### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun taphḗ (G5027) is a feminine derivative of the verb tháptō (G2290), meaning "to bury." As such, taphḗ specifically denotes the *act* of burial, interment, or the process of laying a deceased body to rest. It refers to the funeral itself, the physical act of depositing the body, rather than the grave or tomb (which is táphos `{{G5028}}`). Its semantic range is thus quite precise and limited to the physical performance of burial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term taphḗ (G5027) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Matthew 27:7]]**: "So they conferred together and with the money bought the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners."
* In this context, εἰς ταφὴν τοῖς ξένοις (eis taphēn tois xenois) translates to "for the burial of foreigners" or "as a burial place for strangers." The passage describes the chief priests and elders using the thirty pieces of silver, returned by Judas Iscariot, to purchase the Akeldama (Potter's Field). This field was designated for the interment of those who were not native to Jerusalem or who had no family plot, such as pilgrims or the poor. This single occurrence underscores the practical necessity and societal provision for the act of burial, even for those considered outsiders. It reflects a cultural value placed on proper interment, acknowledging the dignity of the deceased regardless of their status.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **tháptō (G2290):** The verbal root from which taphḗ is derived, meaning "to bury." This verb describes the action itself.
* **táphos (G5028):** A closely related noun, meaning "tomb," "sepulchre," or "grave." While taphḗ is the *act* of burial, táphos is the *place* where the burial occurs.
* **mnēmeíon (G3419):** Another common Greek word for "tomb" or "memorial," often used interchangeably with táphos in the Gospels, particularly in reference to Jesus' tomb.
* **nekrós (G3498):** Refers to a "dead body" or "corpse," the object of the burial.
* **Jewish Burial Practices:** The biblical narrative assumes a cultural context where prompt and proper burial was a religious and social imperative (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 21:23]]). Disregard for burial was considered a severe dishonor or curse (e.g., [[Jeremiah 8:2]]). This deep-seated respect for the dead body, even in its decay, points to an underlying belief in the sanctity of human life and, ultimately, the hope of resurrection.
### Theological Significance
While taphḗ itself appears only once, the broader concept of burial holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament:
* **Affirmation of Death:** The act of burial unequivocally confirms the reality of death. For Christians, the burial of Jesus (though not explicitly using taphḗ) is a crucial element of the Gospel, confirming His actual physical death on the cross (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:3-4]]). This reality is essential for the truth of His resurrection.
* **Precursor to Resurrection:** Burial is the necessary prelude to resurrection. Without a genuine death and burial, the resurrection would be meaningless. The empty tomb, not merely an empty grave, is central to the Christian faith.
* **Symbolic Significance in Baptism:** The New Testament draws a powerful theological parallel between Christ's burial and the Christian's experience in baptism. As articulated in [[Romans 6:4]], "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life." This imagery highlights baptism as a symbolic death to sin and a resurrection to a new life in Christ, mirroring the physical burial and resurrection of Jesus.
* **Dignity of the Human Body:** The consistent emphasis on proper burial throughout Scripture, even for the marginalized as seen in [[Matthew 27:7]], reflects a reverence for the human body as God's creation, anticipating its future resurrection and transformation.
### Summary
taphḗ (G5027) precisely denotes the *act* of burial or interment. Though it appears only once in the New Testament (in [[Matthew 27:7]]), its context underscores the practical and societal importance of providing burial for all, even foreigners. More broadly, the concept of burial is deeply interwoven with core Christian doctrines. It confirms the reality of death, serves as the necessary precursor to resurrection, and provides a powerful theological metaphor for the believer's spiritual transformation through baptism. It stands distinct from táphos (G5028), the *place* of burial, yet both terms are fundamental to understanding biblical perspectives on death, dignity, and the hope of resurrection.
TRV