### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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