Judas Iscariot

Cultural  

1. 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.

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

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

Example Sentences

With his long locks, wide-neck T-shirt and gray jeans, Lucas Hamming’s Judas Iscariot, who narrates the story, has something of the beleaguered British comedian Russell Brand about him.

From New York Times

Originally, the burning figures were effigies of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, according to the Biblical account of the days leading up to Christ’s crucifixion.

From Seattle Times

It was watching his theater teacher in a Dallas regional production of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.”

From Seattle Times

Inspired by the Bob Dylan lyric “Did Judas Iscariot have God on his side?” from the 1964 song “With God on Our Side,” Rice set out to humanize the New Testament’s unambiguous villain.

From New York Times

This is a biblical reference to Judas Iscariot receiving 30 pieces of silver to betray Christ.

From Washington Times