King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:8 Mean?

Matthew 27:8 in the King James Version says “Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.”

Matthew 27:8 · KJV

Context

6

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

7

And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

8

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

9

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; whom: or, whom they bought of the children of Israel

10

And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

Read Matthew 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious rituals or traditions sometimes mask moral blindness in your own life?
  2. What "monuments to guilt" has God used in history to testify to both human sin and divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
διὸ1 of 10

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

ἐκλήθη2 of 10

“was called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ὁ3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀγρὸς4 of 10

“The field”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ἐκεῖνος5 of 10

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Ἀγρὸς6 of 10

“The field”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

Αἵματος7 of 10

“of blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

ἕως8 of 10

“unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῆς9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σήμερον10 of 10

“this day”

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:19Matthew 28:15Joshua 4:9Deuteronomy 34:62 Chronicles 5:9Judges 1:26

Places in This Verse

AkeldamaField · Modern: Akeldama · 31.77°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Matthew 27 →

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