Overview
The Bible addresses treachery across 24 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings, Judges and 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Jael, Abishai, Betrayal and Canaanites, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jehu, Joab, Jael and Abner.
Key Bible verses about treachery
Old Testament
Judges
And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.
And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. mantle: or, rug, or, blanket
And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. and took: Heb. and put
Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:
2 Samuel
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. quietly: or, peaceably
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. struck: Heb. doubled not his stroke
2 Kings
And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. Proclaim: Heb. Sanctify
And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. full: or, so full that they stood mouth to mouth
And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.
And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.
And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. the edge: Heb. the mouth
And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. images: Heb. statues
And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.
People in the Bible and treachery
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying treachery for yourself
- Begin with Judges 1:24, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 2 Kings, Judges and 2 Samuel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jehu, Joab and Jael and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Jael, Abishai, Betrayal and Canaanites, the.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about treachery?
The Bible addresses treachery across 24 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings, Judges and 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Jael, Abishai, Betrayal and Canaanites, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jehu, Joab, Jael and Abner.
How many Bible verses are about treachery?
The Bible references treachery in 24 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention treachery?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Judges 1:24: “And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with treachery?
Jehu, Joab, Jael, Abner and Amasa.
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