The term "Blood-field" refers to the field purchased with the money that Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus Christ. This field is also known as "Akeldama," an Aramaic term meaning "Field of Blood." The account of the Blood-field is primarily found in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Matthew.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Matthew, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). After Jesus is condemned, Judas experiences remorse and attempts to return the money to the religious leaders, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). The chief priests, however, refuse to take back the money, prompting Judas to throw the silver into the temple and subsequently hang himself (Matthew 27:5).

The chief priests, considering the money as "blood money," decide it is not lawful to put it into the temple treasury. Instead, they use it to purchase the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. This act fulfills the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah, as recorded in Matthew: "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me" (Matthew 27:9-10).

In the Book of Acts, the field is further described in the context of Judas's death. Peter, addressing the early believers, recounts that Judas acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness. It is noted that Judas fell headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines spilled out (Acts 1:18). This gruesome detail emphasizes the field's association with blood and death, reinforcing its name, "Field of Blood."

Theological Significance

The Blood-field serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the fulfillment of prophecy. It highlights the gravity of Judas's actions and the tragic end that befell him. The purchase of the field with the blood money underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, as foretold by the prophets.

The Blood-field also serves as a symbol of the broader rejection of Christ by the religious authorities and the nation of Israel. The use of the field as a burial place for foreigners may reflect the broader mission of the Gospel, which extends beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed.

Location and Tradition

Traditionally, the location of the Blood-field, or Akeldama, is identified in the Hinnom Valley, south of Jerusalem. This area has been associated with burial grounds and is historically linked to the potter's field mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. The site has been a place of interest for pilgrims and scholars seeking to understand the historical and biblical context of Judas's betrayal and its aftermath.Blood-field (1 Occurrence)

Matthew 27:8
Wherefore that field has been called Blood-field unto this day.
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Blood-field (1 Occurrence)
Blood-field. Blood, Blood-field. Bloodguilt . Multi-Version Concordance
Blood-field (1 Occurrence). Matthew 27:8 Wherefore ...
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Bloodguilt (9 Occurrences)

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