The sting of betrayal cuts deeper than almost any other wound. When someone you trusted shatters that sacred bond, it doesn’t just hurt your heart; it rewrites your understanding of safety, love, and human nature itself. Maybe it was a spouse who broke their vows, a friend who shared your secrets, a family member who chose sides against you, or a leader who exploited your trust. The aftermath leaves you questioning everyone’s motives and wondering if you’ll ever feel secure again.
Betrayal trauma is real, and it’s devastating. Your nervous system goes into overdrive, your ability to trust gets hijacked, and the world suddenly feels like a dangerous place where anyone might turn on you. But here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey and walking alongside others: God sees every act of treachery committed against His children, and He has both justice and healing in store.
These verses aren’t quick fixes for the complex work of healing from betrayal, but they are lifelines when you’re drowning in disbelief and pain.
Bible Verses About Healing from Betrayal Trauma
1. Psalm 55:12-14 – If an Enemy Were Insulting Me
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.
New International Version (NIV)
2. Psalm 41:9 – Even My Close Friend Has Betrayed Me
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3. Luke 22:48 – Judas, Do You Betray the Son of Man with a Kiss?
But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
New King James Version (NKJV)
4. Psalm 27:10 – Though My Father and Mother Forsake Me
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
New Living Translation (NLT)
5. Romans 12:19 – Do Not Take Revenge
Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6. Psalm 62:8 – Trust in Him at All Times
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
King James Version (KJV)
8. Jeremiah 17:7-8 – Blessed Is the One Who Trusts in the Lord
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9. Psalm 118:8 – It Is Better to Trust in the Lord
It’s better to take refuge in God than to trust in people.
The Message (MSG)
10. Hebrews 13:5-6 – Never Will I Leave You
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11. Psalm 146:3 – Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes
Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.
New English Translation (NET)
12. Isaiah 54:10 – Though the Mountains Be Shaken
Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My faithful love won’t move away from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13. Matthew 18:21-22 – How Many Times Shall I Forgive?
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
14. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Good News Translation (GNT)
15. Colossians 3:13 – Bear with Each Other and Forgive
Be patient with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.
New Century Version (NCV)
16. Romans 8:28 – God Works for the Good
And we know that God works all things together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
International Standard Version (ISV)
17. 1 Peter 2:23 – He Did Not Retaliate
When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.
Tree of Life Version (TLV)
18. Psalm 37:5-6 – Commit Your Way to the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
19. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – The Lord Is Faithful
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
World English Bible (WEB)
20. Psalm 37:1-2 – Do Not Fret Because of Those Who Are Evil
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
American Standard Version (ASV)
21. Isaiah 61:3 – To Give Them Beauty for Ashes
To grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
22. Jeremiah 30:17 – I Will Restore You to Health
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
New American Bible (NAB)
23. Psalm 147:3 – He Heals the Brokenhearted
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)
24. Luke 4:18 – To Bind Up the Brokenhearted
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: he hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.
English Revised Version (ERV)
25. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted
Near is Jehovah to the broken of heart, And the bruised of spirit He saveth.
Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
26. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassions and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to encourage those who are in any tribulation through the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged of God.
Darby Translation (DARBY)
27. Psalm 126:5-6 – Those Who Sow in Tears
They who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Weymouth New Testament (WNT)
28. Isaiah 43:18-19 – Forget the Former Things
Have ye not mynde on the formere thingis, and biholde ye not olde thingis. Lo! Y make newe thingis, and now tho schulen bigynne to be maad; sotheli ye schulen know tho.
Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
29. Revelation 21:4 – He Will Wipe Every Tear
And God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes: and there shalbe no more death, neither sorow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more paine: for the first things are passed away.
Geneva Bible (GNV)
30. Psalm 126:1-3 – When the Lord Restored the Fortunes
When the Lord turned agayne the captiuitie of Sion: then were we lyke vnto them that dreame. Then was our mouth fylled with laughter: and our tongue with ioye.
Bishop’s Bible
31. Luke 6:28 – Bless Those Who Curse You
Blesse them that course you. And praye for them which wrongfully trouble you.
Tyndale Bible
32. Romans 12:17-21 – Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it.
The Living Bible (TLB)
33. Psalm 55:22 – Cast Your Burden on the Lord
Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders – he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.
The Passion Translation (TPT)
34. Isaiah 49:15-16 – Can a Mother Forget Her Baby?
Can a woman forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
The Voice Bible (VOICE)
35. Psalm 23:1-3 – The Lord Is My Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength.
New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Healing from Betrayal Trauma
Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat the devastation of betrayal. Jesus himself experienced the ultimate betrayal when Judas sold him out for thirty pieces of silver, and David’s anguished words in Psalm 55 capture the unique pain of being wounded by someone close. What I find remarkable is how the Bible validates the depth of this particular hurt while pointing toward a path of healing that doesn’t require you to minimize your pain or rush toward forgiveness.
The biblical approach to betrayal trauma acknowledges that some wounds take time to heal and that protecting yourself from further harm isn’t unforgiving; it’s wise. God understands that betrayal doesn’t just hurt; it fundamentally alters how we see relationships and safety. Scripture offers us a framework for processing this trauma that includes honest lament, appropriate boundaries, and gradual restoration of trust, starting with God’s unchanging faithfulness as our foundation for learning to trust again.
Say This Prayer
Lord, my heart feels shattered by someone I trusted completely. The betrayal has left me questioning everything I thought I knew about love, loyalty, and safety. I feel angry, confused, and deeply wounded. Thank You that You understand this pain intimately, having experienced betrayal yourself.
Help me to process these overwhelming emotions honestly without becoming bitter or closed off to love forever. Show me how to set healthy boundaries that protect my heart while remaining open to the relationships You have for me. Teach me the difference between forgiveness and foolishness, between mercy and enabling harmful behavior.
Heal the parts of me that feel broken beyond repair. Restore my ability to trust wisely and love deeply again. When I’m tempted toward revenge or bitterness, redirect my heart toward Your justice and mercy. Use this painful season to develop discernment and deeper intimacy with You.
Surround me with people who honor trust and show me what healthy relationships look like.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.