Brief Overview of ἐνταφιασμός (Strong’s G1780: entaphiasmós)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies to unlock deeper meanings within scripture. The Greek word ἐνταφιασμός (entaphiasmós) is particularly significant because it refers to “burial” or “embalming.” This noun captures the concept of burial preparation and the associated rituals, which are integral to both New Testament narratives and ancient Greek burial customs. Studying ἐνταφιασμός provides insight into the cultural and religious practices surrounding death and burial during the biblical era, highlighting the importance of honoring the deceased.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐνταφιασμός (entaphiasmós) [en-ta-fee-as-MOS]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō, “to prepare for burial”) + the noun-forming suffix -μός (-mos), which denotes the result or action, indicating “the act of burial” or “embalming.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. It follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Burial — the act or process of burying a body, including the preparation and placing in a tomb.
• Embalming — the act of treating a body to prevent decay, often part of the burial process.
• Funeral rites — the ceremonies or rituals performed in honor of the deceased as part of the burial process.

Similar Words: τάφος (taphos) [TA-phos] also means “grave” or “tomb,” focusing on the place of burial rather than the process itself. ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō) [en-ta-FEE-ah-zo] is a verb meaning “to prepare for burial,” referring to the action rather than the state. While ἐνταφιασμός specifically refers to the result or process of burial or embalming, it emphasizes the ritualistic aspect of the burial.

Further Insights: ἐνταφιασμός is a masculine noun that conveys the concept of burial rites and embalming. It reflects the cultural importance of proper burial practices in ancient Greek and Jewish traditions. As a second-declension noun, it shows typical case endings for this group, following a consistent pattern.

Declension of ἐνταφιασμός

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐνταφιασμός is defined as “burial” or “embalming.” It is primarily used in contexts related to the preparation of the body for burial and the associated rites. BDAG highlights its importance in Jewish and early Christian practices concerning honoring the deceased.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐνταφιασμός as “the act of embalming” or “preparation for burial,” focusing on the procedures followed in preparing a body for its final resting place. It underscores its significance in the cultural and religious context of burial rites.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains ἐνταφιασμός as “burial” or “embalming,” particularly noting its relevance in New Testament narratives that describe burial preparations. The term is often associated with the rituals of wrapping the body and anointing it with spices.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a more general definition of ἐνταφιασμός as “burial” or “the act of embalming,” noting its use in various Greek literary works to describe the preparation of bodies for burial, including both practical and ceremonial aspects.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἐνταφιασμός as “burial” or “embalming,” highlighting the term’s application in passages where the care and preparation of the body for burial are central to the narrative.

Scripture References

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνταφιασμός (G1780: entaphiasmós)

ἐνταφιασμός (entaphiasmós) is a Greek noun meaning “burial,” “embalming,” or “funeral rites.” It is a significant term in Biblical studies for describing the burial practices and rituals of the time, particularly within Jewish and early Christian contexts. This word emphasizes the process and ritualistic aspects of burial, including embalming and proper preparation for the deceased. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἐνταφιασμός reflects the importance of burial customs and the care given to the dead to honor their memory and ensure their peace.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek and Jewish cultures, the process of ἐνταφιασμός was more than a practical necessity; it was a deeply spiritual act that connected the living with the dead. Proper burial was seen as a way to ensure a peaceful transition to the afterlife and was often accompanied by elaborate rituals and ceremonies. In the New Testament, the term ἐνταφιασμός highlights the care and reverence shown in burying Jesus, reflecting the cultural importance of burial rites in early Christian and Jewish traditions.