Matthew 27:10
And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκαν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκαν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 12
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγρὸν
field
G68
ἀγρὸν
field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
6 of 12
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The potter's field was likely in the Hinnom Valley south of Jerusalem, traditionally a potter's clay source and later a garbage dump. Under Roman occupation, Jewish leaders needed Roman approval for executions, driving the events of Jesus's trial.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fulfillment of obscure prophecies like Zechariah 11:13 strengthen your confidence in Scripture's divine inspiration?
- What does the transformation of betrayal money into a burial field for strangers reveal about God's redemptive purposes in tragedy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me (ἔδωκαν αὐτὰ εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν τοῦ κεραμέως)—Matthew quotes Zechariah 11:13, showing Judas's betrayal money purchased a burial ground for foreigners, fulfilling prophecy. The Greek kerameus (potter) connects to Jeremiah 18-19's imagery of God as potter, Israel as clay. This field became Akeldama, 'Field of Blood' (Acts 1:19), a permanent witness to priestly corruption.
Matthew alone records this fulfillment detail, demonstrating Jesus's death occurred exactly according to God's sovereign plan. What seemed like tragic chaos—betrayal, suicide, blood money—was God's appointed means of redemption.