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)
The verse highlights that the name "Field of Blood" wasn't just an abstract label; it was known in their "own dialect," underscoring how deeply this tragic event had permeated daily life and language in Jerusalem. This emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of Judas's betrayal and its grim consequences, making the sacred space for burial a permanent stain of infamy.
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)
This verse explains the origin of a place name, "Aceldama," the Field of Blood, which became known to everyone in Jerusalem. It clarifies that this name arose from the tragic events surrounding Judas, his betrayal of Jesus, and the subsequent purchase of the field with the traitor's money. The context connects this to Peter's speech about Judas's downfall, highlighting how his actions directly led to the field receiving its somber name in the common Aramaic dialect.
Judas's betrayal left a stain not just on his soul, but on the very land around Jerusalem. How did a piece of property become a lasting monument to treachery?
A Name Carved in Shame
Peter's words in Acts 1:19 reveal a powerful truth: the consequences of sin don't just disappear. The field, originally purchased for a practical, even benevolent purpose (burying strangers), became indelibly linked to Judas's horrific betrayal and death.
Why does the text make a point of telling us the name in the 'proper tongue'? What does this reveal about reaching people with the truth?
Speaking Truth in Their Own Language
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Peter's speech, as recorded in Acts, wasn't delivered in polished Greek for scholars. It was spoken in the language the people of Jerusalem understood – their 'proper tongue,' which was Aramaic.
The naming of the 'Field of Blood' is tied to the immediate aftermath of Judas' betrayal and death, serving as a stark, public reminder of the consequences of betraying Jesus. This event occurred in Jerusalem and was known by its Aramaic name, highlighting the local context and the language spoken by the people at that time.
c. AD 30
Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus to the chief priests, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. He receives thirty pieces of silver for this betrayal.
c. AD 30— this verse
Judas' Death and Field Purchase
Judas, overwhelmed by guilt, returns the silver. The priests use the money to buy a potter's field for burying strangers, a transaction that becomes widely known.
c. AD 30
The Apostles Return to Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the eleven apostles gather with other believers in Jerusalem, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Matthias Chosen as Apostle
Peter addresses the gathered believers, explaining the need to replace Judas. Matthias is chosen by lot to become the twelfth apostle.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descends upon the believers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel. Thousands are converted, forming the early Christian church.
This passage directly parallels the story of Judas's betrayal and death, explaining how the field was purchased with the 'price of blood' and became known as the Field of Blood, reinforcing the narrative in Acts.
Luke 22:1-6This passage details Judas's agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus for money, providing the crucial context for why the field bought with that money would be associated with blood.
Jeremiah 19:1-13Jeremiah pronounces judgment and uses the imagery of a potter's field and broken pottery as a symbol of destruction and God's judgment, which resonates with the tragic end of Judas and the purchase of the potter's field.
Zechariah 11:10-14This prophetic passage describes a shepherd who is valued at thirty pieces of silver, which is then cast to the potter. This foreshadows Judas's betrayal and the potter's field's association with blood money.
meyerActs 1:19: "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."
Acts 1:19 . Not even these words are to be considered, with the above-mentioned expositors (also Schleierm. Einl. p. 372), as an inserted remark of Luke, but as part of the speech of Peter. For all that they contain belongs essentially to the complete description of the curse of the action of Judas: ἐγένετο forms with ἐλάκησε an…
bengelActs 1:19: "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."
Acts 1:19 . Γνωστὸν ἐγένετο , it became known ) namely, that which is mentioned in the beginning of Acts 1:18 .— τῇ ἰδίᾳ , in their own idiom [tongue]) This and the subsequent interpretation of it, This is the field of blood , Luke has added to the speech of Peter for the information of Theophilus, and the reader who does not un…
The verse highlights that the name "Field of Blood" wasn't just an abstract label; it was known in their "own dialect," underscoring how deeply this tragic event had permeated daily life and language in Jerusalem. This emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of Judas's betrayal and its grim consequences, making the sacred space for burial a permanent stain of infamy.
This verse explains the origin of a place name, "Aceldama," the Field of Blood, which became known to everyone in Jerusalem. It clarifies that this name arose from the tragic events surrounding Judas, his betrayal of Jesus, and the subsequent purchase of the field with the traitor's money. The context connects this to Peter's speech about Judas's downfall, highlighting how his actions directly led to the field receiving its somber name in the common Aramaic dialect.
This verse explains the origin of a place name, "Aceldama," the Field of Blood, which became known to everyone in Jerusalem. It clarifies that this name arose from the tragic events surrounding Judas, his betrayal of Jesus, and the subsequent purchase of the field with the traitor's money. The context connects this to Peter's speech about Judas's downfall, highlighting how his actions directly led to the field receiving its somber name in the common Aramaic dialect.
"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.)" — The verse highlights that the name "Field of Blood" wasn't just an abstract label; it was known in their "own dialect," underscoring how deeply this tragic event had permeated daily life and language…
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Last reviewed October 2026