POTTER FIELDS Meaning and
Definition
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Potter's Fields, also known as Potter fields or pauper's fields, refer to burial grounds or cemeteries typically designated for the burial of indigent, unknown, or unidentified individuals. The term originated from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ for thirty silver coins and later hanged himself on a plot of land which was then used to bury strangers. This land came to be known as the "field of blood" or the "potter's field."
Potter's Fields are traditionally characterized by their association with poverty, anonymity, and destitution. They serve as final resting places for people who lacked the financial means for a proper burial or whose identities were unknown. As such, these fields often become burial sites for criminals, victims of violent crimes, or individuals whose bodies remain unclaimed.
Historically, Potter's Fields have been located on the outskirts of towns and cities, away from more prestigious or sacred burial grounds. These sites are frequently marked by simple, unadorned graves or mass graves. Over time, Potter's Fields have become symbols of social inequality, exclusion, and the unprivileged.
In contemporary usage, the term "Potter's Field" is often used as a metaphor or idiom to refer to a place or situation associated with anonymity, abandonment, or marginalization. It exemplifies the notion of forgotten or overlooked individuals, emphasizing the social and economic disparities that persist in society.
Common Misspellings for POTTER FIELDS
- ootter fields
- lotter fields
- -otter fields
- 0otter fields
- pitter fields
- pktter fields
- pltter fields
- pptter fields
- p0tter fields
- p9tter fields
- porter fields
- pofter fields
- pogter fields
- poyter fields
- po6ter fields
- po5ter fields
- potrer fields
- potfer fields
- potger fields
- potyer fields
Etymology of POTTER FIELDS
The term "potter's fields" refers to a burial ground for unknown or indigent individuals. The etymology of the term can be traced back to biblical origins.In the New Testament of the Bible, the Gospel of Matthew recounts the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and eventually regretted his actions. After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas returned the silver to the chief priests and elders, who decided to use the money to purchase a field as a burial place for foreigners or strangers.The Gospel of Matthew describes this field as "the field of blood", as it was bought with blood money. However, in the Book of Acts, there is a discrepancy in the details, and it mentions that Judas bought the field himself and met a tragic end there. Due to this discrepancy, the field became known as "Hakeldama" or "The Field of Blood".
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