One of the most agonizing things a human can go through is betrayal. When a friend, relative, or close companion betrays us, the wound is severe and it leaves permanent scars. This truth is not avoided in the Bible; in fact, it contains numerous accounts of betrayal, demonstrating both the emotional toll it takes and God’s constancy during it. These Bible verses about being betrayed serves as a reminder that God is aware of our suffering and extends justice, healing, and hope to those who have been deceived.
Judas Iscariot’s kiss betrayal of Jesus is among the most famous betrayals in the Bible. Jesus, however, anticipated treachery would occur and responded with grace and purpose, so He was not shocked nor shaken. This instance shows us that God is still in charge, even in the midst of our worst suffering. The narrative of Joseph, who was sold into slavery after being betrayed by his own brothers, is also told in the Bible. However, God used Joseph’s treachery to put him in a better position. These tales show us that God’s design for our life cannot be undone by treachery.
Anger, bewilderment, and despair are normal reactions to betrayal. The urge to exact revenge or retreat in resentment may strike. Scripture, however, advocates for a different course, one that is characterized by forgiveness, healing, and faith in God’s justice. By reminding us that God is close to the brokenhearted and will never leave us, even when others do, the Bible acts as a salve for our wounded hearts. We are urged to rely on God’s truth and unwavering love rather than our feelings when betrayed.
For those who are struggling, these Bible passages on betrayal offer hope and strength. They serve as a reminder that God never fails, even though people do. We may process suffering, let go of resentment, and proceed with grace when we read His Word. May these verses provide you comfort and reassurance that no betrayal can take you away from God’s love and purpose for your life.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Being Betrayed in 2025
1. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
David expresses deep sorrow over the betrayal of a trusted companion. This verse captures the pain of treachery from someone within one’s inner circle. Betrayal is most painful when it comes from those we hold dear, and this verse reminds us that even great biblical figures experienced such wounds. It mirrors the betrayal Jesus would later endure and reassures us that God sees and understands our grief when trust is broken.
2. 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?’”
This passage records the beginning of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. It emphasizes how betrayal often stems from selfish gain or disillusionment. Though Judas walked closely with Christ, he ultimately chose silver over loyalty. This reminds believers that betrayal can come even from those who appear most devoted—and that Jesus, too, knows what it feels like to be betrayed.
3. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Not all hurtful words or actions are betrayal, and this verse distinguishes the pain caused by loving correction from the deception of false affection. It teaches us discernment in relationships, encouraging us to value truth even when it hurts, while guarding against those who flatter for selfish reasons. True friends may wound, but they do not betray.
4. John 13:21
“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
Jesus’ foretelling of His betrayal shows both His omniscience and His sorrow. He knew betrayal was near, and yet He continued to love, serve, and wash the feet of His disciples—including Judas. This verse invites us to consider how to respond to betrayal with grace, truth, and unwavering purpose, just as Jesus did.
5. 2 Timothy 4:10
“For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.”
Paul mourns the departure of a fellow worker in the faith, highlighting the sting of abandonment. Demas, once committed to the gospel mission, chose worldly comforts instead. This verse reveals that betrayal isn’t always overt; sometimes it’s the quiet exit, the failure to stand firm, or the choice to walk away when things get hard.
6. Luke 22:48
“But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’”
This powerful moment highlights the deep hypocrisy often present in betrayal. A kiss, typically a sign of affection and loyalty, is twisted into an act of treachery. Jesus’ question exposes the bitter irony of Judas’ actions. It serves as a warning that betrayal often wears the mask of friendship and that outward gestures do not always reflect inward motives.
7. Job 19:19
“All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.”
Job’s lament illustrates the depth of relational suffering in times of hardship. He not only loses his health and wealth but also the loyalty of close companions. This verse reflects how pain and isolation often accompany betrayal, and yet it encourages us to trust in God’s enduring presence even when others fail us.
8. 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.”
