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1st century AD · died around AD 30-33, at the time of the crucifixion

Judas Iscariot in the Bible

The disciple who betrayed his Master. Name meaning: Judas is the Greek form of Judah, “praise” (Gen 29:35); “Iscariot” probably means “man of Kerioth,” a town in Judea (Josh 15:25)

Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Treasurer of the group and a thief, he sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver and betrayed him with a kiss. Eaten up with remorse but never turning to God, he took his own life. His story is a solemn warning: you can stand close to Jesus without ever giving him your heart.

Main books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts

Key moments

  • Chosen among the twelve apostles Luke 6:13–16
  • Jesus says, “one of you is a devil” John 6:70–71
  • A thief, he kept the money bag John 12:6
  • Sells Jesus for thirty pieces of silver Matthew 26:15
  • Leaves the supper: “and it was night” John 13:30
  • Betrays Jesus with a kiss Matthew 26:49
  • Remorse, then suicide Matthew 27:3–5
  • Matthias chosen by lot to replace him Acts 1:26

Strengths

  • Love of money
  • Hypocrisy
  • Unbelieving heart
  • Remorse without faith

Weaknesses

Judas is the very picture of a fall: a thief and a hypocrite (John 12:6), he betrays his Master for money (Matt 26:15). His remorse drives him to despair rather than to repentance toward God; he illustrates “the sorrow of the world” that “worketh death” (2 Cor 7:10).

Lessons for today

  • Being close to Jesus, his church, and his work is not enough: we must give him our hearts and truly believe (John 6:64).
  • The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil; small dishonesties we tolerate prepare us for great falls (John 12:6; 1 Tim 6:10).
  • Let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall: guard your heart and run from hypocrisy (1 Cor 10:12).
  • Remorse alone doesn’t save; we must come to Jesus with godly sorrow, like Peter, rather than shut ourselves up in despair (2 Cor 7:10).
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
John 12:6
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Matthew 26:24
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:3–5

People around Judas Iscariot

  • Jesus — His Master, whom he betrayed
  • Simon — His father (John 6:71)
  • The chief priests — The men who paid for his betrayal
  • Peter — Another apostle who fell, but who repented and was restored
  • Matthias — The apostle chosen to take his place

Stories with Judas Iscariot

Quiz: how well do you know Judas Iscariot?

For how much did Judas agree to betray Jesus?

By what sign did Judas point out Jesus to those who came to arrest him?

What responsibility did Judas have among the disciples?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.