the importance of remaining kind and compassionate regardless of how others treat us.
28. Proverbs 25:9-10
“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you, and the charge against you will stand.”
This verse speaks about keeping trust and integrity even during disputes. Backstabbers betray confidences for personal advantage, but God values faithfulness and upright conduct, even when relationships are strained.
29. 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.”
God pronounces judgment on backstabbers, showing that betrayal will be repaid. This gives comfort to those who have been hurt, knowing that God sees all and justice will eventually be served.
30. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
The ultimate antidote to the pain of betrayal is love and prayer. Jesus encourages us to rise above the actions of backstabbers, showing kindness even when others act deceitfully. It’s not about excusing their behavior but freeing yourself from bitterness through forgiveness.
Conclusion
One of the most agonizing emotional situations a person may go through is dealing with backstabbers. When someone you loved, trusted, or supported betrays you, it hurts terribly and frequently leaves long-lasting scars. The Bible, however, makes it quite evident that this issue is not new. Even God’s most devoted followers have been betrayed, from King David to Jesus. Scripture provides consolation and insight, reminding us that even when we feel helpless to defend ourselves, God sees all injustices and holds those who commit betrayals accountable.
However, the Bible also exhorts us not to let other people’s betrayals harden us. God calls us to rise above the suffering with kindness, forgiveness, and discernment rather than reacting with hatred, vengeance, or bitterness. Because letting go of animosity frees our hearts and places judgment in God’s faultless hands, verses like Luke 6:27–28 exhort believers to love even their adversaries and pray for those who hurt them, not because their deeds were right.
These Bible passages ultimately serve as a reminder that although humans may disappoint us, God never will. His wisdom enables us to grow from every experience, His justice is certain, and His comfort is genuine. Even while backstabbers aim to hurt us, God uses every hardship to fortify us, hone our moral fiber, and teach us to put all of our confidence in Him rather than in faulty human connections. Even in the face of treachery, we protect our hearts and follow the way of peace by remaining firmly grounded in Scripture.
