Psalm 55:20-21
“He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
King James Version · the opening — all 2 verses are below
More of Psalm 55 on this sitePsalm 55:12-14
The betrayer's deceptive smooth words masking treachery, fulfilled in Judas's hypocritical kiss of greeting in Gethsemane.
Read the whole passage — all 2 verses (KJV)
55:20He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 26:48-49 Psalm 41:9 Luke 22:47-48
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe psalm of betrayal by a trusted friend — 'the words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart' — fulfilled in Judas's kiss (Matt. 26:48-49; cf. Ps. 41:9). The Lord Jesus, God in flesh, endured the betrayal of a familiar friend; He who knew the heart was wounded in the house of His friends, bearing it for our redemption.
JewishThe lament of one betrayed by a close companion whose smooth words masked treachery; David's anguish at a friend's covenant-breaking.
CatholicRead of the betrayal of Christ by Judas, the false friend — a Passion psalm of treachery.
ProtestantA type of Christ's betrayal — the familiar friend turned traitor (cf. Ps. 41:9; John 13:18), fulfilled in Judas.
AcademicAn individual lament over a betraying confidant; Christian tradition applies it (with Ps. 41:9) to Judas.
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