Judas

Lore & Background

The most infamous Judas is Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19). According to the passages, Satan entered into him (Luke 22:3), and he went to the chief priests to betray Jesus for money (Matthew 26:14; Mark 14:10). He identified Jesus with a kiss in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:47-48), leading to Jesus' arrest by a multitude with swords and staves (Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:43). After seeing Jesus condemned, Judas repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests (Matthew 27:3). Another Judas is named as a brother of Jesus, alongside James, Joses, and Simon (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). This Judas is distinct from Judas Iscariot. Additionally, an apostle named Judas (not Iscariot) is mentioned as the brother of James (Luke 6:16), and this same Judas asks Jesus a question at the Last Supper (John 14:22). In the genealogies, a Judas appears as an ancestor of Jesus in the line of Phares, Esrom, and Aram (Luke 3:33), and also in other generational lists (Luke 3:26, 30). The name also appears as a place name: Mary went into the hill country to a city of Juda (Luke 1:39), and Bethlehem is in the land of Juda (Matthew 2:6).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Judas primarily through the lens of betrayal, but also as a common name among Jesus' family and followers. Judas Iscariot is consistently identified as the betrayer, with his actions described in detail: he negotiated with the chief priests (Matthew 26:14), received a sop from Jesus (John 13:26), and led the arresting party (Matthew 26:47). His motive is linked to Satan's influence (Luke 22:3; John 13:2), and he is noted as the keeper of the money bag (John 13:29). After the betrayal, he shows remorse (Matthew 27:3), but the passages do not describe his death. Other Judases are presented without negative connotation. Judas the brother of Jesus is simply listed among his siblings (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Judas the apostle (not Iscariot) is distinguished from the betrayer (John 14:22) and is called the brother of James (Luke 6:16). The genealogical Judases are part of Jesus' lineage (Luke 3:33), and the place name Juda refers to the region of Judea (Luke 1:39; Matthew 2:6). The passages thus show the name's multiple uses, with the betrayer overshadowing the others in narrative detail.

Did You Know?

• Judas Iscariot is explicitly called the son of Simon in four passages (John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2, 26).
• Judas Iscariot had the money bag, leading some to think Jesus sent him to buy things or give to the poor (John 13:29).
• A Judas who is not Iscariot asked Jesus a question at the Last Supper (John 14:22).
• The name Judas appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke, as the son of Phares (Luke 3:33).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" — Judas "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he." — Judas "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." — Judas "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" — Judas