Iskarioth (Ἰσκαριώθ) is the Greek transliteration of 'Iscariot,' the surname of Judas — the disciple who betrayed Jesus. The etymology is debated: most likely from Hebrew ish (man) + Kerioth (a town in Judah, Joshua 15:25), meaning 'man of Kerioth.' This would make Judas the only non-Galilean among the twelve. Alternative theories include a word meaning 'dagger man' (sicarius), though this is less favored.
Judas Iscariot appears in all four Gospels and Acts 1. His is the most tragic story in Scripture: chosen by Jesus, walking with Him for years, witnessing miracles, sent on mission — yet betraying the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver. The New Testament handles this without minimizing either his guilt or his privilege. Peter, preaching in Acts 1, describes his suicide and the need to replace him, citing Psalms 69 and 109.
Jesus knew what Judas would do — yet He loved him, washed his feet, gave him the morsel of friendship at the Last Supper. This is not predestination eliminating guilt but love persisting toward a closed heart. 'The Son of Man goes as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed' (Matthew 26:24). Prophecy fulfilled through human choice — the great mystery of divine sovereignty and human freedom.