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 1:19KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“tongue” Greek G1258 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
  • Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
  • Acts 22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

“field” Greek G5564 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
  • John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
  • Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

“known” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

“say” Greek G5123 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?(that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: