Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Now {G3303}{G3767} this man {G3778} purchased {G2932} a field {G5564} with {G1537} the reward {G3408} of iniquity {G93}; and {G2532} falling {G1096} headlong {G4248}, he burst asunder {G2997} in the midst {G3319}, and {G2532} all {G3956} his {G846} bowels {G4698} gushed out {G1632}.

(With the money Y’hudah received for his evil deed, he bought a field; and there he fell to his death. His body swelled up and burst open, and all his insides spilled out.

(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.

(Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Commentary

Acts 1:18 provides a graphic account of the demise of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. This verse is part of Peter's address to the other disciples in the upper room, setting the stage for the selection of a new apostle to replace Judas.

Context

Peter is explaining to the gathered believers the tragic fulfillment of prophecy concerning Judas, as recorded in Acts 1:16-17. While Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 27:3-10) describes Judas returning the thirty pieces of silver and the chief priests using the money to buy the "Potter's Field" (also known as the "Field of Blood," Aceldama), Peter attributes the purchase to Judas himself, emphasizing his ultimate responsibility and complicity in the transaction due to the origin of the funds. The gruesome description of Judas's death here in Acts differs from Matthew's account of him hanging himself, suggesting either a different sequence of events (he hung himself, the rope broke, and he fell) or a distinct tradition emphasizing the divine judgment inherent in his end.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Betrayal: The verse vividly portrays the severe and shocking end of Judas, underscoring the grave consequences of betraying the Son of God. It serves as a stark warning against treachery and greed.
  • Consequences of Iniquity: The "reward of iniquity" (Greek: misthos adikias, meaning "wages of unrighteousness") highlights that ill-gotten gain, especially from such a heinous act, leads to destruction and a terrible end.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter links Judas's fate to Old Testament prophecies (see Acts 1:20, referencing Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8). This demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding even through human sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase elakēsen, translated "burst asunder," conveys a powerful and violent rupture, suggesting a dramatic and sudden internal collapse. The detail that "all his bowels gushed out" (exelakēsen panta ta splanchna autou) is exceptionally graphic, emphasizing the complete and horrifying nature of his demise. This strong imagery serves to underscore the divine wrath and the physical manifestation of the spiritual corruption that led to his betrayal.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a sobering reminder of:

  • The Destructive Power of Sin: Judas's end illustrates how unchecked greed and spiritual blindness can lead to utter ruin, both physically and spiritually. His temporary remorse did not lead to true repentance that seeks God's mercy, unlike Peter's later restoration after his denial (John 21:15-19).
  • God's Justice: While God is merciful, He is also just. The ultimate consequences of rejecting truth and betraying sacred trust are severe.
  • The Certainty of God's Word: Even the tragic events surrounding Judas fulfilled specific prophecies, reinforcing the reliability and authority of Scripture.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 27:3 (9 votes)

    Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

  • Matthew 27:10 (9 votes)

    And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

  • Psalms 55:23 (4 votes)

    But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

  • Matthew 26:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Matthew 26:15 (4 votes)

    And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

  • Psalms 55:15 (3 votes)

    Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.

  • Joshua 7:21 (3 votes)

    When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.