Micah paints a bleak picture of widespread betrayal in a corrupt society. This warning reflects times when even the most intimate relationships cannot be trusted. While not advocating for paranoia, this verse teaches discernment and underscores that our ultimate trust must rest in God, not in fragile human alliances.
9. Matthew 10:21
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.”
Jesus foretells the cost of discipleship, including betrayal by one’s own family. This sobering verse acknowledges that following Christ can bring division and hostility. For believers betrayed for their faith, it offers context and reassurance that such trials are known and permitted within God’s sovereign plan.
10. Psalm 55:12-14
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship…”
David expresses the uniquely painful nature of betrayal by a close friend. He grieves not just the act of betrayal, but the loss of shared memories and fellowship. This verse speaks to anyone who has felt the sting of trust broken by those they once loved and confided in.
11. Genesis 37:28
“So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver…”
Joseph’s betrayal by his own brothers reveals how jealousy and resentment can corrupt even familial bonds. Yet, his story also shows how God can use betrayal to position us for greater purpose. Despite the cruelty of others, divine providence can transform pain into destiny.
12. 2 Samuel 15:31
“Now David had been told, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ So David prayed, ‘Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.’”
David’s trusted advisor, Ahithophel, joins his rebellious son in betrayal. This verse reveals the political and personal weight of betrayal and the instinct to cry out to God in such moments. David’s response was not revenge but prayer—an instructive model for how we might process betrayal spiritually.
13. 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…)”
Jesus identifies the presence of betrayal within His inner circle even before it occurs. This verse underscores Christ’s foreknowledge and control despite the coming treachery. It reassures us that betrayal never surprises God, and that He remains sovereign even in betrayal’s shadow.
14. Judges 16:18
“When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers… ‘Come back once more; he has told me everything.’”
Samson’s betrayal by Delilah illustrates how manipulation and deceit can masquerade as love. His vulnerability becomes his downfall when shared with the wrong person. This verse is a caution about trust, especially when it’s given in the absence of discernment and wisdom.
15. Lamentations 1:2
“Bitterly she weeps at night… among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her…”
Jeremiah mourns the fall of Jerusalem, describing betrayal not just by enemies, but by supposed allies. The abandonment of Israel reflects how betrayal compounds grief and desolation. It invites us to seek true companionship and comfort in God, whose love never fails.
16. Mark 14:44
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’”
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus becomes finalized with a symbol of affection—a kiss. This calculated act turns an intimate gesture into a weapon of deceit. The verse serves as a chilling reminder that not all outward acts of closeness are rooted in sincerity. It warns us to look beyond appearances and to be cautious of manipulation dressed as love.
17. Jeremiah 12:6
“Your relatives, members of your own family—even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you.”
Jeremiah receives a sobering message from God about betrayal by those closest to him. Family betrayal can be among the most painful, and this verse affirms that such wounds are not uncommon in the spiritual journey. Yet, it also highlights God’s intimate awareness of our trials and His justice in dealing with them.
18. Obadiah 1:7
“All your allies have forced you to the border; your friends have deceived and overpowered you.”
Obadiah speaks of Edom’s downfall through the betrayal of their supposed allies. This verse illustrates how political or strategic friendships can be self-serving and untrustworthy. It’s a timeless warning about putting too much confidence in alliances that are not rooted in genuine loyalty or righteousness.
19. Matthew 24:10
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
Jesus foretells a time of widespread apostasy and betrayal within the community of faith. This prophetic warning reveals that betrayal is not just a personal experience but can occur on a broader, even global, scale. It reminds us to remain steadfast, even when others fall away or turn against us.
20. Galatians 2:4
“This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.”
Paul confronts betrayal from within the church by those who secretly worked to undermine the gospel. This verse reminds believers that betrayal can be subtle and rooted in false motives—even in spiritual settings. It calls for vigilance and discernment in protecting the truth and unity of the faith.
