The Greek word entaphiázō, represented by G1779, refers to the act of preparing a body for interment. Its definition is "to inswathe with cerements for interment:--bury." It is a specific term derived from a compound of ἐν and τάφος. This word is rare, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in scripture, both instances relating to the burial of Jesus.
In the biblical narrative, G1779 is used in two key moments surrounding the death of Christ. In Matthew 26:12, a woman anoints Jesus with ointment G3464, an act which He clarifies was done for His burial. The second occurrence is in John 19:40, where, following the crucifixion, the body G4983 of Jesus is taken and wound in linen clothes G3608 with spices G759. This verse explicitly identifies the procedure as "the manner of the Jews G2453 is to bury."
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of G1779:
- G3464 mýron (perfumed oil): This ointment is the substance poured on Jesus's body G4983 as a preparatory act for His burial Matthew 26:12.
- G3608 othónion (a linen bandage): These linen clothes were the material used to wound G1210 the body of Jesus as part of the burial custom described in John 19:40.
- G759 árōma (an aromatic): These spices were used along with the linen clothes to prepare the body for interment, following Jewish custom John 19:40.
- G4983 sōma (the body): This term for body is central to both accounts, as it is the object of the actions of anointing and wrapping for burial (Matthew 26:12, John 19:40).
The significance of G1779 is revealed in its direct application to the person of Jesus.
- An Act of Preparation: The use in Matthew 26:12 links an act of devotion—pouring ointment G3464—directly to the necessary preparation for Jesus's death and burial.
- A Cultural Rite: The account in John 19:40 establishes the process as a cultural norm, describing the wrapping of the body G4983 with spices G759 and linen clothes G3608 as "the manner of the Jews G2453."
- The Physical Process: The word details a hands-on, physical action. It is not merely about interment but about the careful process of swathing the body, as when Jesus's body was wound G1210 in cloths for his burial John 19:40.
In summary, G1779 is a precise term for the act of preparing a body for burial. Although used only twice, its context is of ultimate importance, detailing the preparation of Jesus's own body G4983. It encompasses both an anointing with ointment G3464 as a pre-emptive act and the customary wrapping with linen clothes G3608 and spices G759, marking a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.
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