The term "Potter's Field" refers to a piece of land mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the events surrounding the betrayal and death of Jesus Christ. This field is historically and theologically significant due to its association with Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Potter's Field is found in the Gospel of Matthew. After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, he was filled with remorse and attempted to return the money to the chief priests and elders. When they refused to take it back, Judas threw the silver into the temple and subsequently hanged himself. The chief priests, deeming the money as "blood money," decided it was not lawful to put it into the temple treasury. Instead, they used it to purchase the Potter's Field as a burial place for foreigners. This event is recorded 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."

Old Testament Prophecy:

The purchase of the Potter's Field is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew 27:9-10 states, "Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.'" Although the Gospel of Matthew attributes this prophecy to Jeremiah, it closely parallels a passage in Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of thirty pieces of silver and a potter.

Symbolism and Significance:

The Potter's Field holds deep symbolic meaning within the Christian tradition. It represents the consequences of betrayal and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The field, purchased with the price of Jesus' betrayal, becomes a place for burying strangers, symbolizing the far-reaching impact of Christ's sacrifice, extending beyond the Jewish people to all nations.

The name "Field of Blood" (Aramaic: Akeldama) further emphasizes the gravity of Judas' actions and the bloodshed that resulted from the betrayal. It serves as a somber reminder of the cost of sin and the redemptive power of Christ's atoning death.

Historical Context:

In ancient times, potters would often work in areas with clay-rich soil, which was not suitable for agriculture. Once the clay was exhausted, the land would be of little value, making it an appropriate choice for a burial ground for those without family tombs or means. The purchase of such a field with the money of betrayal underscores the theme of redemption and the transformation of something seemingly worthless into a place of significance.

Theological Implications:

The Potter's Field narrative highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. It demonstrates how even acts of treachery and sin can be woven into the divine plan for salvation. The field, bought with the price of betrayal, becomes a testament to God's ability to bring good out of evil and to use all circumstances for His glory.

In summary, the Potter's Field is a poignant element of the Passion narrative, rich with prophetic fulfillment and theological depth, reminding believers of the profound truths of redemption and divine providence.Potter's Field

POTTER'S FIELD

pot'-erz.

See ACELDAMA.

Potter's Field

See ACELDAMA.

Remorse and Suicide of Judas.
... for the arrest of a real criminal, it was justice money, and not blood money at
all.] 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxii remorse and suicide of.htm

The Remorse of Judas.
... said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of
blood." And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the remorse of judas.htm

Of the Thorough Harmony of the Evangelists in the Different ...
... And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers
in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter vii of the thorough harmony.htm

How the Steps in the Passion of the Saviour were Predetermined in ...
... of a fee, [5080] and appropriated to the purchase of a potter's field, as narrated
in the Gospel of Matthew, were clearly foretold by Jeremiah: [5081] "And ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xl how the steps in.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of
blood." And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

The Morning of Good Friday.
... mountain! We are now on the potter's field' of Jeremiah - somewhat to the
west above where the Kidron and Hinnom valleys merge. It ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv the morning of.htm

Matt. xxvi. 67, 68
... And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field to bury strangers
in. Wherefore that field was called, the field of blood, unto this day. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxv matt xxvi 67.htm

And Again David Says:...
... the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was sold, whom they bought from
the children of Israel; and they gave them for the potter's field, as the ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 80 and again david.htm

Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... rich. It looked as if his body must be cast into the Potter's Field with
the bodies of the two criminals who hung beside him. Then ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xii jesus and his.htm

Practical Observations.
... ever-lengthening pavement of tombs and sepulchres," have become little more than
one vast cemetery"an Aceldama, a field of blood, a potter's field to bury ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 35.htm

Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the symbolism of the potter and clay in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of exousia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus