### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tháptō**, represented by `{{G2290}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to celebrate funeral rites, i.e. inter:--bury**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to describe the literal act of burial following a death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2290}}` is used to mark the finality of death and the act of interment. Following the death of John the Baptist, his disciples took up his body and **buried** it [[Matthew 14:12]]. The word is used multiple times in the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who were struck dead and promptly **buried** ([[Acts 5:6]], [[Acts 5:10]]). The historical reality of the patriarch David's death is affirmed by Peter, who states that David is both dead and **buried**, and his sepulchre remains [[Acts 2:29]]. Jesus also uses the term in his teaching, famously instructing a potential follower to "Let the **dead** **bury** their **dead**" [[Matthew 8:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the events surrounding death and burial:
* `{{G599}}` **apothnḗskō** (to die off): This word describes the act of dying, which precedes burial. It is used for both the beggar and the rich man who **died** before being buried [[Luke 16:22]].
* `{{G1627}}` **ekphérō** (to bear out... carry forth): This describes the action of removing a body for burial, as when the young men **carried** Ananias **out** to be buried [[Acts 5:6]].
* `{{G3418}}` **mnēma** (grave, sepulchre, tomb): This refers to the physical location of burial. Peter speaks of the patriarch David being buried and his **sepulchre** being with them [[Acts 2:29]].
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken... raise): This term stands in direct contrast to burial, signifying resurrection. It is central to the gospel message that Christ was buried and that he **rose again** the third day [[1 Corinthians 15:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2290}}` is significant, highlighting key scriptural truths.
* **The Reality of Death:** The act of being **buried** confirms the physical finality of death for all people, whether righteous like David [[Acts 2:29]] or unrighteous like the rich man [[Luke 16:22]].
* **A Cornerstone of the Gospel:** The burial of Jesus Christ is an essential component of the gospel. Paul's summary of the faith states that Christ died for our sins, was **buried**, and rose again on the third day according to the scriptures [[1 Corinthians 15:4]].
* **The Priority of Discipleship:** Jesus uses the duty to **bury** a father as a point of contrast to emphasize the supreme call to follow Him and preach the kingdom of God [[Luke 9:60]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2290}}` is more than a simple descriptor for interment. It serves as a stark confirmation of physical death, an indispensable fact in the gospel narrative of Christ's work, and a powerful illustration in Jesus's teachings on the priorities of the kingdom. The use of **tháptō** underscores the sober reality of death while setting the stage for the triumphant hope of resurrection.
TRV