Burial customs have deep meaning in the Bible, showing respect for the body. The Bible describes burial as a way to honor the deceased, often marking the end of earthly life and the hope of eternal life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Women’S Strength
What Does The Bible Say About Burial
Genesis 23:19
Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
This verse introduces the practice of burial and highlights Abraham’s act of burying his beloved wife Sarah. Burial is a sacred and respectful way to honor the deceased and to lay them to rest in a specific location.
In this case, Sarah is buried in a cave, indicating the cultural significance of having a designated place for burial. This verse emphasizes the importance of giving proper reverence to the deceased and providing a final resting place for their physical body.
Genesis 35:19
So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
Here, we witness the death and burial of Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob. Just as in the previous verse, the practice of burial is carried out to honor the deceased and provide a designated place for their physical remains.
The mention of the location, Bethlehem, adds significance and contributes to the historical context. It highlights the importance of remembering and commemorating loved ones through burial, as well as the cultural importance of specific burial sites.
Genesis 50:13
They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field.
Upon Joseph’s death, his brothers carry out his burial according to tradition. Joseph’s burial in the same cave as Abraham and Sarah emphasizes the continuation of the burial practices established by the patriarchs.
This verse also highlights the significance of acquiring a designated burial place, as Abraham had purchased the field of Machpelah for this purpose. It underlines the importance of planning and providing a respectful place for burial, ensuring that one’s remains will be properly cared for and remembered.
Deuteronomy 34:6
He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.
After Moses’ death, God Himself buries him in an undisclosed location in Moab. This verse introduces an exceptional case of burial, where the site remains unknown.
The mystery surrounding Moses’ burial serves as a reminder that the focus should not be solely on the physical location of the grave but on honoring and remembering the legacy and teachings of the deceased.
Joshua 24:32
And Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the tract of land that Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem. This became the inheritance of Joseph’s descendants.
This verse highlights the fulfillment of Joseph’s request to have his bones brought to the land promised by God to the Israelites. The act of burying Joseph’s bones demonstrates the importance of honoring familial ties and fulfilling sacred obligations, even after death.
The location, Shechem, is significant as it was a land purchased by Jacob for a hundred pieces of silver. The burial of Joseph’s bones in Shechem not only fulfills his desire, but it also symbolizes the continuous connection between generations and the importance of ancestry within the Israelite community.
2 Samuel 2:5
So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD because you have shown this loyalty to Saul your king and have buried him.”
After the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, David acknowledges the loyalty and respect shown by the people of Jabesh Gilead in burying Saul. This act of burial signifies the acknowledgment of Saul as their previous leader and the respect due to him.
David’s gratitude and blessing upon the people of Jabesh Gilead highlight the importance of honoring and giving proper burial to leaders and those who have served faithfully.
2 Chronicles 16:14
They buried him in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes, and they made a huge fire in his honor.
This verse describes the burial of King Asa, who had sought the Lord but later relied on foreign help instead of trusting God. Despite his failures, Asa is still given a respectful burial, with preparations and spices reminiscent of how previous kings were honored.
Even in the face of shortcomings, this verse reflects the principle of extending grace and showing respect during the burial process, recognizing the dignity and humanity of the deceased.
Job 3:19
Small and great are there, and the slave is freed from his master.
In the midst of Job’s anguish, this verse describes death as a place of equality and release from earthly hierarchies. The mention of being freed from the master emphasizes the liberation that death can bring, where there is no distinction between the powerful and the powerless.
This perspective offers a comforting view of burial as a journey towards freedom and liberation from the earthly burdens and injustices that individuals may have experienced in life.
Job 21:32
When he is carried to the grave, watch is kept over his tomb.
In this verse, the act of watching over the tomb of the deceased is described. It emphasizes the importance of honoring the deceased by maintaining their resting place and recognizing the significance of their memory.
Watching over the tomb is an act of reverence and respect, demonstrating the ongoing care and remembrance of the individual who has passed away. It symbolizes the continuing bond between the living and the deceased.
Psalms 79:3
They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.
This verse speaks of a lamentation, describing a situation in which death and violence have reached such a level that there is no one available to carry out the act of burial. It portrays the absence of honor and respect for the deceased and the grieving process.
In emphasizing the importance of burial, this verse highlights the disruption caused by the lack of an opportunity to give proper reverence to those who have lost their lives.
Ecclesiastes 6:3
A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
Ecclesiastes focuses on the vanity and emptiness of life without God. This verse suggests that proper burial plays a significant role in the proper enjoyment of one’s prosperous life.
