
Judas—the Man Who Betrayed Jesus
While we don’t know a lot about Judas, the Bible does not clearly give some insight into this man. The Bible reveals many things that help us in considering why he betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ.
His Calling
We know that Judas was chosen by Jesus to follow Him and be an apostle (Luke 12:13). We also know that Judas left his former life and followed Jesus during his three and half years of public ministry. Was he ever faithful and committed? That is open to speculation. We know of the 11 faithful that they left their former lives to follow Jesus because they believed Him, they trusted Him, and, most importantly, they loved Him and were devoted to serving Him. When Jesus called them, their priorities changed. They left behind the old life for a new life with Jesus. Did Judas do the same initially? We can only wonder if he was committed at the start, but we definitely know how his life ended.
His Name
In the New Testament, his name is first recorded in Matthew 10, the chapter that speaks of Jesus commissioning His disciples and sending them out to preach. Verses 2 through 4 list all twelve disciples, but take note that in verse 4 Judas is listed last of the twelve. This is always the case in the Gospel records.
Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Judas is always last on the list of the apostles. Perhaps he was chosen last or perhaps this was inspired in the writing of the Gospels because of his great sin.
His Home
All of the apostles, except Judas, were from Galilee. His name, Judas Iscariot, indicates that he was “Judas from Kerioth.” Iscariot is not a word in any known language. It is believed to be a corruption of the Hebrew word Ish Kerioth (man of Kerioth).
Kerioth was a small village on the southwestern extremity of the territory of Judea (Joshua 15:25), about 15 miles south of Hebron. This territory was occupied by Edomites. The Edomites descended from Esau who took wives from the line of Ishmael (Gen 28:9). Ishmael, we know, is the son of the flesh who are not the children of God (Rom 9:8).
The other eleven disciples were all Galileans, therefore Benjamenites, sons of the promise (Rom 9:8). Plus Galilee is in the region that was the Northern Kingdom, Israel. Why might this be important? Because Jesus was sent to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mat 10:6, 15:24). Israel had been lost (the kingdom fell) more than seven centuries earlier for her idolatry and it had never been restored. In contrast, Judah (the Southern Kingdom) was judged by God, sent into captivity in Babylon, and restored to their land 70 years later. So, all the disciples were from the north, except Judas who was from the south. Supporting this is the fact that most of Jesus three and half year public ministry took place in the northern regions. Only toward the end of that time dig He go to Jerusalem, but He did not go to the far southern regions of Judah.
This is the first of many distinctions between the betrayer and the faithful 11.
His Descent
If Judas was of Edomite descent, he was not a true Jew from one of the 12 tribes. We cannot know for certain as he might have been of Jewish heritage living in an area predominantly Edomite, but we can wonder if he was an Edomite. We do know that he was not a Galilean and we can note that he is never identified as a Judean. Therefore, if he was, by bloodline, an Edomite, we should note that the Lord’s judgment and indignation is forever upon these people (Mal 1:4).
Furthermore, we might note that an Edomite (Herod) opposed the birth of Christ and tried to kill him and that Judas, an Edomite, opposed Jesus and conspired to bring about His death.
His Family
We know nothing about the family of Judas, except his father’s name. It was Simon (John 6:71). Simon is the English version of the Hebrew name Shimon. Shimon comes from the Hebrew word Sh’ma, which means to listen, or to hear and obey. It’s the word from which we get “shema” which is found in the command of Deut 6:4 (Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!).
Interestingly, Simon was also the given birth name of Peter, who loved the Lord and he did listen (or at least he desired to). Perhaps the father of Judas was a God-fearing man and he listened, heard and obeyed. Or perhaps he contradicted the meaning of his name, just as Judas did with his name (Judas is the Greek form of Judah, which means “I will praise Jehovah”).
Gen 29:35 Now will I praise [Heb. odeh] Jehovah, and she called his name Yehudah [Judah].
We can only wonder if Judas came from a God-honoring or God-forsaking heritage.
His Desire
Judas sought monetary gain:
Mat 26:15 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 sought opportunity:
Mat 26:16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Judas sought convenience:
Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
Judas sought self-preservation:
Luke 22:5-6 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
His Actions
Judas demonstrated that he didn’t care about the poor and that he was untrustworthy, even a thief and a traitor.
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
Three of the Gospels identify Judas as the one who would betray Jesus (Matt 10:4, Mark 3:19 and John 6:71). “To betray” (Hebrew paradidomi) means “to give over” or “to deliver treacherously” (Matt 17:22, 26:16, John 6:64)
In the Gospel of Luke, which presents Jesus in His humanity, Judas is labeled as a traitor (Hebrew prodotes).
Luke 6:16 …and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Being labeled a “traitor” does not speak of what he did, but rather of who Judas was. It reveals the wickedness in his heart. The word is used one other time in reference to evil people in the End Times (2 Tim 3:4). Traitors are betrayers. They are people who cannot be trusted, because they purposefully conspire and work to do their own will.
Mat 26:15 …And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
His Titles
In addition to being identified as a traitor (Luke 6:16) and a thief (John 12:6), Judas was also identified with the same name that will identify the Antichrist. John 17:12 speaks of Judas and 2 Thrddslonins makes reference to the “man of sin,” the “son of perdition,” who is the Antichrist.
2 Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition [the Antichrist]
Clearly, this title, the Son of Perdition, applied to both Judas and the Antichrist, indicates the evil that controls the heart, mind, and soul of one who listens to Satan.
His Position
Judas was one of the twelve, but he was not of them.
