### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **latoméō**, represented by `{{G2998}}`, means **to quarry** or **hew**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, describing the act of carving a tomb out of solid rock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2998}}` is used exclusively in the accounts of Jesus's burial. In Mark, the sepulchre is described as one which **was hewn** out of a rock [[Mark 15:46]]. Matthew's account specifies that Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body in his own new tomb, which he had **hewn out** in the rock [[Matthew 27:60]]. In both instances, the word emphasizes the deliberate and laborious creation of a permanent tomb from a rock mass.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the context of hewing a tomb:
* `{{G4073}}` **pétra** (rock): This is the material from which the sepulchre is **hewn**. It is defined as a (mass of) rock and is central to the setting of the burial in both [[Matthew 27:60]] and [[Mark 15:46]].
* `{{G3419}}` **mnēmeîon** (sepulchre, tomb): This is the object that results from the action of hewing. It is described as a place of interment that was **hewn** from rock for the purpose of burial.
* `{{G3037}}` **líthos** (stone): This term is used for the **stone** rolled to the door of the **hewn** sepulchre, serving as the final element in sealing the tomb ([[Matthew 27:60]], [[Mark 15:46]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2998}}` is derived entirely from its specific context surrounding Christ's burial.
* **Intentional Preparation:** The use of **latoméō** shows that the tomb was not a natural cave but was purposefully and laboriously carved from solid **rock** `{{G4073}}`. This act highlights the great care taken in preparing a final resting place for Jesus [[Mark 15:46]].
* **A New and Unused Tomb:** Matthew specifies that the tomb which Joseph had **hewn out** was **new** `{{G2537}}` [[Matthew 27:60]]. This detail underscores its purity and uniqueness, being a place where no one else had been laid.
* **The Secure Foundation for Resurrection:** The act of hewing a tomb from rock and sealing it with a **great** `{{G3173}}` **stone** `{{G3037}}` creates a scene of finality and security. This makes the subsequent miracle of the resurrection, from a tomb so deliberately made, all the more powerful.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2998}}` is a precise term for hewing stone that is given profound significance by its exclusive application to the tomb of Jesus Christ. While the word itself denotes a physical action, its context ties it to the central events of the gospel narrative. It illustrates the intentionality of Christ’s burial in a new, secure tomb carved from rock, setting the stage for the resurrection.
TRV