Backstabbing hurts in a way few things can. When someone we trust turns against us, it feels like a knife to the heart. Yet the Bible offers honest words about betrayal, guiding us through pain, warning us about false friends, and pointing us back to God’s healing and strength. In these pages, we’ll explore scripture that speaks to the reality of backstabbing, reflect on how God sees betrayal, and find comfort in His justice and mercy.
We will group 40 Bible verses into eight subtopics, each followed by a thoughtful explanation in a friendly, encouraging tone. We want to meet you in your moment of hurt, remind you that you’re not alone, and show you how to lean into God’s truth. Together, we’ll see how the witnesses of scripture faced treachery and how God stayed faithful through it all.
As we dive in, let’s keep our hearts open. We’ll learn how to recognize false friends, guard our hearts, trust God’s timing, and forgive even when it feels impossible. The journey through these verses will help us grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
So let us walk this path side by side. May these words bring clarity, hope, and a renewed sense of trust in the One who never betrays.
Bible Verses About Backstabbing
The Pain of Betrayal
We’ve all felt the sting of a trusted friend turning away or gossiping behind our back. Backstabbing cuts deep, shaking our sense of safety and worth. In these moments, we must remind ourselves that our pain is seen by God. We can bring our wounds to Him, trusting that He cares for every broken piece of our heart. As we read these verses, let us name our hurt, lean into honest prayer, and let God’s comfort flow into the cracks.
Psalm 55:12-14
“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.” – Psalm 55:12-14
Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” – Psalm 41:9
Luke 22:48
“But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’” – Luke 22:48
John 13:18
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’” – John 13:18
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Recognizing False Friends
Sometimes the hardest lesson is spotting false friends before they wound us. We want to believe the best in people, but scripture warns us to watch carefully. A soft word and a smile can mask jealousy or dishonesty. By paying attention to actions over words, we protect our hearts. We learn to set wise boundaries, to test what we hear, and to hold fast to the faithful friends God provides. Let these verses remind us that caution doesn’t mean suspicion of everyone—it means leaning on God’s wisdom in all relationships.
Proverbs 25:19
“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.” – Proverbs 25:19
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
Matthew 26:14-16
“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” – Matthew 26:14-16
John 15:13-15
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants…I have called you friends.” – John 15:13-15
Jeremiah 9:4
“Their tongues are deceptive; with their mouths they speak kindly, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.” – Jeremiah 9:4
God’s Awareness of Betrayal
When we endure betrayal, it’s easy to feel abandoned or invisible. Yet God knows every secret thought, every whisper behind our backs. He sees the injustice and holds every act of treachery on His heart. These passages remind us that nothing escapes His notice. He is present with us in our suffering and will bring things into the light. Knowing God watches over us helps us face betrayal with courage. We can trust that, even if earthly friends fail, God’s loyalty never wavers.
Psalm 7:14-16
“Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.” – Psalm 7:14-16
Psalm 10:8
“He lies in wait near villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless.” – Psalm 10:8
Psalm 54:6
“I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good.” – Psalm 54:6
Psalm 94:21-23
“They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness.” – Psalm 94:21-23
Isaiah 59:4
“No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” – Isaiah 59:4
Coping and Trusting God
Betrayal can leave us feeling lost, angry, or deeply wounded. In those moments, we must turn to God for strength. He offers rest when we’re weary, hope when we despair, and a steady hand when we feel we might fall. As we bring our fears and frustrations to Him, we find a safe place to heal. These verses remind us to cast our burdens on God, trusting His timing and His plan. We aren’t meant to endure pain alone—He carries us through every trial.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22
2 Timothy 4:16-17
“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” – 2 Timothy 4:16-17
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Forgiveness after Betrayal
Holding onto bitterness can poison our own hearts more than anyone else’s. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing evil; it means releasing its grip on us. We choose to entrust justice to God and to heal our souls. By forgiving, we open space for God’s peace to surround us. These passages guide us to pray for those who hurt us, to ask God for grace, and to let healing begin. When we forgive, we mirror the mercy we’ve received from Christ.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” – Luke 23:34
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
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.” – Romans 12:19
God’s Justice for Betrayers
It can be hard to trust that justice will come after we’ve been wronged. Sometimes the world lets the betrayer go free without consequence. But we can remember that God sees every act and holds every heart accountable. His justice is perfect and will be served. We can rest knowing He will make all things right in His timing. While we wait, we hold fast to His goodness and refuse to take matters into our own hands.
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” – Proverbs 24:17-18
Psalm 94:1-2
“The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.” – Psalm 94:1-2
Psalm 37:15-16
“But their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.” – Psalm 37:15-16
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.” – Romans 12:19
Nahum 1:2
“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.” – Nahum 1:2
Loyalty and Faithful Friends
As we heal from betrayal, we also learn to value true loyalty. God places faithful people in our lives to remind us of His goodness. These friends encourage us, hold us accountable, and stand by us even when we’re at our lowest. Scripture shows us examples of loyalty that reflect God’s unending faithfulness. We can seek out such friendships, celebrate them, and strive to be that kind of friend to others.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
1 Samuel 18:1-3
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” – 1 Samuel 18:1-3
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.’” – Ruth 1:16
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Healing and Restoration
After betrayal, we long to be whole again. God offers to restore what was broken and turn our mourning into joy. He heals not just our outer wounds, but the deepest parts of our spirits. These verses point us to a future where trust is rebuilt, hope is renewed, and we experience God’s gentle restoration. As we cling to His promise, we see that our story doesn’t end in hurt—it continues in grace.
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” – Joel 2:25
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.” – Isaiah 61:7
Jeremiah 30:17
“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD.” – Jeremiah 30:17
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace…after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Preachers Quotes
“There is no greater wound than that of a friend’s treachery.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Betrayal by a companion is darkness in the light of day.” – John Calvin
“When a friend disturbs the soul by deceit, we learn the value of true faith.” – Martin Luther
“Even when hearts are broken by betrayal, God’s love remains steadfast.” – Billy Graham
“A backstab hurts deeply, but God’s grace heals completely.” – Rick Warren
“We may stumble in trust, but God never forsakes us.” – Joyce Meyer
“Pain from betrayal can refine our character under God’s care.” – T.D. Jakes
“In moments of deceit, we find God’s sacred truth.” – Charles Stanley
“Betrayal may break our trust in man, but it strengthens our reliance on God.” – Max Lucado
“When hands that we held turn against us, we remember the hands of our Savior.” – A.W. Tozer
You might also be interested in: Bible verses about Betrayal
Final Thought
I have walked this path of hurt and hope alongside many who felt the pain of backstabbing. We’ve seen how scripture doesn’t shy away from the reality of betrayal. Instead, it names it, comforts us, and points us to a God who never turns His back on us.
Together we’ve explored the deep wounds of treachery, learned to recognize false friends, and discovered that God is always aware of our pain. We’ve found strength by trusting Him, chosen forgiveness over bitterness, and rested in His promise of justice and restoration.
Now, as we move forward, let’s lean into loyal friendships and stay close to the One who demonstrates perfect faithfulness. When we feel betrayed again, we can remember these verses, bring our hurt to Him, and find healing in His arms.
Our story does not end with the betrayal. It continues in grace, mercy, and a hope that only God can provide. May we keep these truths close to our hearts.
Let us walk in confidence that although we may face backstabbing, we serve a God who heals, restores, and loves us without fail.
If you want to read more on this subject, check out backstabbing or explore verses on betrayal for deeper insight.