### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun προδότης (prodótēs, `{{G4273}}`) is derived from the verb προδίδωμι (prodídomi, `{{G4272}}`), which means "to give beforehand," "to deliver up," or "to betray." The core meaning of προδότης thus centers on the act of "giving forward into another's (specifically, an enemy's) hands." This definition inherently implies a breach of trust, an act of disloyalty, and often, malicious intent. The term describes one who surrenders or delivers someone or something to an adversary, thereby acting as a "betrayer" or "traitor." The semantic range is narrow but potent, consistently conveying the idea of profound treachery and faithlessness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προδότης appears three times in the New Testament, each instance powerfully illustrating its meaning:
* **[[Luke 6:16]]**: In the listing of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot is uniquely identified as "who became a traitor" (ὅς ἐγένετο προδότης). This is a direct and unequivocal label for the one who would betray Jesus. The context highlights the shocking reality that one chosen for intimate discipleship could commit such an egregious act of treachery, setting him apart from the other apostles.
* **[[Acts 7:52]]**: Stephen, in his impassioned sermon before the Sanhedrin, challenges his audience: "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become." Here, προδότης is used collectively to describe the historical pattern of Israel's rejection and betrayal of God's messengers, culminating in their betrayal and murder of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This usage broadens the scope of betrayal from an individual act to a corporate, historical sin against divine revelation.
* **[[2 Timothy 3:4]]**: In Paul's description of the moral decay characteristic of people in the "last days" (ἔσχαται ἡμέραι), προδότης is listed among a litany of vices: "treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." In this context, "traitors" signifies a widespread breakdown of loyalty, trust, and fidelity in human relationships, indicative of a pervasive spiritual and moral decline that prioritizes self-interest over truth and allegiance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **προδίδωμι (prodídomi, `{{G4272}}`)**: The verbal root of προδότης, meaning "to betray" or "to deliver up beforehand." Understanding the verb clarifies the action inherent in the noun.
* **παραδίδωμι (paradídomi, `{{G3860}}`)**: "To hand over," "to deliver up." This verb is frequently used in the Gospels to describe Jesus being "handed over" to the authorities, often by Judas. While προδίδωμι emphasizes the *treacherous intent* of the one initiating the handover, παραδίδωμι describes the *act of handing over* itself, though it can certainly be used in contexts of betrayal. Judas, the προδότης, is the one who παραδίδωμι Jesus.
* **ἀπόστολος (apostolos, `{{G652}}`)**: "Apostle." The stark contrast between the calling of an ἀπόστολος and the reality of Judas becoming a προδότης highlights the profound tragedy and spiritual fall.
* **Disloyalty, Treachery, Faithlessness, Perfidy**: These are the conceptual synonyms that προδότης embodies. The word speaks to a deliberate and profound breach of trust, often with destructive consequences for the betrayed party.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προδότης is profound, particularly in its application to Judas Iscariot. Judas's act is not merely a personal failing but a pivotal event in salvation history, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating the depth of human sin even within the closest circle of discipleship. His designation as a προδότης underscores the unique horror of betraying the Son of God.
Furthermore, Stephen's use of the term in [[Acts 7:52]] elevates προδότης to represent a recurring historical pattern of Israel's rejection of divine truth and God's messengers, culminating in the ultimate betrayal of the Messiah. This highlights humanity's persistent resistance to God's redemptive plan and the tragic consequences of such spiritual infidelity.
Finally, in [[2 Timothy 3:4]], προδότης serves as a diagnostic characteristic of spiritual decline in the last days. It points to a pervasive moral decay where trust, loyalty, and fidelity are eroded, leading to a society marked by self-interest and a willingness to betray for personal gain. This emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle and the call for believers to embody faithfulness and integrity in an age of increasing apostasy. The existence of the προδότης implicitly magnifies the virtue of unwavering faithfulness to God and His truth.
### Summary
προδότης (prodótēs, `{{G4273}}`) is a potent Greek term signifying a "betrayer" or "traitor," derived from the verb προδίδωμι (prodídomi, `{{G4272}}`), which means "to deliver up beforehand into an enemy's hands." Its three New Testament occurrences are highly significant: it explicitly identifies Judas Iscariot as the one who betrayed Jesus ([[Luke 6:16]]); it describes Israel's historical pattern of betraying God's prophets and ultimately Christ ([[Acts 7:52]]); and it is listed as a characteristic of moral depravity in the last days ([[2 Timothy 3:4]]). Theologically, προδότης underscores the profound gravity of sin, particularly the betrayal of divine truth and God's chosen ones, serving as a stark warning against faithlessness and treachery while implicitly highlighting the supreme importance of loyalty and fidelity to God.
TRV