Betrayed by a Familiar Friend
Psalm 41 foretold betrayal by a trusted friend — fulfilled by Judas Iscariot.
David's lament in Psalm 41 spoke of a familiar friend who ate his bread lifting up his heel against him. Jesus directly applied the verse to Judas at the Last Supper.
The Prophecy
"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
The Fulfillment
"I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."
"And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me."
From the bread to the kiss
Judas shared the Passover with Christ and then went out to betray Him — the very pattern Psalm 41 described centuries earlier.
Sovereign over sin
Christ's foreknowledge of His betrayer's identity (John 6:64) shows that even the worst treachery served the prophesied purpose of God.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jesus quote Psalm 41 about Judas?
Yes — in John 13:18 He cited the verse explicitly as fulfilled in the betrayal.
Was Judas predestined to betray Jesus?
Scripture foretold the betrayal, yet Judas acted freely and was held responsible (Luke 22:22). God's sovereignty and human guilt stand together.
What does 'lifted up his heel' mean?
An ancient image of treacherous violence — turning a kicking foot against the very one whose bread sustained you.
Related Bible Prophecies
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Zechariah named the price of betrayal — fulfilled by Judas and the potter's field.
Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion
David's psalm reads like an eyewitness account of Calvary.
Silent Before His Accusers
Isaiah 53:7 foretold the Lamb-like silence of the Servant at His trial.
The Messiah Rejected by His Own
Isaiah foretold a despised Messiah; John records that His own received Him not.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Judas Iscariot in the Bible
The Betrayer
Judas Iscariot Bible Quiz
The disciple who betrayed the Son of man with a kiss.