Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. It cuts deeper than most wounds because it comes from someone close—someone trusted. The sting of betrayal is sharp because it involves a breaking of relationship, the shattering of trust, and the devastation of vulnerability turned against you. Whether it’s a friend, spouse, family member, or someone from within the church, betrayal leaves a mark that’s hard to forget and even harder to heal from.
The Bible does not minimize this pain. In fact, Scripture acknowledges the reality of betrayal throughout its pages. David cried out about the anguish of being betrayed by a close companion. Joseph was sold by his own brothers. Jesus Himself was handed over to His enemies by someone He had broken bread with. Yet, within each of these stories, we also see a common thread: God’s presence, God’s justice, and God’s ability to bring healing and restoration.
When betrayal strikes, the natural response is often to retaliate or to withdraw into bitterness. But God’s Word invites us into a different kind of response. It reminds us that we are not alone, that God sees and knows our pain, and that He is both our Defender and our Healer. These verses will help you process the betrayal you’ve faced, find peace in God’s promises, and begin the journey toward healing with wisdom and grace.
Bible Verses For Dealing With Betrayal
1. Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
2. Matthew 26:48–50
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them… Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
3. Psalm 55:12–14
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.
4. 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.”
5. Romans 12:19
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
6. Luke 22:21–22
But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.
7. Micah 7:5–6
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
8. Job 19:19
All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.
9. Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
10. Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
11. Proverbs 25:9–10
If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you.
12. Obadiah 1:7
All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you.
13. Jeremiah 12:6
Your relatives, members of your own family—even they have betrayed you.
14. 2 Timothy 4:16–17
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me… But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.
15. John 18:2–3
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
16. 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.”
17. Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
18. Matthew 24:10
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
19. Lamentations 1:2
Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her.
20. Psalm 109:4–5
In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
21. Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
22. Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.
23. Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
24. 2 Samuel 15:31
Now David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.”
25. Psalm 37:1–3
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.
26. Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
27. John 15:18
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
28. Luke 6:27–28
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
29. Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
30. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
31. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
32. 1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.
33. Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
34. Hebrews 13:5
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
35. Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Dealing With Betrayal
Betrayal strikes at the very core of our being, shaking our trust and tempting us to isolate ourselves or hold on to bitterness. But the Word of God shows us that betrayal is not the end of the story. Jesus understands this pain intimately, and through His life, He modeled how to respond with grace, wisdom, and surrender to God’s justice. While it may seem easier to harden our hearts, Scripture calls us to let God be our refuge, our avenger, and our healer. When we release the offense and hold fast to God’s truth, He replaces our brokenness with peace.
The journey of healing may be slow, but you don’t have to walk it alone. God is not distant from your sorrow; He is near to the brokenhearted and attentive to every tear. Let these Scriptures guide you toward forgiveness, freedom, and a deeper dependence on the One who will never betray you. What others meant for harm, God can use for your good and His glory.
Say This Prayer
Lord, I come to You with the pain of betrayal heavy in my heart. I don’t always understand why people I trusted hurt me, but I choose to surrender that pain to You. Help me not to carry bitterness or revenge, but instead to walk in Your peace and truth. Heal my heart where it is broken. Teach me to trust again and to rely on You above all. Thank You for never turning Your back on me. I choose to forgive, not because they deserve it, but because You call me to freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.