Bible Dictionary
Funeral
Funeral customs in the Bible centered on washing, wrapping, and burying the dead, usually on the day of death. Burial was regarded as an important duty, and a meal was often held afterward.
Biblical Usage
Burial was regarded as an important duty, while leaving the dead unburied was viewed with horror. A funeral meal was commonly given after burial. Burning the dead appears rarely and was also assigned as a penalty for certain crimes.
Scripture References
Genesis 23:19
Genesis 25:9
Genesis 35:8
Genesis 35:9
1 Samuel 31:12
Leviticus 20:14
Leviticus 21:9
1 Kings 13:22
1 Kings 14:11
1 Kings 16:4
1 Kings 21:24
Genesis 35:29
Judges 16:31
Amos 6:16
Acts 9:37
Matthew 27:59
Mark 15:46
John 19:39
John 12:7
Acts 5:6
Acts 5:10
Luke 7:14
2 Samuel 3:35
Jeremiah 16:5
Jeremiah 16:7
Hosea 9:4