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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament’s original text and gaining deeper insights into ancient Greek culture. The Greek word θάπτω (Strong’s G2290: thapto) is a significant term that appears in the New Testament and is closely related to customs and practices concerning death and burial. This word provides an understanding of burial rituals, cultural contexts, and theological implications during ancient times.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θάπτω (thapto), [THAP-toh]
- Etymology: Rooted in ancient Greek, it may be connected to words related to rituals and burials.
- Part of Speech: Verb; commonly used in the New Testament and classical literature.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To bury or inter a body.
- To perform burial rites or ceremonies.
Similar Words: θάνατος (thanatos), [THAN-ah-tos] – meaning “death,” emphasizes the concept of dying rather than the act of burial. ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazo), [en-tah-fee-AH-zo] – meaning “to prepare a body for burial,” specifically focuses on the embalming or preparation of a body.
Further Insights: As a verb, θάπτω is often found in contexts where burial is a key element, whether in describing the physical act or the associated rites. The declension of θάπτω follows typical patterns of ancient Greek verbs.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Highlights the use of θάπτω in the context of Jewish and Greco-Roman burial practices, noting its cultural significance.
- Thayers: Describes θάπτω as specifically referring to the act of burial and the accompanying rituals.
- Vines: Discusses the theological implications of burial in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, where θάπτω is used.
- LSJ: Provides examples from classical literature to show the historical usage of θάπτω, emphasizing its cultural roots in burial practices.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes occurrences in the New Testament and provides details on how θάπτω is translated and understood in different passages.
Related Scripture References
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- Matthew 8:22: “But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead [θάπτω] bury their own dead.'”
- Luke 9:60: “But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead [θάπτω] bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “And his comrades laid him on a pyre and buried (θάπτω) him with great honor.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The Egyptians were the first to teach the human race how to bury (θάπτω) their dead in a ceremonial way.” |
| Plato | Laws | “It is the duty of the citizens to ensure that those who die in battle are given a proper burial (θάπτω) with all due rites and honors.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 23:19 | “And after this, Abraham buried (θάπτω) Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Samuel 21:14 | “And they buried (θάπτω) the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father.” |
| Septuagint | Tobit 1:20 | “And I hid them, and when the sun was down, I went and made a grave and buried (θάπτω) them.” |
Summary of θάπτω (G2290: thapto)
The Greek word θάπτω (G2290: thapto) is a verb that refers to the act of burying or interring a body. It has deep cultural, religious, and theological implications in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. Understanding θάπτω helps to illuminate the burial customs of ancient times and provides context for interpreting various passages of Scripture. Its use in classical literature further highlights its importance in understanding ancient burial practices and rituals, adding depth to its interpretation within the New Testament.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greece, proper burial rites were considered essential for the peace of the deceased’s soul. This belief is reflected in the significance of the word θάπτω throughout Greek literature and biblical texts, indicating a strong cultural value placed on honoring the dead.
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