Acts 1:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 1:19 mean?

Acts 1:19 explains that everyone living in Jerusalem heard about what happened, and the field connected to the event became known locally as "Aceldama," which means "The field of blood" in their own language. This verse highlights how the story and its location became widely recognized among the people of Jerusalem.

The verse is part of the account where Peter and the other apostles are discussing the fate of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. The "field" refers to the place purchased with the money Judas received for his betrayal, and the name "Aceldama" (from Aramaic) reflects its bloody association. The detail about the name being in their "proper tongue" shows that this was a well-known local landmark, and the story had become common knowledge in Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Acts 1:19

• Ἀκελδαμά (Akeldama): This is a transliteration of an Aramaic phrase meaning "field of blood." Its use here shows that the local people had a specific name for the place, rooted in their own language and culture.
• διαλέκτῳ (dialektō): This word means "language" or "dialect." The verse points out that the field's name was known in the local dialect, emphasizing how the story had become part of everyday speech in Jerusalem.
• χωρίον (chōrion): This word means "field" or "piece of land." Its use clarifies that the reference is to a specific plot of land, not just any field.

Why Acts 1:19 matters

• Acts 1:19 clarifies that the story of Judas and the field was not a secret but widely known among Jerusalem’s residents, giving historical grounding to the account.
• The use of the local name "Aceldama" shows how the event left a lasting mark on the community, even shaping the language people used to describe the place.
• This verse connects the fate of Judas directly to a physical location, linking the narrative of betrayal and its consequences to a real, identifiable spot in Jerusalem.