Matthew Chapter 27 · Verse 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?
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.