Bible1.org People & Beings

Judas Iscariot

One of the Twelve apostles, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

At a glance

Name
Judas Iscariot
Also known as
Judas
Type
Person
Period
New Testament
Appears in
The Gospels and the book of Acts
First appearance
Matthew 26
Known for
The apostle who betrayed Jesus

Who is Judas Iscariot?

Judas Iscariot is one of the Twelve apostles, the one who betrays Jesus. He goes to the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over to them for thirty pieces of silver.

At Jesus's arrest, Judas identifies him to the crowd with a kiss. Afterward, seized with remorse, he throws the silver back into the temple and goes away.

The Gospel of Matthew says that Judas hanged himself. In the book of Acts, before Pentecost, the apostles cast lots and choose Matthias to take his place among the Twelve.

Judas Iscariot in the Bible

Betrayal for thirty pieces of silver

Judas agrees to hand Jesus over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver.

Read Matthew 26 →

Remorse and death

Seized with remorse, Judas returns the silver, and Matthew records that he hanged himself.

Read Matthew 27 →

Replaced among the Twelve

In Acts, the apostles choose Matthias to take Judas's place.

Read Acts 1 →

Not to be confused with

  • Judas, son of James Another of the Twelve apostles named Judas, also called Thaddaeus, distinct from the one who betrayed Jesus.
  • Jude, the brother of Jesus A different Judas, a brother of Jesus, traditionally linked to the short letter of Jude.

Key passages featuring Judas Iscariot

These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.

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