Judas Iscariot — The Man of Praise Who Betrayed the Prince of Peace
When we hear the name Judas Iscariot , most of us think immediately of betrayal. But few pause to ask: Who was he really? Where did he come from? And what does his name truly mean? Hidden within his name and lineage lies a powerful lesson about the heart — one that warns, humbles, and awakens us. 🌿 The Meaning Behind the Name The name Judas is the Greek form of Judah (Yehudah) — a name that means “praise” or “one who gives thanks.” It’s the same tribe from which Jesus Himself descended . Judah was the royal line — the tribe of kings, worshipers, and covenant promise. So Judas’ very name carried a meaning of worship and thanksgiving . It’s a deep irony — the one whose name meant praise became the one who betrayed the Lord worthy of all praise . 🏠 The Man from Kerioth The second part of his name, “Iscariot,” reveals his origin. It comes from the Hebrew phrase “Ish Kerioth” (אִישׁ קְרִיּוֹת) — which literally means “man of Kerioth.” Kerioth was a small town in Ju...