A New Testament disciple who betrayed Jesus.
About Judas
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus's 12 disciples. His father was Simon and his last name was Iscariot. It is not clear why he is called Iscariot. Iscariot probably means he was born in a town called Kerioth. There are two towns with this name. Kerioth of Moab is east of the Jordan (Jeremiah 48:24; Amos 2:2). Kerioth-hezron or Hazor is in southern Judah (Joshua 15:25). A less likely idea connects Iscariot with an Aramaic word meaning “assassin” (a person who commits murder, especially for political reasons or for money). According to this idea, after Judas betrayed Jesus, people started calling him "Judas Iscariot."
Judas Iscariot’s name is listed last among the disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). This is likely because of the shame connected with his name. It is less likely that it shows his original importance among the Twelve. During Jesus’s public ministry, he managed the treasury of the group (John 13:29). He was known to steal their money (12:6). Judas made a deal with the priests to deliver Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He identified Jesus by kissing him in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:14–47; Mark 14:10–46; Luke 22:3–48; John 18:2–5).
People have different ideas about why Judas betrayed Jesus:
Judas wanted to remove the Romans from power. When he realized Jesus did not plan to do this or to start a Jewish state, he betrayed Jesus.
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Simon
Key References
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.
All Scripture References (23)
Matthew (5)
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.
Mark (3)
and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.
Luke (4)
Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.
But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
John (9)
He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,
The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.
Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”
Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.