Strong’s Greek 4248 appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 1:18. Luke records Judas Iscariot’s tragic end: “With the reward of his wickedness Judas bought a field; and there he fell headlong, and his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out” (Acts 1:18). The single use underscores the term’s vividness, chosen to impress upon the reader the shameful, irreversible collapse of a betrayer of Christ.

Literary and Narrative Function

Luke’s Gospel–Acts narrative consistently contrasts faithful discipleship with treachery. By describing Judas as falling “headlong,” Luke sets an unmistakable image of complete downfall. The verb visually mirrors the moral plummet that began with greed (Luke 22:3–6) and ended in destruction. This single, graphic adverb therefore seals the historical account of Judas’s demise and functions as an admonition for readers: departure from Christ ultimately ends in ruin.

Historical and Cultural Setting

First-century readers were accustomed to honor-shame dynamics. To die face-first in a public field conveyed ultimate disgrace, stripping one of all honor in life and in death. Luke’s original audience would have recognized such a posture as more than physical; it signified divine judgment. The location—“Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood” (Acts 1:19)—became a permanent geographical witness against betrayal, fulfilling Scripture (Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8).

Theological Significance

1. Divine Justice: Judas’s end testifies that sin’s wages remain death (Romans 6:23). God’s justice is neither delayed nor thwarted.
2. Prophetic Fulfillment: Peter connects Judas’s fate to the Psalms, affirming the unity of Old and New Testament revelation (Acts 1:20).
3. Apostolic Integrity: The stark mention of Judas’s “headlong” fall highlights the necessity of replacing him with a faithful witness (Acts 1:21–26), preserving apostolic testimony.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

• Warning Against Apostasy: Leaders and congregations are reminded that external association with Jesus does not guarantee inward loyalty (Matthew 7:21–23).
• Integrity in Stewardship: Judas’s mishandling of money (John 12:6) culminated in catastrophe. Faithful handling of resources remains a gospel issue (1 Timothy 6:10).
• The Call to Repentance: Judas’s despair contrasts with Peter’s repentance (Matthew 27:3–5; John 21:15–19). The church must proclaim hope for restoration before sin hardens the heart.

Homiletical Insights

Preaching Acts 1:18 invites vivid imagery usable in sermons on betrayal, integrity, or divine justice. The lone occurrence of this Greek term allows a focused word study that can anchor an entire message, illustrating the peril of secret sin and the certainty of God’s verdict.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s 4248 surfaces only once, its impact is enduring. The Holy Spirit guided Luke to employ a rare word that forever stamps Judas’s fate upon the church’s memory, urging believers toward steadfast obedience and holy fear.