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Bible Dictionaries
Grave
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or The principal words are
1. qeber, qeburah, τάφος, from 'to bury,' and hence any description of burying place, as Genesis 35:20; Genesis 50:5; Matthew 23:29 , etc. They are often translated SEPULCHRE.Genesis 23:6; Deuteronomy 34:6; Matthew 23:27 .
2. sheol, ἅδης, the place of departed spirits. Genesis 37:35; Psalm 6:5; Hosea 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55 , etc. See HELL.
3. μνῆμα, μνημεῖον,from 'to remember,' hence a memorial tomb or monument. Matthew 27:52 , 53, etc. It is often translated SEPULCHRE, as in John 20:1-11; and TOMB, as in Matthew 8:28 , etc.
The graves were of various descriptions: some were simply holes dug in the ground and at times covered over with one or more large stones, over which men might walk unawares. Luke 11:44 . Some were hewn in the rock, and a single stone placed or rolled against the mouth, the tomb of Lazarus and that of Joseph in which 'the body of Jesus was laid' being of this description. Other sepulchres or tombs were said to be built; an ornamental structure being erected over the place where the body was laid, similar to those found in nearly all modern cemeteries. Matthew 23:29 .
In places, and especially near Jerusalem, there are long passages, with holes cut in the sides in which the bodies were placed; and by continuing these passages such tombs could be enlarged to any extent. We read in the O.T. of the TOMBS OF THE KINGS. Those now bearing this name may be seen marked on maps to the north of Jerusalem; and others called the TOMBS OF THE PROPHETS are placed on the mount of Olives. These of course may not be those referred to in scripture.
Natural caves were also used as graves, as the cave of Machpelah. Genesis 23:3-20 . In Luke 8:27 we read of a demoniac who lived in the 'tombs:' these were doubtless natural caves.
The Lord compared the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees to whited sepulchres, the outward beauty of which stood in strong contrast to the dead men's bones and uncleanness within. There is a tradition that the sepulchres were white-washed once every year, that they might be readily seen and avoided. The hour comes when all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and come forth, some to the resurrection of life, and others to the resurrection of judgement. John 5:28,29 .
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Grave'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/g/grave.html. 1897.
