Betray
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Betray in the Bible?
Betrayal denotes the act of handing over a person to enemies through treachery or deceit, most notably illustrated by Judas Iscariot's delivery of Jesus Christ.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the mechanics of betrayal clarifies the narrative tension in the Passion accounts, where the fulfillment of prophecy depends on the deliberate actions of an insider, thereby highlighting themes of loyalty and divine sovereignty within the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Betray. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Betray in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Betray clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Betray." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/betray/