What is the 'kiss of Judas' often referred to in literature?

The 'kiss of Judas' refers to a moment of betrayal, symbolized by the kiss that Judas Iscariot gave to Jesus in the New Testament. This act was the signal for the authorities to arrest Jesus, marking one of history's most poignant examples of treachery. In literature, this phrase is often used to describe situations where a seemingly loving or affectionate act conceals deeper malicious intentions, highlighting the duality of trust and betrayal.

The other options do not capture this essence; for instance, loyalty, love, and friendship are antithetical concepts to betrayal and do not align with the well-known narrative of Judas Iscariot. Thus, identifying the kiss as a symbol of betrayal is essential to understanding its usage in both biblical and literary contexts.