The Mystery of Judas Iscariot: Insights into His Name and Identity

The Name Judas and Its Significance

Was the apostle Judas Iscariot named after a place called Kerioth, or was he a 'Sicarius', an assassin for the anti-Roman Zealot movement? The origins and meanings of Judas' name provide a window into his identity and the historical context in which he lived.

His Name and Background:

As a Jew, Judas' name is deeply rooted in the Judean culture and religion. The name 'Judas' (Yehuda in Hebrew) is derived from 'Yehuda', the name of one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. It's no surprise that this name is common among Jews. Every parent has a part in naming their child, and Judas' name, Yehuda, is associated with praise and good reputation, as stated in Proverbs: 'a good name is better than the day of one’s birth'.

In the Bible, there were several individuals bearing the same name. The name Judas means 'praised' and is a direct translation of the Hebrew name Yehuda, which represents a son of Jacob and a tribe.

The Name 'Iscariot': Zealots or Assassin?

The origin of the epithet 'Iscariot' is less clear. Scholars suggest that it may imply that Judas was part of the Jewish resistance against the Roman Empire. During Jesus' time, most Jews in Palestine resented Roman rule and sought independence.

Romans discouraged insurrections; crucifixions were a frequent warning to potential rebels. Public roads were lined with crosses as a deterrent. The 'Iscariot' name bears similarities to 'sicarii', meaning 'daggermen'.

The sicarii were a sect of zealots who concealed curved daggers and assassinated collaborators and Romans. This suggests that Judas might have been using deception to achieve his goal of removing collaborators and Romans.

Why Choose Judas?

Given Judas' involvement with the Zealots, it's natural to wonder why Jesus chose him to be one of the twelve apostles, given his possible role as a resistance fighter. The answer lies in Jesus' inclusive approach to his disciples. He emphasized the potential for transformation in every individual, irrespective of their background.

Jesus believed in the power of individual change, focusing on saving each person's soul rather than attempting to overthrow a political regime. This spiritual mission was far from the zealous rebels' desires for a physical kingdom.

The concept of a spiritual kingdom, 'not of this world', led Judas to misunderstand Jesus' mission. Realizing that Jesus wasn't the military or political solution he was seeking, Judas betrayed Jesus out of frustration and disillusionment.

The Betrayal and Its Consequences

Judas' realization came too late. He had initially joined the rebellion, hoping for a political Messiah. When Jesus' spiritual agenda became clear, Judas fell into despair. Seeing the imminent betrayal at Gethsemane, Judas understood that he was the cause of the divine plan.

Hurting deeply, Judas committed suicide, bearing the burden of his guilt and the heavy weight of his actions.