“For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is that Peter isn't just looking for a replacement for Judas; he's highlighting the divine necessity that the apostolic office be filled. The Psalms speak of desolate habitations and vacant positions, not as random events, but as divine pronouncements that confirm judgment and ensure God's plan continues through a new appointed leader.
“For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is quoting from the Psalms to explain that Judas's betrayal and subsequent death weren't a random tragedy, but a fulfillment of God's word. He uses these ancient verses to underscore the judgment that befell Judas and the necessity of replacing him to complete the apostolic team. This sets the stage for the disciples to choose a replacement for Judas.
Judas's betrayal wasn't just a personal failure; it was a fulfillment of ancient words. Peter points to the Psalms to show how God's plan accounts for even the darkest of human actions.
When Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8, he's doing more than just finding supporting evidence. He's revealing a divine blueprint.
Judgment Pronounced
The first quote, "May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it," speaks of complete ruin and emptiness. This isn't just about Judas losing his place; it signifies the ultimate judgment on those who oppose God's purposes.
Continuity Ensured
But immediately after, Peter cites, "Let another take his office." This isn't a contradiction, but a crucial addition. While judgment falls on the betrayer, God's work doesn't stop. The mission must continue, and an empty spot will be filled by someone chosen by God.
The word 'office' here (bishoprick) sounds small, but it refers to a role of immense significance. What did it truly mean to be one of the Twelve?
The term used for Judas's position, translated as 'bishoprick' or 'office,' points to a role of oversight and authoritative representation.
A Sacred Trust
This wasn't just any job; it was a sacred trust given by Jesus. The apostles were chosen witnesses, entrusted with His teachings and the authority to carry on His mission. The Greek word behind 'bishoprick' literally means 'oversight' or 'superintendence.'
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More Than a Title
It signified a unique calling: to be with Jesus, to learn from Him, and then to proclaim Him to the world. Judas, through his betrayal, forfeited this profound privilege. His 'office' was vacated not just in a human sense, but in God's eyes, making way for someone to step into the vital work.
Understand the original words
biblos psalmōn · Greek Noun phrase
A collection of sacred Hebrew songs and prayers inspired by the Holy Spirit, frequently cited in the New Testament as authoritative prophecy concerning the life, suffering, and exaltation of the Messiah.
episkopē · Greek Noun
A position of oversight, stewardship, or responsibility, specifically referring to a functional role or spiritual authority within the community of God's people.
Peter's choice to quote from the Psalms to justify replacing Judas highlights the belief that even betrayal and death were part of God's foreordained plan, with Old Testament prophecy directly illuminating New Testament events.
c. 30 BC
Compilation of the Book of Psalms
The collection of poetic and liturgical texts known as the Book of Psalms is compiled, becoming a central part of Israel's worship and prophecy.
c. 30 BC
Davidic Psalms Applied to Messiah
Many Psalms, originally expressing David's struggles, are understood by Jewish tradition and later by Christians to contain prophetic references to the suffering and victorious Messiah.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Betrayal
Jesus, the Messiah, completes his earthly ministry, culminating in his betrayal by Judas Iscariot, one of his twelve closest disciples.
c. AD 30
Judas Iscariot's Death
Judas Iscariot dies shortly after betraying Jesus, leaving his position among the twelve apostles vacant.
c. AD 30— this verse
Apostles Convene in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the remaining eleven apostles gather with other believers in Jerusalem to pray and await the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Selection of Matthias
The apostles, guided by prophecy and prayer, choose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, restoring the number of the twelve apostles.
This is one of the direct Old Testament sources Peter quotes from, showing the prophecy concerning the betrayal and the subsequent removal from office of an enemy of God's people.
Psalm 69:25This passage, also directly quoted by Peter, speaks of desolation and the abandonment of dwelling places, prophetically describing the fate of Judas.
Matthew 27:3-10This passage details Judas's remorse and suicide after betraying Jesus, providing the immediate context and fulfillment of the curses Peter invokes.
John 13:21-30This account describes Jesus identifying Judas as the betrayer during the Last Supper, setting the stage for the treachery and its dire consequences.
1 Corinthians 5:5Paul speaks of 'delivering such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,' echoing the judgment and eventual spiritual consequence for betrayal.
cambridgeActs 1:20: "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take."
20 . The passages quoted by St Peter are from Psalm 69:25 , where it is written “Let their habitation be desolate, and let none dwell in their tents;” and Psalm 109:8 , “Let his days be few, and let another take his office.” St Peter changes the plural of the former verse into the singular in his quotation, for David was speaking of many enemie…
barnesActs 1:20: "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take."
For it is written ... - See Psalm 69:25 . This is the prediction doubtless to which Peter refers in Acts 1:16 . The intermediate passage in Acts 1:18-19 , is probably a parenthesis; the words of Luke, not of Peter. So Calvin, Kuinoel, Olshausen, DeWette, and Hackett understand it. It is not probable that Peter would introduce a narrative like t…
What's easily missed is that Peter isn't just looking for a replacement for Judas; he's highlighting the divine necessity that the apostolic office be filled. The Psalms speak of desolate habitations and vacant positions, not as random events, but as divine pronouncements that confirm judgment and ensure God's plan continues through a new appointed leader.
Peter is quoting from the Psalms to explain that Judas's betrayal and subsequent death weren't a random tragedy, but a fulfillment of God's word. He uses these ancient verses to underscore the judgment that befell Judas and the necessity of replacing him to complete the apostolic team. This sets the stage for the disciples to choose a replacement for Judas.
Peter is quoting from the Psalms to explain that Judas's betrayal and subsequent death weren't a random tragedy, but a fulfillment of God's word. He uses these ancient verses to underscore the judgment that befell Judas and the necessity of replacing him to complete the apostolic team. This sets the stage for the disciples to choose a replacement for Judas.
"“For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’" — What's easily missed is that Peter isn't just looking for *a* replacement for Judas; he's highlighting the divine necessity that the apostolic office be filled. The Psalms speak of desolate habitatio…
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Last reviewed October 2026