Bible Dictionary
Aceldama
Aceldama, meaning “field of blood,” was the field associated with Judas’s betrayal of Jesus and death. It was purchased with the betrayal money and used as a burial place for strangers near Jerusalem.
Definition
Aceldama means “field of blood.” It was the field associated with Judas and the money received for betraying Jesus. It was formerly called the potter’s field and was designated as a burial place for strangers.
Biblical Usage
Aceldama is mentioned in connection with Judas’s violent death and the purchase of the field. The name appears in Acts 1:19, while the potter’s field and burial place for strangers are described in Matthew 27:7-8.
Historical Background
The field was located on a narrow terrace on the southern face of the valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem. Its modern name is Hak ed-damm.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The name which the Jews gave in their proper tongue, i.e., in Aramaic, to the field which was purchased with the money which had been given to the betrayer of our Lord. The word means “field of blood.” It was previously called “the potter’s field” (Matt. 27:7, 8; Acts 1:19), and was appropriated as the burial-place for strangers. It lies on a narrow level terrace on the south face of the valley of Hinnom. Its modern name is Hak ed-damm.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(the field of blood) (Akeldama in the Revised Version), the name given by the Jews of Jerusalem to a field near Jerusalem purchased by Judas with the money which he received for the betrayal of Christ, and so called from his violent death therein. (Acts 1:19) The “field of blood” is now shown on the steep southern face of the valley or ravine of Hinnom, “southwest of the supposed pool of Siloam.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-sel'-da-ma. See AKELDAMA.</p>