Brief Overview of λατομέω (Strong’s G2998: latoméō)

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like λατομέω (latoméō) is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the original texts and their contexts. This word, appearing in Matthew 27:60, carries significance as it provides a vivid picture of an action related to burial customs in ancient times. Its use highlights both the cultural practices of the time and offers theological insights into the narrative of Jesus’ burial. The word’s understanding also extends to broader interpretations of how graves and tombs were prepared in ancient Judean society.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λατομέω (latoméō) [lah-toh-MEH-oh].

Etymology: The word λατομέω comes from the root words “λᾶς” (las), meaning “stone,” and “τέμνω” (temnō), meaning “to cut.” Thus, it literally translates to “cutting stones” or “hewing stone,” describing an action related to working with stone.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λατομέω describes an action of hewing or cutting stone, often associated with preparing tombs or other stone structures. The verb form suggests a deliberate and skilled action, emphasizing the manual labor involved in creating burial places.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To hew out stone: The primary meaning is to cut or shape stone, often in the context of preparing a tomb or a grave. This reflects a significant aspect of ancient construction practices.
2. To quarry: This meaning extends to the broader sense of extracting stones from a quarry, highlighting the laborious and skilled work required to gather materials for building.
3. To carve or engrave: In some contexts, λατομέω can also refer to the act of carving or engraving stone surfaces, which might include ornamental or functional work in architecture.

Exploring Similar Words

1. λατομεῖον (latomeíon) [lah-toh-MAY-on]: Refers to a “quarry” or the place where stone is hewn. It differs from λατομέω in that it specifies the location rather than the action itself.
2. σκαλίζω (skalízō) [ska-LEE-zo]: Meaning “to dig” or “to carve,” this word is often used in more general contexts for any form of engraving or carving work, not specifically stone-cutting.
3. κόπτω (kóptō) [KOP-to]: While it generally means “to cut” or “to strike,” this term is broader and not limited to stone, whereas λατομέω is specific to stone-hewing.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: λατομέω is typically found in the Aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past. It appears in the Active voice, emphasizing the subject performing the action, and the Indicative mood, presenting it as a factual statement.
• Person and Number: The verb form can be seen in various persons, but a common form is third-person singular, describing an action taken by a specific subject.
• Aspect: The Aorist tense gives a perfective aspect, viewing the action of hewing as a completed task without regard to its duration.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In Biblical lexicons, λατομέω is commonly associated with preparing burial sites by hewing out tombs from stone, as seen in Matthew 27:60 when describing the burial of Jesus in a newly hewn tomb. This term underscores the practice of preparing graves in solid rock, which was a common method in Judea for those who could afford it. Lexicons also highlight the word’s application in other contexts where stone-cutting or quarrying is necessary, reflecting both mundane and sacred activities in ancient times.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 27:60: “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn [λατομέω] in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λατομέω, used in Matthew 27:60, carries significant cultural and theological weight. It describes the preparation of a new tomb for Jesus, emphasizing the care and effort taken in His burial. This word also sheds light on ancient burial customs and the importance of stone-cutting in Judean society. The usage of λατομέω in both New Testament and classical contexts reflects a common practice with deep spiritual implications, particularly when associated with tombs and burial sites.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word λατομέω is only used twice in the New Testament, emphasizing the unique and deliberate choice of language by the Gospel writer.
• Fact 2: In ancient Judea, stone-hewn tombs were reserved for the wealthy, indicating that Joseph of Arimathea was a man of means.
• Fact 3: Stone-cutting, or λατομέω, was a highly skilled craft in ancient times, and such tombs often took weeks to complete, reflecting their importance in cultural and religious practices.