Matthew 27:8
Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκλήθη
was called
G2564
ἐκλήθη
was called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
2 of 10
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀγρὸς
The field
G68
Ἀγρὸς
The field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
4 of 10
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ἐκεῖνος
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 10
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Ἀγρὸς
The field
G68
Ἀγρὸς
The field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
6 of 10
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
Αἵματος
of blood
G129
Αἵματος
of blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
7 of 10
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
ἕως
unto
G2193
ἕως
unto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
8 of 10
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
Cross References
Historical Context
Matthew wrote 30-40 years after the crucifixion, while Akeldama remained a known Jerusalem landmark. The phrase "unto this day" confirms eyewitness knowledge. Acts 1:18-19 provides complementary details: Judas himself bought the field before his death, though the priests completed the transaction. The site was still identified in Jerome's time (4th century AD).
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious rituals or traditions sometimes mask moral blindness in your own life?
- What "monuments to guilt" has God used in history to testify to both human sin and divine justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood (Ἀγρὸς Αἵματος, Agros Haimatos)—known in Aramaic as Akeldama (Acts 1:19, אֲחֵל דְּמָא, Akel Dama). The field purchased with Judas's betrayal money became a permanent monument to bloodguilt—both Christ's innocent blood and Judas's self-inflicted death. The chief priests unwittingly created a prophetic witness: unto this day (ἕως τῆς σήμερον, heōs tēs sēmeron) indicates Matthew wrote when this site still testified to their guilt.
The irony is devastating: money rejected as "blood money" (v.6) still purchased a burial ground for strangers, fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 32:6-9. The religious leaders's scrupulosity about ritual purity (refusing blood money for the treasury) contrasted with their moral blindness in shedding innocent blood. Every burial there proclaimed their crime.