Matthew 27:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

NIV: That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

NASB: For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

CSB: Therefore that field has been called "Blood Field" to this day.

NLT: That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood.

KJV: Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

NKJV: Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

It doesn't necessarily follow that a tract of land used as a burial place for foreigners would be called the "Field of Blood." However, this land was bought using money Judas returned after suffering remorse for his betrayal of Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16; Matthew 27:3–7). The priests called it "blood money," recognizing its use for a tainted purpose, and chose not to use the coins in the temple (Deuteronomy 23:18). It's possible that the location acquired its nickname once the truth of what had happened became clear.

Another possible explanation comes from Acts 1:18–19. This gives more details about Judas' suicide. In an aside, Luke, the writer of Acts, indicates poetically that Judas bought the field in question—as it was his money that purchased it—and then states that his guts burst out as he fell. The result of the payment to Judas was the acquisition of the field. That was the fruit of his labor. It doesn't mean he completed the transaction himself. Luke's description does suggest, though, that perhaps the priests bought the potter's field because that's where Judas hanged himself.

Bible scholars suggest several explanations for the vivid end to Judas's hanging. It may be that after he died, nobody wanted to defile themselves by touching the body for a time and the sun caused Judas' body to quickly decompose, fall, and burst open. Or, perhaps, Judas hanged himself from a limb over a ravine, common in the area, and the branch gave way before or after his death. Or, most simply of all maybe, Judas simply fell to his death while attempting to hang himself.

In any case, the name "Field of Blood" connects to the tragic circumstances of its purchase.

Matthew 27:3–10 reveals Judas' deep regret for betraying Jesus. He brings the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders who paid him for his cooperation. They don't want the money back, and they're not interested in Judas' confession. Judas throws the money down in the temple and hangs himself. The priests use the money to buy a field for burying foreigners. They call it the Field of Blood. Matthew states that this fulfills prophesy and quotes from Zechariah. The book of Acts also recounts Judas' death (Acts 1:16–20).

When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

Matthew 27 begins with an official meeting of the Jewish ruling council. They affirm Jesus' condemnation from the previous night, described in chapter 26. Judas confesses his betrayal and hangs himself. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the mob shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is humiliated by Roman soldiers and marched to be executed. On the cross, He is mocked by Jewish religious leaders and others. He dies and is buried in a never-used tomb. Extensive efforts to secure His body from being stolen only serve to prove the miraculous nature of His resurrection, which is detailed in chapter 28.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.