Judas Iscariot
The BetrayerApostle who served as treasurer and betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver
Judas Iscariot is one of history's most infamous figures - chosen by Jesus as one of the Twelve, entrusted as treasurer, yet he betrayed Jesus with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver. His betrayal fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13) and set in motion the events of Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Judas's remorse led to his returning the silver and committing suicide. His story serves as a sobering warning about the dangers of greed, hardened hearts, and proximity to Christ without genuine faith. After his death, Matthias was chosen to replace him.
Original Name
Ἰούδας Ἰσκαριώτης (Ioudas Iskariotes)
Meaning
Judas: 'Praised'; Iscariot: 'Man from Kerioth' or 'Dagger-man'
Etymology
Judas (Ioudas) is Greek for Hebrew 'Yehudah' meaning 'praised' - the same name as the patriarch Judah. 'Iscariot' (Iskariotes) most likely means 'man of Kerioth' (Ish-Kerioth), a town in southern Judea, making Judas possibly the only non-Galilean among the Twelve. Alternatively, some connect it to Latin 'sicarius' (dagger-man/assassin).
Linguistic Insights
The name 'Judas' became so associated with betrayal that it virtually disappeared as a given name among Christians, though it was originally honorable (meaning 'praised'). John's Gospel distinguishes 'Judas not Iscariot' (14:22) carefully. The phrase 'Iscariot' appears in various forms: Iskarioth, Iskariotes, with 'Ish-Kerioth' (man of Kerioth) the most accepted etymology. If Judas was from Kerioth in Judea, his outsider status among Galilean disciples may have contributed to his isolation. The thirty pieces of silver (triakonta argyria) fulfilled Zechariah 11:12-13 - the price of a slave. The word 'betrayer' (paradidomi - to hand over) is used repeatedly, and Jesus identifies him at the Last Supper through the 'dipped morsel' (psomion) - an act normally showing honor to a guest.
Translation Notes
- •Yehudah/Judas was a noble name - patriarch and tribe of Israel
- •Iscariot: probably 'man of Kerioth' (Judean town), not Galilean
- •Alternative: from sicarius (assassin), linking to Zealots
- •30 silver pieces = price of a slave (Exodus 21:32)
Related Terms
Named among the Twelve Apostles
Matthew 10:4Served as treasurer for the disciples
John 12:6, 13:29Complained about costly perfume poured on Jesus
John 12:4-6Satan entered him at Last Supper
Luke 22:3; John 13:27Agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces
Matthew 26:14-16Left Last Supper to carry out betrayal
John 13:30Betrayed Jesus with a kiss in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:47-50Felt remorse and returned the silver
Matthew 27:3-4Committed suicide by hanging
Matthew 27:5; Acts 1:18Matthew 26:15
"What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you? So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver."
Matthew 26:49
"Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him."
John 12:6
"He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it."
John 13:27
"As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, 'What you are about to do, do quickly.'"
Matthew 27:4
"I have sinned, he said, for I have betrayed innocent blood."
Acts 1:25
"Judas turned away to go where he belongs."
Born
c. 5 AD
Died
30 AD
Lifespan
Approximately 25-35 years
Father
Simon Iscariot
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
None recorded