Brief Overview of προδότης (Strong’s G4273: prodotēs)

Strong’s G4273: From pro (before) and didōmi (to give), προδότης refers to one who gives forward or betrays, a traitor. In biblical and cultural contexts, it carries strong negative connotations of disloyalty and breach of trust, particularly used of Judas Iscariot and religious apostates.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προδότης embodies the grave concept of betrayal and treachery in both biblical and cultural contexts. As a compound word, it combines προ (before/forward) with the verbal root of δίδωμι (to give), literally meaning “one who gives forward” or “hands over.” In the New Testament, it carries profound theological weight, particularly in its application to Judas Iscariot and those who betray Christ or His church. The early church understood this term not only in reference to actual betrayers but also as a warning against apostasy. Today, it serves as a sobering reminder of the serious nature of betrayal within the community of faith and the importance of steadfast loyalty to Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προδότης, prodotēs, /pro’dotēs/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + do (as in “doe”) + tēs (as in “taste”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before” or “forward”
• δο- (do-): root from δίδωμι meaning “to give”
• -της (-tēs): suffix forming agent nouns, indicating “one who does”

D – Defining Meanings

• Traitor
• Betrayer
• One who hands over
• One who surrenders something to an enemy

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the sense of “forward” or “over” to the root concept of giving, while the -της suffix makes it an agent noun, creating the meaning of “one who gives over” or “one who hands forward,” hence a betrayer.

Translation Options:

• “traitor” – captures the full negative force and personal nature
• “betrayer” – emphasizes the active aspect of breaking trust
• “informant” – useful in contexts of giving information to enemies, though weaker than the other options

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παραδότης (paradotēs) /para’dotēs/ – one who hands over, with less emphasis on betrayal
• ἀποστάτης (apostatēs) /apo’statēs/ – one who stands away, emphasizing departure rather than betrayal
• ψευστής (pseustēs) /pseu’stēs/ – liar, emphasizing false speech rather than treacherous action

See G4273

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun of the first declension, προδότης follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Examples in English would be:

• Nominative (subject): the traitor
• Genitive (possession): of the traitor
• Dative (indirect object): to/for the traitor
• Accusative (direct object): the traitor

Cross-references to related words:

• Verb form: προδίδωμι (to betray)
• Abstract noun: προδοσία (betrayal)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the term’s connection to betrayal of trust and loyalty. Thayer’s highlights its use in both religious and political contexts. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its consistent negative connotations. Vine’s connects it specifically to Judas’s betrayal. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for political traitors. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal papyri for accusations of treason.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

And Judas Iscariot, who became a [προδότης] traitor. Luke 6:16

Additional References:
Acts 7:52
2 Timothy 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	The city fell when a [προδότης] traitor revealed a secret entrance to the enemy
Thucydides: Peloponnesian War	They executed those who were proven to be [προδότης] betrayers of the state
Xenophon: Hellenica	The [προδότης] traitor was discovered among the generals, plotting with the enemy

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προδότης stands as a powerful reminder of the severity of betrayal, particularly in relation to faith and community. While its primary usage in the New Testament refers to tragic figures like Judas Iscariot, it ultimately points us to the faithfulness of Christ who, despite being betrayed, remained true to His mission. This contrast highlights the good news that even though humanity has often proved treacherous, God remains steadfastly faithful to His promises and His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term προδότης was used in ancient Greek law courts as a formal charge of treason.
2. In early Christian literature, it became a technical term for those who betrayed fellow Christians during persecution.
3. The word appears in ancient Greek military documents as the most serious charge against a soldier.

Strong’s G4273: From pro (before) and didōmi (to give), προδότης refers to one who gives forward or betrays, a traitor. In biblical and cultural contexts, it carries strong negative connotations of disloyalty and breach of trust, particularly used of Judas Iscariot and religious apostates.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: betrayal, traitor, Judas, apostasy, disloyalty, treachery, compound noun, first declension, masculine, trust, faithlessness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​