When life is heavy
What does the Bible say about betrayal?
Jesus was betrayed by a friend, and the Psalms are full of the pain of it. Scripture meets betrayal with honesty, lament and eventual healing.
What Scripture says
Psalm 41:9
“Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.”
Psalm 55:12-14
“For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him. But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.”
Luke 22:48
“But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?””
Romans 12:17-19
“Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.””
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.