Bible Dictionary
Tombs
Hebrew tombs were generally natural caves or chambers excavated in solid rock, sometimes located in gardens. Their entrances were commonly closed with stones, and tombs could also be whitewashed.
Definition
Hebrew tombs were generally natural caves or chambers excavated in solid rock. Some were situated in gardens, and their entrances were commonly closed by large stones. Tombs could also be whitewashed.
Biblical Usage
Jesus was laid in Joseph’s new rock-hewn tomb in a garden. Scripture also uses whitewashed tombs as an image of outward appearance without inward purity.
Historical Background
Rocky tombs occurred in great numbers around Jerusalem and throughout the land. Their mouths were usually closed with stones that required several people to move.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Of the Hebrews were generally excavated in the solid rock, or were natural caves. Mention is made of such tombs in Judg. 8:32; 2 Sam. 2:32; 2 Kings 9:28; 23:30. They were sometimes made in gardens (2 Kings 21:26; 23:16; Matt. 27:60). They are found in great numbers in and around Jerusalem and all over the land. They were sometimes whitewashed (Matt. 23:27, 29). The body of Jesus was laid in Joseph’s new rock-hewn tomb, in a garden near to Calvary. All evidence is in favour of the opinion that this tomb was somewhere near the Damascus gate, and outside the city, and cannot be identified with the so-called “holy sepulchre.” The mouth of such rocky tombs was usually closed by a large stone (Heb. golal), which could only be removed by the united efforts of several men (Matt. 28:2; comp. John 11:39). (See GOLGOTHA.)