Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the practice of wrapping the deceased in linen was a significant aspect of burial customs, reflecting both cultural and religious traditions. This practice is mentioned in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in the treatment of the dead.The use of linen for wrapping the deceased is first notably mentioned in the account of Joseph of Arimathea, who, after the crucifixion of Jesus, sought permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body for burial. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away" (Matthew 27:59-60). This act of wrapping Jesus' body in linen was a mark of respect and care, signifying the honor given to the deceased. Similarly, in the Gospel of John, the burial of Jesus is described with additional details: "They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom" (John 19:40). This passage underscores the Jewish customs of the time, where the body was not only wrapped in linen but also accompanied by spices, which served both as a preservative and as a means to honor the deceased. The practice of wrapping in linen is also seen in the account of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. In John 11:44, it is written: "The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. 'Unwrap him and let him go,' Jesus told them" . This narrative illustrates the commonality of the practice, as Lazarus was bound in linen strips, a typical burial custom of the time. The use of linen in burial rites can be traced back to its symbolic and practical significance. Linen, a fabric made from flax, was considered pure and was often used in religious contexts, including the garments of the priests. Its use in burial signified purity and respect for the deceased, aligning with the broader biblical themes of dignity in death and the hope of resurrection. In summary, the wrapping of the dead in linen was a customary practice in biblical times, deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions. It served as a means of honoring the deceased, reflecting the values of purity and respect, and was an integral part of the burial customs as depicted in the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, Nave's Topical Index Library Whether Christ was Buried in a Becoming Manner? "The Pharaoh Drew Nigh" The Tomb of Jesus The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources Is Jesus dead? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and why are they important? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms |