Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a coffin as we understand it today was not commonly practiced among the Israelites. The term "coffin" appears explicitly in the Bible in Genesis 50:26, which states, "So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten. And they embalmed him and placed his body in a coffin in Egypt" . This reference to a coffin is unique in the Scriptures and reflects Egyptian burial customs rather than those of the Israelites.Cultural Context The use of a coffin in Genesis 50:26 is significant because it highlights the Egyptian influence on Joseph's burial. In ancient Egypt, coffins were an integral part of the burial process, often elaborately decorated and designed to protect the body for the afterlife. Joseph, having risen to a position of prominence in Egypt, was afforded the honor of an Egyptian-style burial, which included embalming and placement in a coffin. This practice was in stark contrast to the typical Israelite custom of burial, which involved placing the body in a cave or tomb without a coffin. Israelite Burial Practices The Israelites typically buried their dead in caves or rock-hewn tombs, as seen in the burial of the patriarchs. For example, Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah (Genesis 23:19), and it later became the family tomb for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. The absence of coffins in these burials underscores the simplicity and earth-centered nature of Israelite burial customs, which focused on returning the body to the earth. Symbolism and Theological Implications The use of a coffin in Joseph's burial can also be seen as a symbol of his unique life journey. Joseph's account is one of divine providence and faithfulness amidst adversity. His Egyptian burial signifies both his high status in a foreign land and the fulfillment of God's promises to preserve and elevate him. Despite his Egyptian burial, Joseph's faith in God's promises is evident in his instructions to the Israelites to carry his bones back to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:25). This act of faith was fulfilled centuries later when Moses took Joseph's bones with him during the Exodus (Exodus 13:19). New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not specifically mention coffins, it does emphasize the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The burial and resurrection of Jesus serve as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of life beyond death. The empty tomb, rather than a coffin, becomes the symbol of victory over death for believers. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" . In summary, the concept of a coffin in the Bible is primarily associated with Egyptian customs and is not representative of traditional Israelite practices. The singular mention of a coffin in Joseph's burial highlights the cultural and theological nuances of his life and the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness and the hope of resurrection. Smith's Bible Dictionary CoffinEaston's Bible Dictionary Used in Genesis 50:26 with reference to the burial of Joseph. Here, it means a mummy-chest. The same Hebrew word is rendered "chest" in 2 Kings 12:9, 10. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The case in which a dead human body is enclosed for burial.2. (n.) A basket. 3. (n.) A casing or crust, or a mold, of pastry, as for a pie. 4. (n.) A conical paper bag, used by grocers. 5. (n.) The hollow crust or hoof of a horse's foot, below the coronet, in which is the coffin bone. 6. (v. t.) To enclose in, or as in, a coffin. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COFFINGreek 4673. soros -- a cinerary urn, by anal. a coffin ... a coffin. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: soros Phonetic Spelling: (sor-os') Short Definition: a bier, an open coffin Definition: a bier, an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4673.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 727. aron -- a chest, ark... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a chest, ark NASB Word Usage ark (194), chest (6), coffin (1). ark, chest, coffin. ... /hebrew/727.htm - 6k Library A Coffin in Egypt Proceedings of Macedonius in Mantinium. His Removal from his See ... How Sebbi, King of the Same Province, Ended his Life in a ... How Queen Ethelthryth Always Preserved Her virginity, and Her Body ... How his Body was Found Altogether Uncorrupted after it had Been ... Of the Prediction of the Pedagogue. Discovery of the Relics of Forty Holy Martyrs. A Catholic Household a Catholic Household The Great Reparation Thesaurus Coffin (2 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) The hollow crust or hoof of a horse's foot, below the coronet, in which is the coffin bone. 6. (vt) To enclose in, or as in, a coffin. Int. ...COFFIN. ... /c/coffin.htm - 7k Chest (15 Occurrences) Bier (3 Occurrences) Shell (1 Occurrence) Coffer (3 Occurrences) Quarter (33 Occurrences) Lie (291 Occurrences) Gerizim (4 Occurrences) Funeral (3 Occurrences) Touched (96 Occurrences) Resources Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Coffin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Coffin (2 Occurrences)Luke 7:14 Genesis 50:26 Subtopics Coffin: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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