Lexical Summary Hakeldamach: Field of Blood Original Word: Ἁκελδαμάχ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aceldama. Of Chaldee origin (meaning field of blood; corresponding to kathairesis and exapatao); Akeldama, a place near Jerusalem -- Aceldama. see HEBREW cheleq see HEBREW dam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin Definition Hakeldama, a field appar. located south of the valley of Hinnom NASB Translation Hakeldama (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 184: ἉκελδαμάἉκελδαμά, or Ἁκελδαμάχ (Lachmann), (or Ἁκελδαμά WH (see their Introductory § 408)), or Ἀχελδαμάχ (T Tr), from Chaldean דְּמָא חֲקָל (field of blood), Akeldama: Acts 1:19; see αἷμα, 2 a. (B. D. STRONGS NT 184: Ἀχελδαμαχ [Ἀχελδαμαχ: Acts 1:19 T Tr for R G Ἁκελδαμά which see] Topical Lexicon Field of Blood in the New Testament NarrativeActs 1:19 records, “This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so that they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood”. Luke inserts the Aramaic term Ἁκελδαμάχ (Akeldama) into his Greek narrative to anchor the account in first-century Palestinian memory. By connecting Judas Iscariot’s tragic end with a specific parcel of land, Scripture provides a tangible reminder of sin’s consequences and God’s sovereign justice. Historical Background Judas returned the thirty pieces of silver to the temple authorities (Matthew 27:3–5). Those leaders used the money to buy “the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners” (Matthew 27:7). Peter later explains that Judas himself “acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness” (Acts 1:18). Harmonizing these texts shows that the priests purchased the tract, yet God credits the transaction to Judas because the money was his ill-gotten gain. The designation “Field of Blood” therefore carries a double connotation: the innocent blood of Christ (Matthew 27:4) and the violent death of the betrayer (Acts 1:18). Geographical and Archaeological Insights Early Christian writers locate Akeldama on the south side of Jerusalem near the Valley of Hinnom. Eusebius and Jerome speak of a site rich in clay—consistent with a “potter’s field.” Archaeological digs have uncovered first-century burial caves in this vicinity, corroborating Luke’s and Matthew’s note that the land became a cemetery for strangers. The physical setting underscores the biblical theme of uncleanness and separation outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:12-13). Theological Significance 1. Prophetic Fulfillment Peter links Judas’s end to Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 (Acts 1:20). The desolation of the betrayer’s dwelling and the replacement of his office validate the reliability of prophecy and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. 2. Divine Justice and Human Responsibility Judas’s purchase typifies the truth that illicit gain ultimately destroys the sinner (Proverbs 1:18-19). God’s providence turns even treachery into a testimony of judgment, demonstrating that “whatever a man sows, he will reap in return” (Galatians 6:7). 3. Restoration and Mission Immediately after citing Akeldama, the apostles seek a twelfth witness to Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:21-26). The blot of betrayal does not paralyze the church; it galvanizes her to complete the apostolic circle and move forward in witness. Related Old Testament Imagery The valley of Hinnom, historically tied to child sacrifice (2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31), becomes the backdrop for Judas’s demise. The linkage between Hinnom and Akeldama underscores the continuity of defilement imagery—from ancient idolatry to the rejection of the Messiah—while magnifying the holiness of God, who judges every form of bloodguilt. Christological Connections Akeldama testifies that the Messiah’s sufferings, though precipitated by human betrayal, fulfilled God’s predetermined plan (Acts 2:23). The “Field of Blood” stands as a silent witness that the Redeemer’s blood was not spilled in vain but secured the salvation proclaimed in the very city where the field lay (Acts 2:14-39). Implications for Ministry and Preaching • Call to integrity: the fate of Judas warns leaders against the love of money and duplicity. Pastoral Application Believers facing betrayal can take comfort that God vindicates righteousness and weaves even treachery into His purpose. Akeldama reminds the church that repentance must accompany proximity to holy things; mere association with Jesus, as Judas had, is insufficient without genuine faith. Forms and Transliterations Ακελδαμαχ Ἁκελδαμάχ Akeldamach Hakeldamach HakeldamáchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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