Definition and Usage in Scripture:

The term "grave" in the Bible typically refers to the place of burial or the state of being dead. It is often synonymous with "Sheol" in the Old Testament, which denotes the abode of the dead. In the New Testament, the Greek term "Hades" is used similarly. The grave is depicted as a place of silence, darkness, and separation from the living.

Old Testament References:

In the Old Testament, the grave is frequently mentioned in the context of human mortality and the inevitability of death. For instance, in Genesis 37:35, Jacob mourns for his son Joseph, saying, "I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning." Here, the grave is seen as a destination for all people, regardless of their righteousness or wickedness.

The book of Job provides a vivid description of the grave as a place of rest from the troubles of life. Job laments, "If I wait for Sheol as my home, if I make my bed in darkness" (Job 17:13). This reflects the ancient understanding of the grave as a place where earthly struggles cease.

New Testament References:

In the New Testament, the concept of the grave is expanded with the revelation of Christ's victory over death. The grave is no longer the final destination for believers. In 1 Corinthians 15:55, Paul triumphantly declares, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" . This passage highlights the Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus is central to the New Testament's teaching on the grave. In Matthew 28:6, the angel announces to the women at the tomb, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" . This event signifies the defeat of the grave and the promise of resurrection for all who believe in Christ.

Theological Significance:

The grave holds significant theological implications in the Bible. It represents the consequence of sin, as death entered the world through Adam's transgression (Romans 5:12). However, through Jesus' death and resurrection, the power of the grave is broken, offering hope of eternal life to believers.

The grave also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, "Then the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it" . This underscores the belief in the soul's immortality and the ultimate accountability before God.

Symbolism and Imagery:

Throughout Scripture, the grave is often used symbolically to represent spiritual death or separation from God. In Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones illustrates the restoration of Israel, where God promises to open the graves and bring His people back to life (Ezekiel 37:12-14). This imagery conveys the hope of spiritual renewal and resurrection.

In the Psalms, the grave is depicted as a place of despair and abandonment, yet also as a place from which God can deliver. Psalm 16:10 expresses confidence in God's power over the grave: "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay" . This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ's resurrection.

Practical Implications for Believers:

For Christians, the grave is not a place of fear but a transition to eternal life with God. The assurance of resurrection provides comfort in the face of death and motivates believers to live with an eternal perspective. The hope of the resurrection encourages a life of faithfulness, knowing that death is not the end but the beginning of a new, everlasting life with Christ.

"Far Better. "
... 8,7,8,7,4,7. Many dear ones are departed. To the grave's dark silent land: I shall
soon receive the summons. There to lie amid the band; Where they hear not. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/liv far better.htm

Going Home.
... Thought to buried loves returning,. Time is hasting us along,. Downward to the grave's
dark dwelling,. Upward to the fountain welling. With eternal life and song ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/going home.htm

Sabbath Hymn.
... Something of the rest and love. In the Sabbath-home above. From beyond the grave's
dark night. What mild radiance meets my sight? Softly stealing on the ear,. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/sabbath hymn.htm

Rejoice.
... There, after stormy winter,. The flowers of earth arise,. And from the grave's long
slumber. Shall meet again our eyes! Our Hope and Expectation,. O Jesus! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/rejoice.htm

Easter Even. And Joseph Wrapped the Body in a Clean Linen Cloth ...
... The hollow rocky cave. Must serve Thee for a grave,. Who wast Thyself the Rock of
our Salvation! ... And thus I will not shrink. From the grave's awful brink; ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/easter even and joseph wrapped.htm

Psalm 141
... in stony places cast,. Then shall they hear my words; for they. shall sweet be to
their taste. ^7About the grave's devouring mouth. our bones are scatter'd round ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 141.htm

I Closed Her Eyes; and There Flowed Withal a Mighty Sorrow into My ...
... neither in those prayers which we poured forth unto Thee, when the Sacrifice of
our ransom was offered for her, when now the corpse was by the grave's side, as ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xii i closed her.htm

Surrender of all to God.
... Yea, death itself shall be. My passport of release,. And the grave's vaunted victory,.
The sign and seal of peace,". The end of mortal strife; ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn clxxx surrender of all.htm

The Almightiness of God. --Mark, x. 27
... He saith "Behold!" 'tis so: And when He calls the dead, they rise,. Though the grave's
mouth cries "No!". Then, my Redeemer, then,. From wrath to love I flee,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn xxxi the almightiness of.htm

On Easter Day
... Conquer are Conquer??d. For He who for man's fault assign'd. Death, and a Grave's
reward,. ... Yet that grim Death and mouldy Grave. No longer be His prison. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xcvi on easter day.htm

Grave's (1 Occurrence)
...Grave's (1 Occurrence). Psalms 141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth,
as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. (KJV JPS WBS). ...
/g/grave's.htm - 6k

Graves (37 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throats resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips ...
/g/graves.htm - 19k

Gravest (1 Occurrence)

/g/gravest.htm - 6k

Cleaveth (26 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth,
as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/c/cleaveth.htm - 13k

Cleaves (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Psalms 141:7 As when one cleaveth and breaketh up the earth,
our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth. (See RSV). ...
/c/cleaves.htm - 9k

Cutteth (37 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when
one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/c/cutteth.htm - 18k

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