προδότης (prodotēs)
prodotēs
traitor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun prodotēs identifies a person who acts as a betrayer or traitor. Its meaning is rooted in the verb prodidōmi, which literally means to hand over or deliver forward into the hands of another, often an enemy. This etymology highlights that the core action is not merely secret knowledge, but the active transfer of trust into dangerous hands.
In Scripture, this term carries heavy weight because it is applied to those who held positions of intimacy or authority. It appears in Luke 6:16 describing Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve chosen disciples, and in Acts 7:52 where Stephen accuses the religious leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One. The word underscores the severity of violating a sacred bond.
Paul also uses prodotēs in 2 Timothy 3:4 to describe the moral decay of the last days, listing traitors alongside those who are arrogant and self-assertive. This usage shows that the concept extends beyond political treason to include a fundamental breakdown of loyalty within the community of faith. The term remains a stark reminder of the cost of broken trust.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word for traitor, prodotēs, describes someone who actively hands over trust into dangerous hands. It is not just about knowing a secret; it is about breaking a sacred bond with those who relied on you. In the New Testament, this heavy term highlights the pain of betrayal by those closest to us, like Judas among the twelve disciples or the leaders who rejected Jesus.
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy that such broken loyalty is a sign of moral decay in difficult times. Yet, this warning does not leave us in fear. Instead, it calls us to guard our own hearts against selfishness and pride. We are invited to be people of steady faithfulness, reflecting the love of Christ who remained loyal even when others failed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- treacherous,1×
- betrayers1×
- [the] betrayer.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προδότης.1×
- προδόται,1×
- προδόται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:16
Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor.
This verse identifies Judas Iscariot specifically as the traitor among the twelve chosen disciples, marking a pivotal moment of betrayal within Jesus' inner circle.
-
Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
Stephen uses this term to accuse the religious leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, linking their current actions to a long history of rejecting God's messengers.
-
II Timothy 3:4
traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Paul lists traitors alongside the arrogant and pleasure-loving as characteristics of moral decay in the last days, showing that betrayal is a symptom of turning away from God.