21. Psalm 109:4-5
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.”
David voices the pain of being repaid with evil for acts of kindness. This verse speaks to those who have loved and served others only to be met with slander and betrayal. David’s response—to remain a person of prayer—is a powerful example of how to turn hurt into holy perseverance.
22. John 18:5
“‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)”
As Jesus faces arrest, Judas is physically present among His enemies—now fully aligned with them. This simple notation underscores how betrayal often places the traitor in direct opposition to the one they once walked with. Yet, Jesus still confronts His destiny with calm authority, showing us how to stand firm amid betrayal.
23. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Not all betrayal is dramatic—some come through careless words and broken confidences. This verse contrasts the damage caused by gossip with the value of loyalty. It challenges us to be trustworthy, especially when entrusted with another’s vulnerability.
24. Psalm 35:12-14
“They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth… I humbled myself with fasting.”
David again recalls his betrayal, emphasizing how he showed compassion to those who turned on him. The emotional weight is evident, but so is his integrity. He teaches us that our righteousness should not be based on the response of others but on our commitment to God’s standards.
25. Matthew 26:23-24
“Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.’”
This intimate scene at the Last Supper reminds us how betrayal often hides in the closest company. The imagery of sharing a bowl signifies closeness and trust—making Judas’ act even more painful. Jesus’ calm awareness and acceptance model how to face inevitable betrayals with clarity and surrender.
26. 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…”
This prophetic warning assures that betrayal and treachery do not go unnoticed or unpunished. God’s justice ensures that those who betray will themselves face judgment. It’s a strong encouragement for the betrayed to leave vengeance in God’s hands and trust in His timing.
27. Romans 1:29-30
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… they are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil…”
In listing the characteristics of a rebellious society, Paul includes betrayal through slander and gossip. This verse teaches that betrayal stems from a deeper moral decay and warns against aligning ourselves with such patterns. The betrayed can take comfort knowing God condemns these behaviors.
28. Zechariah 11:12-13
“So they paid me thirty pieces of silver… And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’…”
This prophetic passage foreshadows Judas’ betrayal price for Jesus—thirty pieces of silver. Even centuries before Christ, betrayal and its consequences were divinely foreseen. It underscores that even acts of betrayal serve a role in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
29. 2 Samuel 3:27
“Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber as if to speak with him privately, and there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him…”
Joab’s betrayal of Abner under the guise of private conversation illustrates how treachery often masquerades as diplomacy. This story warns of the danger of trusting appearances and highlights how personal vendettas can masquerade as justice.
30. Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”
Though not explicitly about betrayal, this verse offers a powerful conclusion: Jesus understands our every wound—including betrayal. His experience with Judas, Peter, and others who abandoned Him makes Him the perfect source of comfort. He does not just offer healing—He offers empathy rooted in firsthand experience.
Conclusion
God’s Word reminds us that we are never really abandoned, even when betrayal can leave us feeling broken and alone. Scripture provides a deeper truth: God is our everlasting, unchangeable sanctuary. The agony of having someone we trusted betray or abandon us is real. Having been betrayed himself through Jesus, He knows the pain of betrayal and provides consolation to those who seek Him out. His presence heals our deepest wounds in a way that no human apologies can.
Betrayal might cause us to lose faith in other people, but it can also be a turning point that makes us more confident in God. The Bible demonstrates how God’s larger plan may incorporate even the deepest betrayals. Your suffering is not in vain, just as Jesus’ betrayal resulted in everyone’s salvation and Joseph’s agony resulted in many people’s salvation. Every event—even betrayal—is used by God to mold, shield, and guide you toward a future He has carefully planned.
May you find comfort in the knowledge that God sees every tear and comprehends every pain as you reflect on these Bible passages on betrayal. He will support you, bring back what was taken away, and overcome your suffering to create something bigger than you could ever dream. Have faith in His fairness, find solace in His affection, and know that recovery is not just feasible but guaranteed.
