Topical Bible: Burial: The Body Was: Washed Before

◄ Burial: The Body Was: Washed Before ►

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In biblical times, the practice of washing the body before burial was an important ritual, reflecting both cultural customs and religious significance. This act of purification was a sign of respect and honor for the deceased, as well as a preparation for their final resting place.

The washing of the body is notably mentioned in the New Testament in the account of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) in the Book of Acts. After her death, the disciples in Joppa took care to wash her body before laying her in an upper room. Acts 9:37 states, "At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room." This passage highlights the early Christian community's adherence to the Jewish customs of burial, which included the washing of the body.

The practice of washing the body can also be seen as an extension of the Jewish purification rituals, which were deeply embedded in the Law of Moses. While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention the washing of the body before burial, the emphasis on cleanliness and purification in various aspects of life suggests that such practices were likely observed. For instance, the purification laws in Leviticus emphasize the importance of cleanliness in maintaining holiness before God.

In the context of burial, washing the body served as a symbolic act of cleansing, preparing the deceased for their journey to the afterlife. It was a way to honor the body, which was considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

The act of washing the body before burial also reflects the broader biblical theme of respect for the dead and the hope of resurrection. The care taken in preparing the body underscores the belief in the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person, created in the image of God. This reverence for the body in death mirrors the Christian hope in the resurrection, as believers anticipate the day when the dead in Christ will rise and be transformed.

In summary, the washing of the body before burial in biblical times was a significant ritual that demonstrated respect, purification, and preparation for the deceased. It was a practice rooted in Jewish customs and carried forward by the early Christian community, reflecting a deep reverence for the body and the hope of resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:37
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... first her soul and then her body were taken ... During the burial the maidservant had
cleared everything out ... The disciples washed his and Jonathan's feet, and gave ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xix the burial and assumption.htm

Anointed for Burial.
... That woman washed his feet with her tears of sorrow; those ... the hour of my decease;
anointing my body before death, and thus preparing it for burial." It is ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

And the Jews, Hearing that Joseph had Begged the Body of Jesus...
... you enraged against me because I begged the body of Jesus? ... that thou art worthy not
even of burial, but we ... 1964] in his heart, took water, and washed his hands ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 and the jews 2.htm

Introduction.
... 2, 2d ed., p.76) gives the following list of new traits contained in the Petrine
account of the history of the Passion and burial: ... Joseph washed the body. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/introduction.htm

The Man Born Blind and Joseph of Arimathea
... had led such a lowly life, He was to have a kingly anointing and burial. ... noble men
and they drew out the nails, and took the body down, washed the blood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/vi the man born blind.htm

And the Jews, Hearing that Joseph had Begged the Body of Jesus...
... you angry against me because I begged the body of Jesus? ... that thou shalt not be deemed
worthy of burial, but we ... in heart, has taken water, and washed his hands ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 and the jews.htm

Second Latin Form.
... it could be touched indeed for preparation for burial, but the ... Lord appeared great,
and nothing was perceived, the body, when it was washed, was perfectly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the passing of mary/second latin form.htm

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ...
... been cut, [2642] and the body washed, anointed, and ... already prevailed, of covering
the body with metal ... distinguished the mourning before from that after burial. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx the raising of.htm

The Gospel According to Peter.
... 1 But of the Jews none washed his hands, neither Herod nor ... to Pilate and asked the
body of the Lord for burial. And Pilate sent to Herod and asked his body. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of peter/the gospel according to peter.htm

Chapter l
... Afterward the whole body was washed with a ... They take in hand very properly the more
intimate part of the burial service, the actual laying of the patriarch ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm