Judas Iscariot is one of the most tragic and controversial figures in the Bible. As one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, he belonged to the inner circle, yet his name is forever associated with betrayal.
His act—delivering Jesus to the authorities—and his motives have been the subject of debate, theological interpretation, and artistic representation for centuries.
1. Judas was one of the original twelve apostles
It’s crucial to understand that Judas was not just a random follower; he was personally chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles. These twelve formed the closest group of disciples who accompanied Jesus during his ministry, witnessed his miracles, and received his teachings.
Judas therefore shared in this special position and the trust Jesus placed in his apostles, which makes his later betrayal all the more painful and shocking.
2. The meaning of his surname ‘Iscariot’ is uncertain
The surname ‘Iscariot’ is used to distinguish him from the other apostle named Judas (Judas Thaddeus). The most common explanation is that ‘Iscariot’ refers to his place of origin: ‘man from Kerioth,’ a town in Judea. This would make him the only apostle not from Galilee.
Other, less likely theories suggest a link to the Sicarii (a group of Jewish rebels) or a derivation from an Aramaic word meaning ‘liar’ or ‘traitor,’ although the latter is likely a later interpretation.
3. He was the keeper of the group’s money bag
The Gospel of John specifically mentions that Judas was in charge of the communal money bag used by Jesus and the apostles. He managed the finances and made purchases.
However, John critically adds that Judas was a thief and would steal from the fund. This role as treasurer is sometimes cited as a possible seed for his eventual betrayal out of greed.
4. Judas made a deal with the high priests to betray Jesus
The Gospels describe how Judas went to the Jewish religious leaders (the high priests and scribes) and offered to hand Jesus over to them. They were looking for a way to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar, especially during the busy Passover festival. Judas gave them that opportunity by identifying a suitable time and place for the arrest.
5. The price for the betrayal was thirty silver coins
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas and the high priests agreed that he would receive thirty silver coins for his cooperation. This amount is often seen as symbolic and possibly a reference to a prophecy in the Old Testament book of Zechariah (11:12-13), where thirty silver coins are mentioned as the price for a shepherd. At the time, the amount was also considered the compensation for a slave killed by an ox.
6. The sign of betrayal was a kiss
To identify Jesus for the soldiers and guards who came to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas used a prearranged signal: a kiss. He approached Jesus, greeted him with “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
This intimate act, usually a sign of affection and respect, thus became a symbol of ultimate betrayal. Jesus’ reaction, according to the Gospels, was one of resignation and awareness of what was happening.
7. His motives for the betrayal remain a topic of debate
Why did Judas betray Jesus? The Bible and later interpretations offer various possible motives, and the exact reason remains unclear.
Greed (the thirty silver coins) is explicitly mentioned. Other theories suggest political disillusionment (perhaps Judas expected a political Messiah who would overthrow the Romans), jealousy, satanic influence (Luke and John mention that Satan entered him), or even a misguided belief that he could force Jesus into action.
Some theologians see his act as a necessary part of God’s plan of salvation.
8. Judas showed remorse after Jesus’ condemnation
The Gospel of Matthew describes how Judas felt remorse when he saw that Jesus had been condemned to death. He tried to return the thirty silver coins to the high priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned; I have betrayed innocent blood!” The leaders, however, refused to take the money back. This remorse, though too late, adds a layer of complexity to his character.
9. There are two different accounts of his death
The Bible contains two different descriptions of Judas’s death. According to Matthew, Judas threw the silver coins into the temple, went away, and hanged himself. The high priests used the “blood money” to buy a field for burying foreigners, which became known as the “Field of Blood.”
According to the book of Acts (written by Luke), Judas himself bought a field with the money, fell headlong, burst open, and his intestines spilled out. Attempts to reconcile these accounts remain speculative.
10. His place as apostle was taken by Matthias
After Jesus’ ascension, the remaining eleven apostles felt it necessary to fill Judas’s position in order to restore the number twelve (symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel).
According to the book of Acts, two candidates were nominated, and by casting lots, Matthias was chosen as the new twelfth apostle to bear witness to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection.
11. There is a ‘Gospel of Judas,’ but it is not biblical
In the 20th century, an ancient Coptic text was rediscovered, known as the Gospel of Judas. This is a Gnostic text from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and is not part of the canonical books of the Bible.
It portrays Judas in a very different light: not as a traitor, but as the most enlightened apostle who helped Jesus shed his earthly body at Jesus’ own request. This text offers a fascinating, albeit heterodox, perspective on the figure of Judas.
12. Judas remains a lasting symbol of betrayal and disloyalty
Over the centuries, the name ‘Judas’ has become synonymous with betrayal, disloyalty, and treachery. He is often depicted as the ultimate traitor in art and literature (consider Dante’s *Inferno*, where he occupies the deepest circle of hell).
The “Judas kiss” has become an expression for a treacherous act disguised as friendship. His story remains a powerful and cautionary parable.
Judas Iscariot remains one of the most enigmatic and tragic figures in the Bible. As a chosen apostle who betrayed his master, his story continues to raise enduring questions about motives, remorse, divine providence, and human weakness. The various biblical accounts and later interpretations offer no definitive answer, leaving Judas as a figure who evokes both condemnation and a certain degree of tragic compassion, challenging us to reflect on the nature of loyalty, faith, and betrayal.
