Betrayal by a friend is one of the deepest emotional wounds a person can experience. When someone we trust turns against us, it leaves us feeling hurt, confused, and sometimes even hopeless.
The Bible does not shy away from addressing betrayal — from the story of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery to Judas betraying Jesus. These passages remind us that God understands our pain and offers wisdom, comfort, and guidance to navigate the hurt.
In this post, we’ll look at 35 powerful Bible verses about betrayal by friends. Each verse includes context and a short explanation to help you see how God’s Word speaks to your situation, bringing both clarity and hope.
35 Bible Verses About Betrayal By Friends
1. Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
Explanation: David’s words echo the sting of betrayal from someone close, reminding us that God sees and understands our pain.
2. Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Explanation: This verse teaches that honest correction from a friend is valuable, but false flattery can hide betrayal.
3. Micah 7:5
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.
Explanation: Micah warns about the reality of misplaced trust, urging wisdom in relationships.
4. Matthew 26:48-49
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Explanation: Judas’s betrayal of Jesus shows how outward gestures can hide harmful intentions.
5. Luke 22:47-48
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Explanation: Jesus directly confronts the hypocrisy of Judas’s betrayal, showing His awareness and grace even in the face of deceit.
6. Job 19:19
All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.
Explanation: Job expresses the sorrow of abandonment, reminding us that even the righteous can experience betrayal.
7. Psalm 55:12-14
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.
Explanation: The pain of betrayal cuts deeper when it comes from someone we once shared deep spiritual bonds with.
8. Proverbs 19:4
Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
Explanation: True friendship is tested in hard times; false friends often leave when there’s nothing to gain.
9. Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
Explanation: This verse highlights the hurt that can come from those who are supposed to be closest to us.
10. Matthew 10:36
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.
Explanation: Jesus warns that betrayal and division can come from those closest to us, even within our own families.
11. 2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
Explanation: Ahithophel’s betrayal of David shows how even trusted advisors can turn against us.
12. Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Explanation: Gossip and deceit destroy trust and relationships, often leading to betrayal.
13. John 13:21
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
Explanation: Jesus felt the emotional weight of knowing betrayal was coming, showing His humanity.
14. Jeremiah 9:4
Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.
Explanation: Jeremiah warns about widespread deceit, urging discernment.
15. Obadiah 1:7
All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you; those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it.
Explanation: Even allies can turn into deceivers when their interests change.
16. Proverbs 25:19
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
Explanation: Betrayal leaves us unsupported when we need help most.
17. Matthew 26:14-15
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.
Explanation: Judas’s act of betrayal was motivated by greed, showing how money can corrupt loyalty.
18. Psalm 109:4-5
In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
Explanation: Even in betrayal, turning to God in prayer is the right response.
19. Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Explanation: True friendship endures through hardships, unlike false loyalty that crumbles.
20. Matthew 24:10
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
Explanation: Jesus predicts that betrayal will be common in times of testing.
21. John 18:5
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
Explanation: Even in the moment of betrayal, Jesus faced His betrayer without fear.
22. Judges 16:18
When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands.
Explanation: Delilah’s betrayal of Samson is a reminder of the danger of misplaced trust.
23. Psalm 88:18
You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend.
Explanation: The psalmist laments the loneliness that can follow betrayal and loss.
24. Matthew 26:56
But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Explanation: Even Jesus experienced the abandonment of His closest followers.
25. Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
Explanation: Choosing friends wisely can help us avoid the pain of betrayal.
26. Psalm 35:12
They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved.
Explanation: Betrayal often feels like a deep personal loss.
27. Jeremiah 12:6
Your relatives, members of your own family—even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.
Explanation: Even family members can act deceitfully while pretending to be supportive.
28. Proverbs 14:20
The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
Explanation: This highlights the superficial nature of some friendships.
29. 2 Samuel 20:9-10
Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s other hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly.
Explanation: Joab’s false greeting shows how betrayal can be disguised as kindness.
30. Psalm 55:20-21
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
Explanation: Betrayal often comes with smooth words hiding harmful intentions.
31. Matthew 26:25
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
Explanation: Judas’s denial reveals the deceptive nature of betrayal.
32. Isaiah 21:2
A dire vision has been shown to me: The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot. Elam, attack! Media, lay siege! I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused.
Explanation: God promises justice against betrayal and injustice.
33. Psalm 7:4
If I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe—
Explanation: This verse is part of David’s plea for justice, affirming his innocence in the face of false accusations.
34. Luke 21:16
You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
Explanation: Jesus warns His followers about the cost of discipleship, including betrayal from loved ones.
35. John 13:18
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’”
Final Thoughts on Betrayal by Friends
Betrayal can leave lasting scars, but the Bible reminds us that God sees, understands, and can bring healing. These 35 Bible verses about betrayal by friends show that you are not alone — even great men and women of faith faced treachery.
God calls us to trust Him, seek His comfort, and allow Him to guide us toward forgiveness and restoration.
Which verse resonated most with you today? Share your experiences, reflections, or favorite scriptures in the comments — your story may bring hope to someone else walking this difficult path.