The word Akeldamá G184 is a name of Chaldee origin that means "field of blood." It refers to a specific place near Jerusalem called Aceldama. This term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The sole appearance of Akeldamá G184 is in the book of Acts. The passage explains that the name of a particular field G5564 became known G1110 to all G3956 the dwellers G2730 in Jerusalem G2419. The name was given in their proper G2398 tongue G1258, with Akeldamá being translated as "The field G5564 of blood G129" Acts 1:19.
Several related words clarify the context of G184:
- G5564 chōríon (field): Defined as a spot or plot of ground, this word establishes Akeldamá as a physical location Acts 1:19. It is the same word used to describe the field purchased with the reward of iniquity Acts 1:18.
- G129 haîma (blood): This term is central to the name's meaning, "The field of blood" Acts 1:19. The word is used elsewhere to speak of redemption through Christ's blood Ephesians 1:7.
- G2419 Hierousalḗm (Jerusalem): This specifies the location of the field near the capital of Palestine, where the name was known to all its dwellers Acts 1:19. The name Jerusalem is also used to refer to a heavenly city Hebrews 12:22.
- G1258 diálektos (tongue): Meaning a "dialect" or language, this word confirms that Akeldamá was the local name for the place, as it was called in their proper tongue Acts 1:19. It is also used to describe how the multitude at Pentecost heard the apostles speak in their own language Acts 2:6.
The theological weight of G184 comes from its direct association with betrayal and its consequences.
- A Memorial of Iniquity: The location is explicitly tied to the "reward of iniquity" Acts 1:18. Its name, "The field of blood" Acts 1:19, serves as a permanent reminder of the consequences of sin.
- The Price of Blood: The name is rooted in blood G129, not for redemption, but as the result of a transaction of betrayal. This stands in stark contrast to the use of blood in scripture for forgiveness and redemption, such as the blood of Christ that washed away sins Revelation 1:5.
- A Known Testimony: The fact that the name was known G1110 to all the dwellers at Jerusalem Acts 1:19 establishes the event as a public and undeniable historical testimony.
In summary, Akeldamá G184 is a specific, named place whose identity is locked to a single, significant event. While appearing only once, its meaning, "The field of blood," is made clear within the text Acts 1:19. It serves as a geographical marker for the consequence of iniquity, a place defined by the blood of betrayal rather than the blood of redemption. The name stands as a public testimony known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
TRV