[Greek] προδότης (prodotēs), [Latin] traditore: betrayer, one handing over; 2 Macc.5:15, 2Tim.3:2-4
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means betrayer, traitor, and one who abandons during difficulties. Herodotus’ Histories 8.30 states “They could do as the Thessalian did and take the Persian part, if for any cause they so wished, but would not willingly betray the cause of Hellas.” Euripides’ Orestes 1057 states “Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you or make an effort to save your life?” Euripides’ Phoenissae 996 states “Yet in my case there is no pardon for betraying the country that gave me birth.”
New Testament: This term means traitor and betrayer. Judas becomes a traitor to Jesus and His disciples. The soon to be martyred Stephen claims that the Jews’ ancestors, who put to death the prophets, have become betrayers and murderers.
“Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.” Acts 7:52
Stephen states that their ancestors have murdered the prophets. In their anger, the Jews eventually kill Stephen.
Early Christianity: Christians who were under the threat of the Diocletian Persecution during 303-305 A.D. Some Christians willingly handed over their sacred scriptures or betrayed fellow Christian to the Roman authorities. This later gave rise to the Donatist schism, which questioned the spiritual fitness of the priests and bishops who had earlier fallen away from the faith during the persecutions.
Conclusion:
Tradition, traitor, trade, trader
By keeping this post short, I hope I will betray your attention in this matter.