### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word laxeutós (G2991), transliterated as *laxeutós*, carries the precise meaning of "rock-quarried" or "hewn in stone." Its etymology is illuminating, deriving from a compound that combines a root signifying "stone" with the base of xēros (ξηρός, `{{G3584}}`), which in its original sense conveyed the idea of "scraping" or "cutting." This etymological foundation vividly portrays the intensive human effort involved in extracting and shaping stone from its natural, unyielding state. The semantic range of laxeutós is notably narrow, referring exclusively to objects or structures meticulously carved or cut out of solid rock. It inherently implies a deliberate act of craftsmanship, transforming raw geological material into a designed and functional form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term laxeutós appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant. It is found in [[Luke 23:53]], where it describes the tomb in which Jesus' body was laid after his crucifixion: "And he took it down and wrapped it in linen and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid." (ESV).
The context of this verse is crucial. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council and a secret disciple, takes responsibility for Jesus' body. The description of the tomb as laxeutós emphasizes its specific nature: it was not a natural cave, but a tomb meticulously "hewn" or "quarried" from solid rock. This detail highlights several aspects:
1. **Preparation and Permanence:** A hewn tomb was a prepared, costly, and permanent burial place, often indicative of wealth or status, aligning with Joseph of Arimathea's standing.
2. **Security and Integrity:** Its construction from solid rock offered inherent security against disturbance.
3. **Virginity:** The accompanying phrase "where no one had ever yet been laid" further underscores the pristine and unadulterated nature of the tomb. This detail is vital for the integrity of the resurrection account, ensuring there could be no confusion with another body.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding laxeutós is enhanced by considering related biblical terms and concepts:
* **Stone and Rock:** The most direct conceptual relatives are lithos (λίθος, `{{G3037}}`), meaning "stone," and petra (πέτρα, `{{G4073}}`), meaning "rock" or "large stone." These represent the raw material from which a laxeutós object is crafted.
* **Tomb/Grave:** The general term for a tomb or memorial is mnēmeion (μνημεῖον, `{{G3419}}`). Laxeutós specifies the *type* of mnēmeion—one carved from rock.
* **Building/Crafting:** Concepts related to constructing or shaping, such as oikodomeō (οἰκοδομέω, `{{G3618}}`, "to build"), are implicitly linked, as laxeutós involves a specialized form of construction.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The practice of hewing tombs from rock was common in ancient Israel. The burial cave of Machpelah ([[Genesis 23:19]]), though not explicitly described with a Greek term, represents a similar concept of a prepared rock-hewn burial site. [[Isaiah 22:16]] explicitly speaks of "hewing a tomb for himself on the height and carving a resting place for himself in the rock," demonstrating the long-standing practice and its association with status.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of laxeutós is almost entirely derived from its unique application to the tomb of Jesus Christ in [[Luke 23:53]].
1. **Authentication of the Resurrection:** The description of the tomb as "hewn in stone" and "where no one had ever yet been laid" serves a critical apologetic function. It ensures that the tomb was undeniably empty and that the body raised was indeed Jesus Christ's, eliminating any possibility of a mistaken identity or a pre-existing occupant. The virginity and security of the tomb underscore the miraculous nature of the resurrection.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** While laxeutós itself is not a prophetic word, the nature of the tomb aligns with prophetic implications. [[Isaiah 53:9]] states, "And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death." Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential man, provided this costly, hewn tomb, thereby fulfilling the prophecy concerning Christ's burial among the rich.
3. **God's Meticulous Providence:** Even in the depths of death, God's sovereign hand is evident. The specific, secure, and prepared nature of the tomb highlights God's meticulous oversight of every detail of the redemptive plan, ensuring that the circumstances of Christ's burial were precisely as intended for the unfolding of His ultimate victory.
4. **Contrast Between Human Effort and Divine Power:** The human effort invested in "hewing" such a tomb stands in stark contrast to the divine power that would later burst forth from it. The most secure and permanent humanly crafted resting place proved utterly incapable of containing the Son of God, emphasizing the supremacy of God's power over death.
### Summary
Laxeutós (G2991) is a precise Greek term meaning "rock-quarried" or "hewn in stone," emphasizing the laborious and deliberate process of shaping natural rock. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 23:53]] is profoundly significant, describing the tomb of Jesus as one "hewn in stone" and previously unused. This specific detail is crucial for the integrity of the resurrection narrative, providing undeniable evidence of the tomb's emptiness and the unique identity of the resurrected Christ. Theologically, the "hewn" tomb underscores God's meticulous providence in Christ's burial, fulfilling prophetic implications and setting the stage for the unparalleled miracle of the resurrection, which no humanly secured tomb could prevent. It points to the tangible reality of Christ's death and burial, a necessary precursor to the triumph of new life.
TRV