Judas Iscariot
One of the twelve who betrayed Jesus.
Judas Iscariot is identified in the Gospels as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and the one who betrayed him (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). He is also called the son of Simon (John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2; John 13:26). The passages consistently refer to him as the betrayer, though they do not explain his motives beyond noting that the devil put betrayal into his heart (John 13:2).
Quick Facts
- Name
- Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16)
- Father
- Simon (John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2; John 13:26)
- Role
- One of the twelve disciples (Matthew 26:14; Mark 14:10; John 6:71; John 12:4)
- Action
- Betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; John 6:71; John 12:4)
- Initiative
- Went to the chief priests to betray him (Matthew 26:14; Mark 14:10)
- Motive
- The devil put betrayal into his heart (John 13:2)
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Judas Iscariot as a figure defined by his act of betrayal. He is listed among the twelve, but his name is immediately linked to his future treachery (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). His agency is shown in his direct approach to the chief priests (Matthew 26:14; Mark 14:10). John’s Gospel emphasizes his identity as Simon’s son (John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2; John 13:26) and introduces a supernatural element: the devil’s influence (John 13:2). The passages do not describe his death, remorse, or any other events; they focus solely on his role as the betrayer among the twelve.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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