Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for in-depth Biblical studies, as it opens up the layers of meaning within scripture. The Greek word ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō) is particularly significant because it means “to bury” or “to prepare for burial.” This verb appears in the New Testament in contexts related to burial practices, providing insight into the customs surrounding death and the preparation of bodies in both Jewish and broader ancient Greek cultures. Studying ἐνταφιάζω allows readers to appreciate the cultural and theological significance of burial rites during the New Testament period.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō) [en-ta-FEE-ah-zo]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τάφος (taphos, “grave” or “tomb”), indicating the action of preparing a body for burial or placing it in a tomb.
• Part of Speech: Verb. It follows regular verb conjugation patterns in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To bury — to place a dead body in the ground or a tomb.
• To prepare for burial — to perform the necessary rituals and preparations for a proper burial, including wrapping and anointing the body.
• To entomb — to place the body specifically in a tomb as part of the burial process.

Similar Words: θάπτω (tháptō) [THAP-to] also means “to bury” but is a more general term that does not specifically imply the preparatory rituals. κατορύσσω (katoryssō) [ka-to-RYSS-oh] means “to dig” or “to bury deeply,” with an emphasis on the physical act of burial rather than the ceremonial preparation. In contrast, ἐνταφιάζω focuses on the specific actions involved in preparing a body for burial, often with a more ritualistic connotation.

Further Insights: ἐνταφιάζω is a verb that emphasizes the cultural and religious practices surrounding death and burial. It reflects the importance of proper burial rituals in ancient Greek and Jewish customs, which were believed to honor the deceased and ensure a peaceful afterlife. The word does not have a declension chart as it is a verb, but it follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns across various tenses, voices, and moods.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐνταφιάζω is defined as “to prepare for burial” or “to bury.” The lexicon highlights its use in New Testament contexts where the preparation of bodies for burial is described, particularly in reference to Jewish customs.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐνταφιάζω as “to embalm” or “to prepare a corpse for burial,” emphasizing the anointing and wrapping of the body with spices and linen, as was customary in Jewish burial practices of the time.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains ἐνταφιάζω as “to prepare for burial.” It indicates the specific rituals involved, such as washing, anointing with spices, and wrapping in linen cloths, which are important for understanding New Testament burial accounts.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a more general definition of ἐνταφιάζω as “to bury” or “to prepare for burial.” It notes its usage in broader Greek literature to describe the customs and rites associated with burial, including preparation and entombment.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἐνταφιάζω as “to prepare for burial” or “to entomb,” pointing out its use in contexts where burial rites and traditions are important, especially in the context of Jewish and early Christian practices.

Scripture References

• Matthew 26:12 – “For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial (ἐνταφιάζω).”
• John 19:40 – “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury (ἐνταφιάζω).”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνταφιάζω (G1779: entaphiazō)

ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō) is a Greek verb meaning “to bury,” “to prepare for burial,” or “to entomb.” It is significant in Biblical contexts for describing the burial customs and rituals of the time, particularly in Jewish traditions. This word emphasizes the process of preparing a body for burial, which involved specific rituals such as anointing with spices and wrapping in linen. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἐνταφιάζω is used to convey the importance of honoring the deceased through proper burial practices.

Did You Know?

In ancient Jewish and Greek cultures, burial practices were considered crucial for ensuring a peaceful afterlife. The use of ἐνταφιάζω in the New Testament reflects the deep cultural importance placed on proper burial, which included anointing the body with spices, wrapping it in linen, and placing it in a tomb. These practices were seen not just as acts of respect for the deceased but as essential steps in maintaining religious and social honor.