Akeldama Field of Blood
Akeldama (Aramaic: חֲקַל דְּמָא — Hăqal Dəmā’, Greek: Ἁκελδαμά), or Field of Blood, is the place in Jerusalem where, according to the New Testament, Judas Iscariot was buried or where a field was purchased with the money he received for betraying Jesus Christ. The name comes from Aramaic and means “field of blood”.
Usage in Scripture: In Matthew 27:3–8, after betraying Jesus, Judas returns the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests, who buy a cemetery field for foreigners. Acts 1:18–19 states that Judas acquired a field with his reward, and that he fell and was scattered, leading the place to be known as Akeldama – “field of blood”.
Traditionally, Akeldama is believed to be located in southern Jerusalem, in the Hinnom Valley (Gehenna), near the Kidron Valley.
Alabaster
Alabaster (Greek: ἀλάβαστρον – alabastron) is a white or pinkish, translucent soft stone used in ancient times for vessels for perfumes and oils. In the Bible, it usually refers to a small vessel made of alabaster, traditionally handleless, with a narrow neck for storing myrrh or oils.
The name may derive from the Egyptian word a-labaste, linked with the goddess Bast.
Usage in Scripture: In the Gospels, a woman pours ointment on Jesus from an alabaster jar: “…there came a woman having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard, very costly; and she broke the alabaster jar, and poured it on his head…” (Mark 14:3; cf. Matt. 26:7; Luke 7:37; John 12:3)
Alexandria
Alexandria (Greek: Ἀλεξάνδρεια) was a famous city in Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. It became a crucial cultural and commercial Mediterranean center. By the New Testament era, it was the second most important city in the Roman Empire, a vital intellectual, Jewish, and Christian hub.
Alexandria had a substantial Jewish community, contributing to the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament translation. The Septuagint was foundational for the early Church.
Acts 6:9 mentions “the synagogue of the Alexandrians,” indicating Alexandrian Jews’ presence in Jerusalem.
Acts 18:24 refers to Apollos, “a Jew born at Alexandria,” a skilled Scripture preacher who became significant in spreading Christian teachings.
Acts 27:6 and 28:11 note that Paul traveled on Alexandrian ships, highlighting the city’s maritime trade.
Since the 1st century, Alexandria has been a center of Christian thought and learning. The famous Catechism School, led by theologians like Clement of Alexandria and Origen, emerged there.
Tradition names St. Mark the Evangelist as the city’s first bishop. Alexandria is the central see of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega (Greek: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ) signify the first and last Greek alphabet letters, used in the Bible to symbolize God’s eternity, completeness, and all-encompassing nature.
Usage in Scripture: Found only in the Book of Revelation, it refers to both God the Father and Jesus Christ, highlighting their divine nature: Rev. 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”; Rev. 21:6 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.”; Rev. 22:13 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
In church hymnography, especially during Easter, Christ is called “Alpha and Omega.” In iconography, the letters Α and Ω often appear beside Christ’s head, symbolizing His Divinity and eternity.
Etymology: Alpha (Α) is the Greek alphabet’s first letter, from the Phoenician aleph – “ox
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