It implies that without a proper burial, a person’s prosperity and long life lose their meaning and value. This verse underscores the importance of having closure and honoring the deceased to find fulfillment and significance in life.
Isaiah 14:19
But you are cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch; you are covered with the slain, with those pierced by the sword, those who descend to the stones of the pit. Like a corpse trampled underfoot.
This verse describes the fate of Babylon’s wicked king, highlighting the absence of a proper burial and the indignity associated with it. It portrays the consequences of one’s actions and the loss of respect in death.
The imagery used depicts the dishonor and shame that comes from being denied a proper burial. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of character and the potential consequences that can affect one’s burial and memory.
Matthew 27:59-60
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
After Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea takes the body of Jesus, wraps it in linen cloth, and places it in his own newly prepared tomb. The carefulness and respect with which Joseph handles Jesus’ body highlight the significance of a dignified burial.
This verse also foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus, as the stone rolled in front of the tomb symbolizes the temporary nature of death and the anticipation of new life. It underscores the importance of giving proper attention and care to the deceased.
Mark 15:46
So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
In a similar account to the previous verse, Joseph of Arimathea takes Jesus’ body, wraps it in linen, and places it in a carved tomb. The act of carefully and respectfully handling Jesus’ body aligns with the customs of burial during that time period.
The rolling of the stone in front of the tomb serves as a closure and protection, preserving the dignity and privacy of the deceased. This verse emphasizes the importance of adherence to burial practices and the role of family and friends in carrying out this responsibility.
Luke 7:12-13
As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
In this narrative, Jesus encounters a grieving widow whose only son has died. This passage highlights Jesus’ compassion and his recognition of the pain and loss associated with the death of a loved one.
Although not directly focused on burial itself, this verse embodies the empathy and love that should be shown to those who have experienced the loss of a family member. It displays Jesus’ heart for the grieving and the importance of supporting those who are going through the burial process.
John 11:38-39
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
In this well-known passage, Jesus arrives at the tomb of his dear friend Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. His request for the stone to be removed signifies his power over death and his intention to restore life.
While this verse does not focus on the act of burial itself, it highlights the significance of a tomb and how Jesus interacts with it. It reveals Jesus’ authority over death and foreshadows his own resurrection, bringing hope and comfort to those who believe in him.
Acts 5:6-10
The young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
In this account, Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property but lie about the proceeds to the apostles. Both of them die as a result of their deception, and the young men proceed to bury Ananias.
This verse reveals the consequences that can arise when deception and dishonesty are associated with burial. It serves as a warning against dishonoring the burial process and acting in a manner contrary to integrity and truthfulness.
Acts 8:2
Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
After Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, this verse highlights the response of godly men who take the initiative to bury Stephen and mourn his death. It underscores the importance of honoring and respecting those who have given their lives for their beliefs.
Additionally, this verse exemplifies the significance of a supportive community during the burial process, as the godly men demonstrate their care and solidarity by organizing the burial and expressing their grief.
Acts 9:37-39
Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
In this passage, the disciples send for Peter after the death of a woman named Dorcas. When Peter arrives, he witnesses the mourning of the widows who bring evidence of the garments Dorcas had made for them.
Although this verse focuses more on the miraculous resurrection that occurs, it indirectly highlights the impact of Dorcas’ life and ministry as evident through the widows’ grief and the tangible evidence of her kindness and generosity. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering the deceased through words, actions, and tangible contributions.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he discusses the resurrection of the dead. These verses highlight the transformation that the physical body undergoes at the resurrection, emphasizing its imperishable nature, glory, and power.
While not directly addressing burial practices, this passage provides a theological perspective on the significance of the body and its transformation after death. It brings comfort and hope, knowing that the earthly body, including the burial place, will ultimately be replaced with an incorruptible and spiritual body.
1 Corinthians 15:53-54
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
In continuation of Paul’s discussion on the resurrection, these verses highlight the transformation from perishable to imperishable and from mortal to immortality.
Although not specifically addressing burial practices, this verse affirms that the perishable nature of our physical bodies, including the time spent in burial, will be replaced by an imperishable and immortal form. It emphasizes the ultimate triumph over death through Christ’s victory.
Revelation 14:13
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
In the book of Revelation, this verse underscores the blessedness of those who die in the Lord. It reassures believers that death is not the end but a time of rest from their earthly toil.
This verse also reminds us that the significance of burial lies in how our deeds and the impact of our lives continue to resonate even after death. It encourages believers to live a life dedicated to the Lord, ensuring a lasting legacy that will endure beyond the grave.