John 6:71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
John 17:9 I pray for them [the 11 faithful; Judas had already departed]. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them [the 11 faithful] is lost, but the son of perdition [Judas]; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
One can be identified with Jesus and yet not belong to Him. The apostle John wrote of this, those who are professors but not possessors, in his first letter.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
His Destiny
We know that without the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, man’s eternal destiny is separation from God. Prior to the cross, at death, one’s soul went either to Abraham’s Bosom (for those who had faith in God) or to Hell, the place of torment for unrepentant sinners. However, we are told of Judas that he “went to his own place” (Acts 1:25). What might that mean? We can’t really know. Was there a place specifically for Judas, who committed the damnable crime of betraying the Lord? We know that Hell is not a place of isolation, but a place of shared torment by all who have rejected God. Is Judas there? Or is he in another place. All we know for certain is what God has revealed in His Word. Judas went to “his own place.”
His Legacy
While Jesus’ name is the Name Above All Names, Judas’s name can be said to be the Name Below All Names. The name Judas is so associated with betrayal that it is said to be illegal to name your child Judas in Germany. While the name Judas is not specified as breaking the law, the German government does set certain criteria for the birth names of its citizens. One of the criteria set is that a name cannot be humiliating, nor can it negatively affect the well-being of the child. With regulations in place, the German government requires name approval when their citizens name a child. Because the name Judas would be like naming your child “Traitor” it would be deemed unacceptable.
<*}}}><
Maundy Thursday
What is Maundy Thursday? (article) The Basin & The Towell (video)
Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday (video)
Journey to the Cross: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (video)
What’s your Judas experience? The Pain of Betrayal
How to Cope When Betrayed?
What Might Judas be Thinking About in Hell?
What Do We Know about Judas? This Might Surprise You.

About Lent
***Lent: 40 Titles for 40 Days (Download NOW: 40 Titles for Lenten Devotions)
What is Lent? Should I Give Up Something? (Article and Video)
This Time Called Lent (Video)
Prepare for Lent (Video)
Lent Reflections (Video)
How Should You Observe Lent? (Article)
How Should You Observe Lent? (Reflect and Prepare short video)
Have You Sat At The Master’s Table? (John 13-17)
What's Wrong with This FB Lenten Fast?
About Holy Week
Jesus’ Last Days Timeline: the Cross and the Resurrection
Palm Sunday
Blessed is the King -- A Palm Sunday video
Hosanna -- Palm Sunday (Jesus Wept) (video)
Walking with Jesus – Tested by the Chief Priests and Elders
The Last Supper
What is Maundy Thursday? The Basin & The Towel
Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday (video)
What’s your Judas experience? The Pain of Betrayal
What Do We Know about Judas? This Might Surprise You.
The Last Supper was NOT a Passover Seder?
Crucifixion Day
Was Jesus crucified on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
Thursday Crucifixion? Do these two reasons “nail” it?
Why do we call it good [Friday]?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
How is Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the Crimson Worm? A Remez In Psalm 22?
Who do you need to reconcile with today?
Who Killed Jesus?
Since Jesus was the Passover LAMB, Why Didn't God Provide a Lamb in Genesis 22?
Did Pilate Proclaim Jesus to be God?
Was Jesus Forsaken by His Father?
The centurion's song from the foot of the cross: “Surely This Was a Righteous Man”
Journey to the Cross: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
How Do We Know Psalm 22 Is About The Cross?
Q & A: Thursday Crucifixion Discussion
Three Days in the Heart of the Earth
The Days of Darkness
Sadness and Despair: The Darkest Days of All Time
Obituary of Jesus: Body Stolen or Risen? What do you say?
About Easter and Resurrection Life
The Father's, Son's and Believer's Perspectives of the Cross
Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow (video)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia (video)
A Place in the Sun (Son) (video)
You'll Never Walk Alone (video)
How to Close Your Eyes and Really SEE Jesus!
Open Your Eyes to The Full Gospel
Are you glad to see Jesus?
Ponder the Prophecies of Jesus’ Mission (video and downloadable file)
What If We Skipped Easter This Year?
He’s back….and it changed everything!
The Lord is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Because He Rose: The resurrection changed everything! (video)
What’s the Meaning of the Folded Napkin in the tomb?
Keep Easter Alive in Your Heart: He Came Back (video)
The Only Soul-Saver, Sin-Forgiver, Chain-Breaker, Pain-Taker, Way-Maker, Hope-Giver: Jesus
Keep Looking Up
Praise God, He’s Alive
Christian Internet Forwards? The Rest of “The Birdcage” Story? (video)
Ways to Glorify God - Bookmark
Watch NOW...You will be blessed.
Read: Is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” a Christian Song?*******
*******
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
We continue to reach people worldwide with the truths of God's Word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your generosity is both a blessing and encouragement. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. If our online resources have blessed you, please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus. Our ministry outreach has grown significantly and . . .
Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
CLICK TO DONATE
to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
- How Did the Wise Men Know This Was the Messiah and KNOW TO FOLLOW HIS STAR?
- What do the 12 stones UNDER the JORDAN River mean? (Joshua 4)
- Jesus' Last Days TIMELINE: The Cross and The Crucifixion
- How Many MIRACLES Did Jesus Do?
- Is Leonard Cohen’s “HALLELUJAH” a Christian Song?
- Where did OT Saints go at death? ABRAHAM'S BOSOM?
- SIN, INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION? How are they different?
- What are the NAMES of JEHOVAH Hidden in Psalm 23?
- Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus?
- If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Re-Baptized?
- Why Did God Create Man Knowing MAN WOULD SIN?
- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
- Was MARY a LEVITE Making Jesus both a Priest and King?
- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
- Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER?
- Can Jews go to Heaven without knowing Jesus?
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
*****************