Ἀκελδαμά (Akeldama)
Akeldama
Akeldama
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Akeldama appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Acts 1:19. It is an Aramaic term that translates directly to "field of blood." The text identifies this location as a specific plot of land situated near Jerusalem, traditionally understood to be south of the Valley of Hinnom.
The name carries heavy historical weight, referring to the field purchased by the chief priests with the thirty pieces of silver returned by Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. Because the money was considered blood money, it could not be placed in the temple treasury, so it was used to buy a potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.
This single occurrence serves as a permanent geographical marker of the consequences of betrayal. The use of the Aramaic name rather than a Greek translation preserves the original local designation known to the early readers. It anchors the narrative in a real place, reminding the audience that the events surrounding Jesus’ death had tangible, lasting effects on the physical landscape of Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Akeldama appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Acts 1:19. It is an Aramaic term meaning 'field of blood.' This place was bought with the thirty pieces of silver returned by Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. The chief priests used this money to purchase a potter’s field for burying foreigners, as it was considered too tainted to return to the temple treasury.
This single occurrence serves as a permanent geographical marker of the consequences of betrayal. It anchors the narrative in a real place, reminding us that the events surrounding Jesus’ death had tangible effects on Jerusalem. The use of the original Aramaic name preserves the local designation known to early readers, making the history feel immediate and concrete.
For your faith, this word reminds us that sin has real-world consequences, but God’s story continues beyond human failure. The field stands as a witness to truth, yet it does not define the final outcome of Judas’ actions or the broader narrative of redemption. We are invited to reflect on how even dark chapters in history are woven into God’s larger plan for salvation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Akeldama1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἁκελδαμάχ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:19
It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’
This verse explains that the field was called Akeldama, or 'field of blood,' because it was purchased with blood money from Judas' betrayal.