Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, tombs were significant both culturally and religiously, serving as the final resting places for the deceased. The practice of burial in tombs is well-documented throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the customs and beliefs of ancient Israel and surrounding cultures.Old Testament Context Tombs in the Old Testament were often hewn out of rock or constructed as caves. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were buried in the Cave of Machpelah, a site purchased by Abraham as a family burial place (Genesis 23:19-20). This cave, located in Hebron, became a significant ancestral tomb, underscoring the importance of family burial sites. The Israelites placed great importance on proper burial, as seen in the account of Joseph, who requested that his bones be carried out of Egypt and buried in the Promised Land (Genesis 50:25). This act symbolized a connection to the covenant promises and the hope of future resurrection. New Testament Context In the New Testament, tombs continue to hold cultural and religious significance. The most notable tomb is that of Jesus Christ. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple (Matthew 27:59-60). This tomb, carved out of rock, was sealed with a large stone, emphasizing the finality of death. However, the resurrection of Jesus from this tomb is central to Christian faith, as it signifies victory over death and the promise of eternal life (Matthew 28:5-6). Tombs also appear in Jesus' teachings. He criticized the Pharisees and scribes, comparing them to "whitewashed tombs" that appear beautiful outwardly but are filled with dead bones and uncleanness inside (Matthew 23:27). This metaphor highlighted the hypocrisy of maintaining an outward appearance of righteousness while harboring inner corruption. Cultural and Religious Significance Tombs were often located outside city walls, as contact with the dead rendered individuals ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law (Numbers 19:16). This separation underscores the biblical theme of life and death, purity and impurity. The practice of marking tombs to prevent accidental defilement is noted in the Gospels. Jesus' reference to "whitewashed tombs" may allude to the custom of painting tombs white to make them visible and avoid inadvertent contact (Matthew 23:27). Archaeological Insights Archaeological discoveries have provided further understanding of burial practices in biblical times. Tombs from the Second Temple period, for example, often included niches or loculi where bodies were laid, and ossuaries, or bone boxes, used for secondary burial after the flesh had decayed. Symbolism and Theology Tombs in the Bible symbolize both the finality of death and the hope of resurrection. The empty tomb of Jesus is a powerful testament to the Christian belief in life after death and the transformative power of the resurrection. This hope is echoed in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who speaks of the resurrection of the dead and the victory over death through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). In summary, tombs in the biblical narrative serve as poignant reminders of human mortality, the cultural practices surrounding death, and the profound theological truths of resurrection and eternal life. Easton's Bible Dictionary Of the Hebrews were generally excavated in the solid rock, or were natural caves. Mention is made of such tombs in Judges 8:32; 2 Samuel 2:32; 2 Kings 9:28; 23:30. They were sometimes made in gardens (2 Kings 21:26; 23:16; Matthew 27:60). They are found in great numbers in and around Jerusalem and all over the land. They were sometimes whitewashed (Matthew 23:27, 29). The body of Jesus was laid in Joseph's new rock-hewn tomb, in a garden near to Calvary. All evidence is in favour of the opinion that this tomb was somewhere near the Damascus gate, and outside the city, and cannot be identified with the so-called "holy sepulchre." The mouth of such rocky tombs was usually closed by a large stone (Hebrews golal), which could only be removed by the united efforts of several men (Matthew 28:2; Comp. John 11:39). (see GOLGOTHA.) Greek 3419. mnemeion -- a memorial, a monument ... Word Origin from mneme Definition a memorial, a monument NASB Word Usage monuments (1), tomb (30), tombs (7). grave, sepulcher, tomb. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3419.htm - 7k 5028. taphos -- a burial, hence a grave 3418. mnema -- a memorial, a sepulcher Strong's Hebrew 6913. qeber -- a grave, sepulcher... Word Origin from qabar Definition a grave, sepulcher NASB Word Usage burial (6), burial place (1), grave (28), graves (16), tomb (8), tombs (8). ... /hebrew/6913.htm - 6k Library The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be Transferred to the ... Imperial Tombs. Papal Tombs. What He Likewise Wrote of the Place of Our Lord's Ascension, and ... Thus Tightening his Hold Upon Himself, Antony Departed to the ... "Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and ... Would that the Memory of the Fathers Would Exhale from the Tombs The Church is not to be Blamed for the Conduct of Bad Christians ... Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs. Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. Thesaurus Tombs (27 Occurrences)... Mention is made of such tombs in Judges 8:32; 2 Samuel 2:32; 2 Kings 9:28; 23:30. ... John 11:39). (see GOLGOTHA.). Multi-Version Concordance Tombs (27 Occurrences). ... /t/tombs.htm - 16k Wo (92 Occurrences) Woe (102 Occurrences) Lampstand (38 Occurrences) Graves (37 Occurrences) Gadara Lamp (45 Occurrences) Teachers (87 Occurrences) Met (118 Occurrences) Alas (62 Occurrences) Resources Why are there two demon-possessed men in the Gerasene tombs in Matthew, but only one in Mark and Luke? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tombs (27 Occurrences)Matthew 8:28 Matthew 23:27 Matthew 23:29 Matthew 27:52 Matthew 27:53 Mark 5:2 Mark 5:3 Mark 5:5 Luke 8:27 Luke 11:44 Luke 11:47 Luke 11:48 John 5:28 Revelation 11:9 Genesis 23:6 1 Samuel 13:6 2 Kings 23:16 2 Chronicles 21:20 2 Chronicles 24:25 2 Chronicles 28:27 2 Chronicles 32:33 2 Chronicles 35:24 Nehemiah 2:3 Nehemiah 2:5 Nehemiah 3:16 Isaiah 65:4 Jeremiah 8:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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