Ἀκελδαμά
Akeldamá
G184 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper noun designating a specific locality known as 'Field of Blood' near Jerusalem; refers to the place traditionally identified as the location purchased with the money given for the betrayal of Jesus, and associated with the death of Judas. Although the word itself simply labels the site, its connotation in context includes notions of death, retribution, and infamy.
Semantic Range
specific location (Field of Blood) near Jerusalem, field associated with an event of bloodshed or violent death, site of ignominy or retribution
Root / Etymology
From Aramaic (Chaldee) חֲקַל דְּמָא (ḥăqel demā), meaning 'field of blood,' comprising חֲקַל (field, tract) and דְּמָא (blood). The Greek form is a transliteration of the Aramaic phrase.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ἀκελδαμά appears solely in Acts 1:19 in the New Testament, where it is explained as 'Field of Blood' in association with the fate of Judas Iscariot. The phrase is transliterated directly from Aramaic into Greek, not translated. It reflects early Christian tradition regarding Judas' death and the fate of the money given for the betrayal. In biblical tradition, the purchase of the field serves as both a literary and geographic marker, linking narrative events to a physical location near Jerusalem. The alternative form Ἁκελδαμά in some manuscripts reflects variant pronunciation. The standard English translation 'Aceldama' (following the Vulgate) preserves the original sound but not the Aramaic meaning. In LXX and extra-biblical sources, the term does not occur; it is unique to the New Testament context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Chaldee origin (meaning field of blood; corresponding to חֵלֶק and דָּם); Akeldama, a place near Jerusalem:--Aceldama.
Root Family
Ἀκελδαμά (Akeldama) — field of blood, land related to bloodshed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G184-01 |
Ἁκελδαμάχ | akeldamach | N ACC N SG |
Akeldama | Field of Blood | Akeldama | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G184-01 |
Acts 1:19 | Ἁκελδαμάχ | akeldamach | N ACC N SG |
Akeldama | Field of Blood | Akeldama |