Judas Iscariot
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Praised (a form of Judah)”
The apostle who kept the money bag and betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, then hanged himself in remorse.
Biography
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles — and the one who betrayed Jesus. He served as treasurer of the group, keeping "the bag," but John notes "he was a thief, and... bare what was put therein" (John 12:6).
The betrayal
For thirty pieces of silver Judas agreed to deliver Jesus to the chief priests (Matthew 26:14–16). At the Last Supper Jesus identified him as the betrayer, and Judas led the arresting party to Gethsemane, where he betrayed his Master with a kiss (Matthew 26:48–49). "Satan entered into" him, Luke records (Luke 22:3).
Remorse and ruin
Seized with remorse, Judas threw the silver into the temple, declaring, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood," and went and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–5). His place among the Twelve was filled by Matthias (Acts 1:16–26). Judas stands as a solemn warning that nearness to Christ is not the same as faith in Him.
Life Timeline
Betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver
Betrays Jesus with a kiss, then hangs himself in remorse
On the Bible timeline
Judas Iscariot belongs to the The Gospels — the Life of Jesus era (c. 6 BC – AD 30).
- c. 6 – 4 BCThe Birth of Jesus
- c. AD 27 – 30The Ministry of Jesus
- c. AD 30 – 33The Crucifixion & Resurrection
- c. AD 30 – 33Pentecost
Themes & lessons from Judas Iscariot
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Judas Iscariot appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
11 verses in 4 booksMatthew2 verses
Matthew 10:4
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 26:14
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
Mark2 verses
Mark 3:19
And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home
Mark 14:10
And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Luke2 verses
John5 verses
John 6:71
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
John 12:4
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
John 13:2
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
John 13:26
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. sop: or, morsel
John 14:22
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Frequently asked about Judas Iscariot
Who was Judas Iscariot in the Bible?
The apostle who kept the money bag and betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, then hanged himself in remorse.
What does the name Judas Iscariot mean?
The name Judas Iscariot means “Praised (a form of Judah)”.
What did Judas Iscariot do in the Bible?
Judas Iscariot served as apostle (the betrayer).
Where does Judas Iscariot appear in the Bible?
Judas Iscariot is mentioned 11 times across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
What can we learn from Judas Iscariot?
The story of Judas Iscariot touches on themes of simon, traitor, apostles, betrayal — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Judas Iscariot's life.
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