Acts 1:19

KJV

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it was {G1096} known {G1110} unto all {G3956} the dwellers {G2730} at Jerusalem {G2419}; insomuch as {G5620} that {G1565} field {G5564} is called {G2564} in their {G846} proper {G2398} tongue {G1258}, Aceldama {G184}, that is to say {G5123}, The field {G5564} of blood {G129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This became known to everyone in Yerushalayim, so they called that field Hakal-D’ma — which in their language means “Field of Blood”).

Berean Standard Bible

This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

American Standard Version

And it became known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch that in their language that field was called Akeldama, that is, The field of blood.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:19 provides a crucial detail regarding the aftermath of Judas Iscariot's betrayal, specifically concerning the field purchased with the thirty pieces of silver he received. This verse highlights the widespread public knowledge of these events among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, emphasizing that the field became commonly known by its Aramaic name, Aceldama, meaning "The field of blood," a permanent and poignant memorial to the tragic consequences of betrayal and the defilement of the blood money.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the graphic account of Judas's demise in [Acts 1:18](/acts/1-18 "Acts 1:18 - Judas's Death"), where Peter recounts how Judas "fell headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out." The reference to the "field of blood" in [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood") serves as a continuation and explanation of the fate of the money Judas received for betraying Jesus. It also sets the stage for Peter's subsequent theological explanation and call for a replacement apostle in [Acts 1:20-26](/acts/1-20-26 "Acts 1:20-26 - Peter's Discourse and Matthias's Selection"), where he explicitly connects Judas's fate to Old Testament prophecy. The inclusion of this detail underscores the early church's concern with the historical accuracy and public verification of the events surrounding Jesus and His disciples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood") occurred in Jerusalem, a city with a dense population and a strong oral tradition where significant events would quickly become common knowledge. The "chief priests and elders" mentioned in the parallel account in [Matthew 27:6-7](/matthew/27-6-7 "Matthew 27:6-7 - The Priests' Dilemma and Purchase of the Field") deemed the thirty pieces of silver "blood money" and therefore unlawful to put into the temple treasury. This reflects Jewish legal and ritual purity laws, which considered money obtained through betrayal or violence as defiled. Their decision to purchase a "potter's field" as a burial ground for strangers was a pragmatic solution that also fulfilled a prophetic utterance, as highlighted in [Matthew 27:9-10](/matthew/27-9-10 "Matthew 27:9-10 - Fulfillment of Prophecy Regarding the Field"). The naming of a place based on a significant event was a common practice in ancient cultures, serving as a perpetual memorial.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood") contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **consequences of sin and betrayal**, showing how Judas's actions led not only to his personal destruction but also left a tangible, defiled mark on the landscape of Jerusalem. Secondly, the phrase "it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem" emphasizes the **public nature and divine transparency** of God's dealings, even in judgment. The events surrounding Jesus, His betrayal, and the fate of His betrayer were not hidden but were widely recognized, lending credibility to the apostles' witness. Finally, this detail implicitly points to the theme of **divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy**, as Peter will later explain in [Acts 1:20](/acts/1-20 "Acts 1:20 - Peter Cites Prophecy") that Judas's fate was foretold in the Old Testament, demonstrating that even human sin operates within God's overarching plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _gnōstós'_):** Derived from the verb "to know" (ginosko), this word signifies something that is "well-known" or "notable." Its use here emphasizes that the information about the field and its name was not obscure or private, but widely disseminated and recognized by the general populace of Jerusalem. This underscores the public verification of the events surrounding Judas's fate.
* **tongue (Greek, _diálektos'_):** This term refers to a specific "dialect" or "language." In this context, it specifies that Aceldama was the name given "in their proper tongue," referring to the local Aramaic dialect spoken by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This detail adds authenticity and local flavor to Luke's account, indicating his awareness of the linguistic nuances of the region.
* **Aceldama (Chaldee, _Akeldamá'_):** This is a transliteration of an Aramaic (Chaldee) phrase, ḥaqel dema', which literally means "field of blood." As a proper noun, it identifies a specific place near Jerusalem that gained notoriety due to its association with Judas's betrayal and the "blood money" used to purchase it. Its continued use as a place name serves as a perpetual memorial and a stark reminder of the tragic events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the public notoriety of the events. It signifies that the circumstances surrounding Judas's betrayal, his death, and the subsequent purchase of the field were not confined to a small circle of disciples or religious leaders, but were common knowledge among the general populace residing in Jerusalem. This public awareness lends significant weight to the historical veracity of the narrative.
* **"insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama":** This phrase explains the consequence of the public knowledge: the field acquired a widely recognized name. The specification "in their proper tongue" (Aramaic) highlights the local, indigenous naming convention. "Aceldama" is presented as the common, local designation for this particular plot of ground, directly linking it to the events.
* **"that is to say, The field of blood":** This final explanatory clause provides the direct translation of "Aceldama" from Aramaic into Greek (and subsequently into English). This translation is crucial for the reader, revealing the profound and grim significance of the name. It explicitly connects the field to the "blood money" (Matthew's account) and implicitly to the blood of Judas himself, making it a permanent monument to betrayal and its consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood") to enhance the narrative's impact and clarity. The most prominent is **Transliteration**, where the Aramaic name "Aceldama" (Akeldamá) is directly rendered into Greek script, followed immediately by its **Translation** ("that is to say, The field of blood"). This technique ensures that the profound meaning and local significance of the name are accessible to a broader audience, particularly Greek-speaking readers who might not understand Aramaic. Furthermore, the naming of the field itself serves as potent **Symbolism**. "The field of blood" stands as a tangible, enduring symbol of the defilement of betrayal, the tragic end of Judas, and the irreversible consequences of sin. It is a stark reminder of divine judgment and the public nature of such significant events. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that the money, intended to betray the source of life, ultimately purchased a field associated with death and defilement, a burial ground for strangers, reflecting the spiritual estrangement of Judas himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:19 underscores the profound theological truth that actions, especially those of grave moral consequence like betrayal, have lasting and often public repercussions. The naming of "Aceldama" serves as a perpetual reminder of divine justice and the inescapable nature of judgment for sin. It highlights God's transparency in His dealings, ensuring that even the darkest aspects of human history, when intertwined with His redemptive plan, are brought into the light for all to see and understand. This public knowledge validates the apostolic witness and the historical foundation of the early Christian movement.

