The text emphasizes that Judas "acquired" a field with the "reward of his wickedness," even though the priests actually made the purchase. This highlights how actions, even unintended consequences, can tragically become linked to a person's name and legacy, defining them by their betrayal.
(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter has just explained the need to replace Judas among the apostles, and now Luke interjects a graphic description of Judas's gruesome death. This violent end, where the field bought with the "reward of his wickedness" became a burial site, serves as a stark illustration of the traitor's ultimate downfall, thus emphasizing the gravity of replacing him.
Did Judas himself buy the field, or was it bought for him? This verse uses a word that unpacks a crucial distinction about how we can 'acquire' things, even indirectly.
The Nuance of 'Acquired'
The verse states Judas 'acquired' a field with the reward of his wickedness. The original Greek word, often translated as 'purchased,' can also mean 'obtained' or 'came into possession of.'
While Judas returned the money, and the chief priests actually bought the field (Matthew 27:6-7), the field became associated with Judas because the money was his.
This highlights a principle: we can 'acquire' things through our actions, even if someone else handles the transaction. The consequences of our choices can lead to outcomes we didn't directly perform but are still responsible for.
This passage doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of Judas's end. What does this graphic description tell us about God's justice?
A Violent End for a Violent Choice
Luke provides stark details: 'falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.' This is not meant to be sensational, but to show the terrifying, physical manifestation of God's judgment.
Ask a follow-up
This verse, along with the next, seems to interrupt Peter's speech. Why did Luke include these specific, gruesome details?
Luke's Purposeful Digression
Scholars widely agree that verses 18 and 19 are likely Luke's own explanatory notes, rather than part of Peter's direct speech. Luke, the meticulous historian, adds these details for several reasons:
Understand the original words
adikia · Greek Noun
Moral depravity or malicious evil; it refers to conduct that is contrary to God’s holy character and law, often resulting in severe divine judgment.
This verse provides a grim, graphic detail about the fate of Judas Iscariot, adding a somber historical context to the ascension of Jesus and the early days of the church. The gruesome death and the notoriety of the 'Field of Blood' underscore the severe consequences of betraying Jesus.
c. AD 30
Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus to the authorities for 30 pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Priests Purchase Potter's Field
The chief priests use the 30 pieces of silver Judas returned to buy a field from a potter, intended as a burial place for foreigners.
c. AD 30— this verse
Judas's Death
Judas Iscariot dies, likely by suicide. The exact manner is debated, but it is described as a gruesome end, possibly involving hanging and falling, leading to his body bursting open.
c. AD 30
Field Becomes Known as Akeldama
The field purchased with Judas's betrayal money is publicly known in Jerusalem as Akeldama, meaning 'Field of Blood,' due to the tragic events surrounding its purchase and Judas's death.
c. AD 30
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples from the Mount of Olives.
c. AD 30
Apostles Return to Jerusalem
The apostles return to Jerusalem after the ascension and gather in an upper room with other believers, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.
This passage describes Judas's remorse and his attempt to return the money, providing context for how the field was acquired with the 'reward of his wickedness.'
2 Samuel 17:23This Old Testament account of Ahithophel's suicide parallels Judas's death, showing a historical precedent for a traitor meeting a gruesome end, potentially serving as a dark warning.
Psalm 109:17-18This psalm's imprecatory language, describing a wicked man being consumed by his curses, is echoed in the graphic description of Judas's physical breakdown, suggesting a divine judgment.
Jeremiah 18:16This verse speaks of a land becoming a desolation and a curse, which aligns with the field purchased by Judas becoming known as the 'Field of Blood' due to its tragic association.
vincentActs 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."
Purchased (ἐκτήσατο)See on possess, Luke 18:12. Better, as Rev., obtained. Judas did not purchase the field, but the priests did with the money which he returned to them, (Matthew 27:7). The expression means merely that the field was purchased with the money of Judas.Falling headlong (πρηνής γενόμενος)Lit., having become headlong.He bur…
jfbActs 1:12-26: "Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."
Ac 1:12-26. Return of the Eleven to Jerusalem—Proceedings in the Upper Room till Pentecost.12-14. a sabbath day's journey—about two thousand cubits.
The text emphasizes that Judas "acquired" a field with the "reward of his wickedness," even though the priests actually made the purchase. This highlights how actions, even unintended consequences, can tragically become linked to a person's name and legacy, defining them by their betrayal.
Peter has just explained the need to replace Judas among the apostles, and now Luke interjects a graphic description of Judas's gruesome death. This violent end, where the field bought with the "reward of his wickedness" became a burial site, serves as a stark illustration of the traitor's ultimate downfall, thus emphasizing the gravity of replacing him.
Peter has just explained the need to replace Judas among the apostles, and now Luke interjects a graphic description of Judas's gruesome death. This violent end, where the field bought with the "reward of his wickedness" became a burial site, serves as a stark illustration of the traitor's ultimate downfall, thus emphasizing the gravity of replacing him.
"(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in thei…" — The text emphasizes that Judas "acquired" a field with the "reward of his wickedness," even though the priests actually made the purchase. This highlights how actions, even unintended consequences, c…
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Last reviewed October 2026
