Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Aceldama, also known as the "Field of Blood," is a term derived from the Aramaic words "ḥăqēl dĕmā'," which translates to "field of blood." This name is associated with a plot of land in Jerusalem that holds significant biblical and historical importance. Biblical References: Aceldama is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. In Acts 1:19 , it is written: "This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood." The field is also indirectly referenced in Matthew 27:7-8 : "So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day." Historical Context: The field gained its name due to its association with the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas, filled with remorse after betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, returned the money to the chief priests and elders. Unwilling to keep the blood money, they used it to purchase the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners, thus giving it the name "Field of Blood." Theological Significance: Aceldama serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and betrayal. Judas Iscariot's actions, driven by greed and later regret, led to his tragic end and the purchase of this field. The field symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, even through human actions that appear to be driven by evil intentions. Prophetic Fulfillment: The purchase of the potter's field is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. In Matthew 27:9-10 , the event is linked to the words of the prophet Jeremiah, although it more closely aligns with Zechariah 11:12-13. This connection underscores the continuity and coherence of Scripture, highlighting how events in the New Testament fulfill the prophecies and foreshadowings of the Old Testament. Location and Tradition: Traditionally, Aceldama is located in the Hinnom Valley, south of Jerusalem. It has been identified with a specific site that has been used as a burial ground for centuries. The field's association with death and burial further emphasizes its somber significance in biblical history. Cultural Impact: Aceldama has captured the imagination of Christian tradition and literature, often symbolizing the price of betrayal and the tragic consequences of sin. It serves as a moral and spiritual lesson, reminding believers of the gravity of their choices and the redemptive power of repentance and forgiveness through Christ. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AceldamaSmith's Bible Dictionary Aceldama(the field of blood) (Akeldama in the Revised Version), the name given by the Jews of Jerusalem to a field near Jerusalem purchased by Judas with the money which he received for the betrayal of Christ, and so called from his violent death therein. (Acts 1:19) The "field of blood" is now shown on the steep southern face of the valley or ravine of Hinnom, "southwest of the supposed pool of Siloam." ATS Bible Dictionary AceldamaField of blood, a small field south of Jerusalem, which the priest purchased with the thirty pieces of silver that Judas had received as the price of our Savior's blood, Matthew 27:8; Acts 1:19. Pretending that it was not lawful to appropriate this money to sacred uses, because it was the price of blood, they purchased with it the so- called potter's field, to be a burying-place for strangers. Judas is said, Acts 1:8, to have purchased the field, because it was bought with his money. Tradition points out this field on the steep side of the hill of Evil Counsel overhanging the valley of Hinnom on the south. It appears to have been used, since the time of he crusaders, as a sepulchre for pilgrims, and subsequently by the Armenians. At present it is not thus used. Easton's Bible Dictionary The name which the Jews gave in their proper tongue, i.e., in Aramaic, to the field which was purchased with the money which had been given to the betrayer of our Lord. The word means "field of blood." It was previously called "the potter's field" (Matthew 27:7, 8; Acts 1:19), and was appropriated as the burial-place for strangers. It lies on a narrow level terrace on the south face of the valley of Hinnom. Its modern name is Hak ed-damm. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The potter's field, said to have lain south of Jerusalem, purchased with the bribe which Judas took for betraying his Master, and therefore called the field of blood. Fig.: A field of bloodshed.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACELDAMAa-sel'-da-ma. See AKELDAMA. Greek 184. Hakeldamach -- Hakeldama, a field appar. located south of the ... ... Aceldama. Of Chaldee origin (meaning field of blood; corresponding to kathairesis and exapatao); Akeldama, a place near Jerusalem -- Aceldama. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/184.htm - 6k Library Walamir and Eutyches "And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son ... Index of Subjects. Letter Liii. To the Chorepiscopi. Anathema and Grace Acts i. 12 Philip and St. Jerome The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints Practical Observations. The War of Truth Thesaurus Aceldama (1 Occurrence)... Fig.: A field of bloodshed. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ACELDAMA. a-sel'-da-ma. See AKELDAMA. Multi-Version Concordance Aceldama (1 Occurrence). ... /a/aceldama.htm - 7k Accustomed (15 Occurrences) Achaia (11 Occurrences) Inhabitants (254 Occurrences) Insomuch (24 Occurrences) Dialect (6 Occurrences) Dwelling (340 Occurrences) Dwellers (12 Occurrences) Akeldama (1 Occurrence) Field (390 Occurrences) Resources Aceldama: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Aceldama (1 Occurrence)Acts 1:19 Subtopics Related Terms |