Apostle · Opponent · New Testament
The Story of Judas Iscariot
The betrayer. Not Judas son of James or Judas the brother of Jesus.
Also: Judas, Yuda Iskarioti (Kiswahili)
One of the twelve, who betrayed Jesus to the chief priests.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Judas Iscariot, son of Simon Iscariot, was chosen as one of the twelve. John says he kept the money bag and took from it. Mark 3:19John 6:71John 12:4–6
He agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus for money and identified him with a kiss in Gethsemane. Matthew and Acts give accounts of his death. Matthew 26:14–16Mark 14:43–46Matthew 27:3–5Acts 1:16–18
Life at a glance
- Father
- Simon Iscariot John 6:71
- Role
- Kept the common purse John 13:29
- Price
- Thirty pieces of silver Matthew 26:15
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Judas Iscariot
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Chosen as one of the twelve
Judas Iscariot is appointed among the twelve; the lists mark him as the one who betrayed Jesus.
Objects at the anointing
When Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany, Judas complains that the ointment could have been sold for the poor.
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People: Mary of Bethany, Jesus
Agrees to betray Jesus
Judas goes to the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver.
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Parallel account: Mark 14:10–11 · Luke 22:3–6
Identified at the Last Supper
Jesus says one of them will betray him; he gives Judas the piece of bread, and Judas goes out into the night.
The betrayal
Judas leads a crowd to Gethsemane and betrays Jesus with a kiss.
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Parallel account: Matthew 26:47–50 · Luke 22:47–48 · John 18:2–5
People: Jesus
Places named: Gethsemane
His death
Matthew records that Judas returned the silver and hanged himself; Acts records his death in the field bought with the money. The two accounts differ in detail.
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Parallel account: Acts 1:16–20
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Judas Iscariot. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
- Acts 1:25 — Judas left the apostleship to go to his own place.
Family and relationships
- JesusBetrayed himMark 14:44–45
- MatthiasMatthias was chosen to take his placeActs 1:26
Stories and studies
- Betrayal Life situation
Judas betrays Jesus.
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