* [Matthew 27:3-10](/matthew/27-3-10 "Matthew 27:3-10 - Judas's Remorse and the Potter's Field") - Provides the parallel account of Judas's remorse, his return of the money, and the chief priests' decision to purchase the field as a burial place for strangers.
* [Acts 1:18](/acts/1-18 "Acts 1:18 - Judas's Death") - Describes the gruesome details of Judas's death, immediately preceding the naming of the field.
* [Acts 1:20](/acts/1-20 "Acts 1:20 - Peter Cites Prophecy") - Peter's subsequent discourse explicitly links Judas's fate and the desolation of his "habitation" (implied to include the field) to Old Testament prophecy, highlighting God's sovereign plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:19, though a seemingly brief historical note, carries profound implications for reflection and application in our lives. It serves as a stark reminder that our choices, particularly those involving integrity, loyalty, and fidelity to Christ, have enduring consequences, both seen and unseen. Just as the "field of blood" became a permanent, public monument to Judas's betrayal, our actions leave an indelible mark on our character, our relationships, and potentially on the world around us. This verse calls us to consider the gravity of sin and the importance of living transparently before God and others. It also assures us that God's truth, even in its most uncomfortable or tragic manifestations, will ultimately be revealed and known, providing a foundation of trust in His sovereign oversight of all events. We are reminded that while human sin can defile, God's redemptive plan ultimately triumphs, transforming even the darkest betrayals into opportunities for His glory to be revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the public naming of "Aceldama" challenge me to consider the lasting impact and visibility of my own choices, particularly those related to integrity and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does this verse, by highlighting the transparency of God's dealings, encourage me to live a life of greater authenticity and accountability?**
* **What lessons can I draw from the contrast between Judas's "field of blood" and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ's pure blood for redemption?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name "Aceldama"?**

Answer: Aceldama is an Aramaic term meaning "The field of blood." Its significance lies in its direct association with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. It was the field purchased with the thirty pieces of silver, the "blood money" Judas received for his treachery. The name serves as a permanent, public memorial to Judas's sin, his tragic end, and the defilement of the money, becoming a stark symbol of the consequences of betrayal and divine judgment. The fact that it was "known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem" ([Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood")) highlights its notoriety and the public awareness of these events.

**Why is this detail about the field included in the Book of Acts?**

Answer: Luke, the author of Acts, includes this detail for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a crucial historical and geographical anchor for the narrative, confirming the public knowledge and physical location associated with Judas's fate, which adds credibility to the apostles' testimony. Secondly, it serves as a bridge to Peter's subsequent discourse in [Acts 1:20](/acts/1-20 "Acts 1:20 - Peter Cites Prophecy"), where he explains that Judas's betrayal and desolation were a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 69:25; 109:8). This demonstrates God's sovereign control over history, even over human sin. Finally, it underscores the theme of divine justice and the consequences of sin, providing a stark contrast to the unfolding redemptive work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Acts 1:19](/acts/1-19 "Acts 1:19 - Aceldama, The Field of Blood") focuses on the tragic end of Judas and the field purchased with the price of betrayal, it ultimately points to the profound contrast with the redemptive work of Christ. The "field of blood" stands as a monument to defiled money and a life lost to sin, purchased with the price of innocent blood, specifically the blood of the one who was betrayed. This dark imagery serves to magnify the purity and efficacy of the true "blood" that matters: the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Unlike the defiling "blood money" that bought Aceldama, Christ's blood was shed as a perfect, atoning sacrifice, freely given to purchase redemption for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). The field of blood, a place of death and defilement, stands in stark opposition to the new covenant established through Christ's blood, which brings life, forgiveness, and purification ([Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12-14 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). Thus, even this somber historical detail in Acts ultimately serves to highlight the unparalleled grace and power of the Lamb of God, whose blood truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:15

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Acts 21:40

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 2:22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

2 Samuel 2:16

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which [is] in Gibeon.