Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5241 burial

The burying of a dead body, usually in a family tomb. The lack of a proper burial was regarded as a great misfortune and disgrace. Burial was usually accompanied by mourning.

Burial in a family tomb

Genesis 49:29-31 See also Genesis 23:19-20; Genesis 25:9-10; Genesis 50:13; Judges 8:32; Judges 16:31; 1 Samuel 25:1 “at his home” probably refers to the family tomb, but could mean more literally under the floor of the house or yard; 2 Samuel 2:32; Samuel 17:23

Other places of burial

Genesis 35:8,19-20

Burial of criminals hung on a tree

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 See also John 19:31 The request of the Jews was probably not only to avoid desecrating a special Sabbath, but also to identify Jesus Christ as one cursed by God.

Burial of an executed criminal or enemy under a heap of stones

Joshua 7:26; Joshua 8:29; Joshua 10:27; 2 Samuel 18:17

Lack of a proper burial

Jeremiah 22:18-19 See also Deuteronomy 28:26; 2 Samuel 21:12-14; 1 Kings 13:22; Ecclesiastes 6:3; Jeremiah 7:33; Jeremiah 16:4; Jeremiah 25:33

Common burial-grounds

2 Kings 23:6; Jeremiah 26:23; Matthew 27:7

Burial accompanied by mourning

Acts 8:2 See also Deuteronomy 34:5-8

Preparation of Jesus Christ's body for burial

John 19:39-40 See also Matthew 26:12 pp Mark 14:8; Mark 16:1 pp Luke 24:1 pp John 12:7

See also

4354  rock
5275  cremation
5303  embalming
5320  funeral
5419  mourning
7908  baptism, significance
9020  death
9030  dead bodies
9040  grave, the
9050  tombs