### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mnēmeîon**, represented by `{{G3419}}`, refers to a remembrance, or more commonly, a place of interment such as a **grave**, **sepulchre**, or **tomb**. It appears 42 times across 38 unique verses in the Bible, primarily denoting a place where the dead are laid.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3419}}` is used in several key contexts. Most notably, it refers to the **sepulchre** where Jesus was laid, which was hewn `{{G2998}}` out of a rock `{{G4073}}` and sealed with a stone `{{G3037}}` [[Mark 15:46]]. This **tomb** is the central location for the events of the resurrection, visited by Mary `{{G3137}}` Magdalene `{{G3094}}` [[John 20:1]] and the disciples `{{G3101}}` [[John 20:6]]. The word also describes the dwelling place of the demon-possessed, such as the men who came out of the **tombs** in the country of the Gergesenes `{{G1086}}` [[Matthew 8:28]]. Figuratively, Jesus uses the term to rebuke the scribes `{{G1122}}` and Pharisees `{{G5330}}`, comparing them to **graves** which appear not `{{G82}}` [[Luke 11:44]] and condemning them for building the **sepulchres** of the prophets `{{G4396}}` their fathers `{{G3962}}` killed [[Luke 11:47]]. It is also presented as a place from which the dead will be raised, as all in the **graves** will hear His voice [[John 5:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context to the nature and significance of a `{{G3419}}`:
* `{{G5028}}` **táphos** (a grave): This word is used as a synonym for tomb or sepulchre, often in parallel with `{{G3419}}`. For instance, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for building the **tombs** `{{G5028}}` of the prophets while garnishing the **sepulchres** `{{G3419}}` of the righteous `{{G1342}}` [[Matthew 23:29]].
* `{{G4693}}` **spḗlaion** (a cavern): This term describes the physical structure of certain tombs. The **grave** `{{G3419}}` of Lazarus `{{G2976}}` is explicitly identified as a **cave** `{{G4693}}` [[John 11:38]].
* `{{G3037}}` **líthos** (a stone): This word is consistently associated with `{{G3419}}` as the means of sealing the entrance. A great **stone** `{{G3037}}` was rolled to the door of Jesus' **sepulchre** [[Matthew 27:60]], and the removal of this stone is a key sign of the resurrection [[John 20:1]].
* `{{G4430}}` **ptōma** (dead body): This refers to the contents of a tomb. The disciples of John the Baptist took up his **corpse** `{{G4430}}` and laid it in a **tomb** `{{G3419}}` [[Mark 6:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3419}}` is profound, evolving from a symbol of death to a testament of life.
* **Symbol of Death and Impurity:** In its most basic sense, the **tomb** represents death and separation. It is the dwelling `{{G2731}}` place of a man with an unclean `{{G169}}` spirit `{{G4151}}` [[Mark 5:3]] and is used by Jesus as a metaphor for the hidden corruption of the Pharisees, whom he calls "graves which appear not" [[Luke 11:44]].
* **Focal Point of the Resurrection:** The **sepulchre** of Jesus becomes the central location for the proof of His victory over death. The narrative repeatedly focuses on the stone `{{G3037}}` being taken away `{{G142}}` [[John 20:1]], the empty linen clothes `{{G3608}}` inside [[John 20:6]], and the disciples' belief upon seeing the empty **sepulchre** [[John 20:8]].
* **Place of Awaiting Future Life:** Scripture presents the **grave** not as a final destination, but as a temporary state. It is a place from which the dead will be called, as Jesus declares that all in the **graves** will hear his voice [[John 5:28]]. This is foreshadowed at the crucifixion when the **graves** were opened and many bodies of the saints `{{G40}}` arose `{{G1453}}` [[Matthew 27:52]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3419}}` is a word that, while literally meaning a **tomb** or **grave**, carries immense theological weight. It serves as the place of interment for key figures like Lazarus `{{G2976}}` and Jesus ([[John 12:17]], [[John 19:42]]). Beyond this, it is portrayed as a place of spiritual defilement, the dwelling of the demon-possessed [[Mark 5:3]]. Ultimately, however, the significance of the **sepulchre** is transformed by the resurrection. The empty **tomb** of Christ becomes the ultimate symbol of victory over death, changing the meaning of `{{G3419}}` from a place of finality to a temporary resting place awaiting the call to new life [[John 5:28]].
TRV