Acts 1:18
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Original Language Analysis
Οὗτος
this man
G3778
Οὗτος
this man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μὲν
Now
G3303
μὲν
Now
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
ἐκ
with
G1537
ἐκ
with
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθοῦ
the reward
G3408
μισθοῦ
the reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
8 of 21
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικίας
of iniquity
G93
ἀδικίας
of iniquity
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
10 of 21
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρηνὴς
headlong
G4248
πρηνὴς
headlong
Strong's:
G4248
Word #:
12 of 21
leaning (falling) forward ("prone"), i.e., head foremost
γενόμενος
falling
G1096
γενόμενος
falling
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
13 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
The 'reward of iniquity' was the thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:3-10). The field purchased with blood money became Akeldama, a Gentile burial ground - a perpetual testimony to the betrayer's fate.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Judas' end teach about the ultimate consequences of betraying Christ?
- How do you reconcile the different accounts of Judas' death in a way that honors Scripture's integrity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The gruesome details of Judas' death - 'falling headlong, he burst asunder' - demonstrate the wages of sin. The 'field of blood' became a memorial to treachery. Luke provides different details than Matthew 27:5 (hanging), likely describing what happened to the body afterward.