Definition and Significance:
Sepulchres, also known as tombs or burial places, hold significant importance in biblical history and tradition. They are often hewn out of rock or constructed as above-ground structures, serving as the final resting places for the deceased. The practice of burial in sepulchres reflects the cultural and religious customs of the ancient Near East, emphasizing respect for the dead and the hope of resurrection.

Biblical References:
The Bible contains numerous references to sepulchres, highlighting their role in the lives of key biblical figures and events. One of the earliest mentions is the burial of Sarah, Abraham's wife, in the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased as a family burial site (Genesis 23:19-20). This site later became the burial place for other patriarchs and matriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob.

In the New Testament, sepulchres are notably mentioned in the context of Jesus Christ's burial. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple (Matthew 27:59-60). This tomb, hewn out of rock, was sealed with a large stone, marking the place where Jesus was resurrected on the third day (Matthew 28:1-6).

Cultural and Religious Context:
In ancient Israel, burial practices were deeply rooted in the belief in an afterlife and the eventual resurrection of the dead. Sepulchres were often located outside city walls, in gardens, or on family-owned land. The use of sepulchres signified a permanent resting place, contrasting with the temporary nature of life on earth.

The construction and maintenance of sepulchres were acts of honor and reverence. Families would often visit these sites to pay respects and remember their ancestors. The practice of burial in sepulchres also served to maintain family lineage and heritage, as these tombs were often used for multiple generations.

Symbolism and Theological Implications:
Sepulchres in the Bible symbolize both the finality of death and the hope of resurrection. The burial of Jesus in a sepulchre and His subsequent resurrection are central to Christian theology, affirming the belief in life after death and the promise of eternal life for believers. The empty tomb serves as a powerful testament to Christ's victory over death and His divine nature.

Theologically, sepulchres also represent the human condition and the need for redemption. As places of decay and death, they remind believers of the consequences of sin and the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. The resurrection from the sepulchre underscores the transformative power of God's grace and the hope of new life.

Conclusion:
Sepulchres, as depicted in the Bible, are more than mere burial sites; they are profound symbols of faith, hope, and the eternal promises of God. Through the narratives of patriarchs and the resurrection of Jesus, sepulchres convey the enduring message of life beyond the grave and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.Sepulchres Burial

[TOMBS] On this subject we have to notice --

1. The place of burial, its site and shape;
2. The mode of burial;
3. The prevalent notions regarding this duty.
4. A natural cave enlarged and adapted by excavation, or an artificial imitation of one was the standard type of sepulchre. Sepulchres, when the owner's means permitted it, were commonly prepared beforehand, and stood often in gardens, by roadsides, or even adjoining houses. Kings and prophets alone were probably buried within towns. (1 Kings 2:10; 16:6,28) Cities soon became populous and demanded cemeteries, (Ezekiel 39:15) which were placed without the walls. Sepulchres were marked sometimes by pillars or by pyramids. Such as were not otherwise noticeable were scrupulously "whited," (Matthew 23:27) once a year, after the rains before the passover, to warn passers-by of defilement.
5. "The manner of the Jews" included the use of spices, where they could command the means. (2 Chronicles 16:10) A portion of these was burnt in honor of the deceased, and to this use was probably destined part of the one hundred pounds weight of "myrrh and aloes" in our Lord's case. In no instance, save that of Saul and his sons, were the bodies burned; and even then the bones were interred, and re-exhumed for solemn entombment. It was the office of the next of kin to perform and preside over the whole funeral office; though public buriers were not unknown in New Testament times. (Acts 5:6,10) The body was borne by the nearest relatives. The grave-clothes were probably of the fashion worn in life, but swathed and fastened with bandages, and the head covered separately.
6. The precedent of Jacob's and Joseph's remains being returned to the land of Canaan was followed, in wish at least, by every pious Jew.

Of the Places of Burial.
... his neighbour a place of burial, let him make the inner parts of the cave four cubits,
and six cubits; and let him open within it eight sepulchres." They were ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 100 of the places.htm

Reasons for Burying the Bodies of the Saints.
... and sepulchres provided for them, and obsequies celebrated; [68] and they themselves,
while yet alive, gave commandment to their sons about the burial, and, on ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 13 reasons for burying the.htm

Kedron
... When, therefore, there might be, perhaps, some sepulchres not seen, in the way he
was to ... to one another, where it was not possible to touch a place of burial. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 38 kedron.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... that so we may have no need to interrupt the account of the burial of our ... and towards
the outer wall of the city stood some magnificent sepulchres with stone ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

Chapter xxiii
... To bury out of sight is simply a more expressive way of describing burial. 'Eqberah
is a hortative imperfect. ... Bury thy dead in the choicest of our sepulchres. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm

Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ...
... professed himself a prophet, he was deprived, in accordance with the word of God
then and there uttered over the table, of burial in his fathers' sepulchres. ...
/.../chapter xvi instances from scripture of.htm

Certain Metaphorical Terms Explained of the Resurrection of the ...
... It is on a like principle that embalmed corpses are set aside for burial in mausoleums
and sepulchres, in order that they may be removed therefrom when the ...
/.../chapter xxvii certain metaphorical terms explained.htm

What Can You Say as to This, that it is Attested by the Writings ...
... with golden domes and lofty roofs cover bones and ashes, and are sepulchres of the ...
4602] Leandrius says that Cleochus had the last honours of burial paid to him ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/6 what can you say.htm

In Death and after Death
... The entrance to the sepulchres was guarded by a large stone or by a door ... of the tombs
will explain some of the particulars connected with the burial of our Lord ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

The Weeping Saviour.
... He was treading a burial ground"mouldering heaps were around Him"silent ... The few silent
sepulchres around must have significantly called to the mind of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus