Judas Iscariot

[ (jooh-duhs i-skar-ee-uht) ]


The Apostle who betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. When soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Judas identified their victim by kissing him. The next day, driven by guilt, Judas hanged himself.

Notes for Judas Iscariot

Figuratively, a “Judas” is a betrayer, especially one who betrays a friend.

Notes for Judas Iscariot

A “Judas kiss” is an act of seeming friendship that conceals some treachery.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

How to use Judas Iscariot in a sentence

  • In fact, the Michigan congressman went so far as to liken them to Judas Iscariot.

  • When a man has taken Judas Iscariot for his model I think he ought to follow so eminent an example to the end.'

    Greifenstein | F. Marion Crawford
  • He was speaking of a disciple named Judas Iscariot, though the others did not know it.

    The King Nobody Wanted | Norman F. Langford
  • Like Judas Iscariot he is a son of perdition and wishes to make you one also, because your intellect is useful to him.

    A Son of Perdition | Fergus Hume
  • I would you could see his face, Kyrie, it is that of Judas Iscariot.

    The Bible in Spain | George Borrow