### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉbûwrâh**, represented by `{{H6900}}`, refers to a **burial**, **burying place**, **grave**, or **sepulchre**. As the feminine passive participle of `{{H6912}}` (to bury), it concretely signifies a sepulchre or the act of sepulture itself. It appears **14 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its importance in contexts of death, lineage, and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6900}}` is used in several significant contexts. It denotes a place of honor and familial connection, as when Jacob requests to be buried in his fathers' **buryingplace** [[Genesis 47:30]]. It is also central to the final disposition of royalty, describing the **sepulchre** of kings like Josiah [[2 Kings 23:30]] and Uzziah [[2 Chronicles 26:23]]. Conversely, the word is used to express profound dishonor. A wicked king is prophesied to receive the **burial** of an ass [[Jeremiah 22:19]], and another is denied being joined with others in **burial** [[Isaiah 14:20]]. The lack of a proper **burial** is depicted as a fate worse than an untimely birth [[Ecclesiastes 6:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and significance of burial:
* `{{H6913}}` **qeber** (sepulchre): Often used interchangeably with `{{H6900}}`, this word also means **grave** or **sepulchre**. In Ezekiel, the "graves" `{{H6913}}` of a company are described as being round about "her grave" `{{H6900}}` [[Ezekiel 32:23]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** (to inter): This is the primitive root verb from which `{{H6900}}` is derived. It describes the action of burying, often used in direct connection, such as the command to "**bury** me in their **buryingplace**" [[Genesis 47:30]].
* `{{H953}}` **bôwr** (pit): This term is used to describe the destination of the dishonored dead. Those who caused terror are said to bear their shame with them that go down to the **pit** [[Ezekiel 32:24]], linking the grave to this place.
* `{{H5309}}` **nephel** (untimely birth): The concept of proper burial is given weight by its contrast with an **untimely birth**. A long life without a **burial** is considered a worse fate [[Ecclesiastes 6:3]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H6900}}` carries significant theological weight, reflecting ideas of honor, judgment, and legacy.
* **Honor and Familial Rest:** A proper **burial** signifies an honorable end and reunion with one's ancestors. Jacob's deep desire to be carried out of Egypt and buried in the **buryingplace** of his fathers demonstrates this value [[Genesis 47:30]]. Kings being laid to rest in their own **sepulchre** reinforces the connection between status and a proper final resting place [[2 Kings 9:28]].
* **A Sign of Divine Judgment:** The denial of a proper **burial** serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment and shame. To be "buried with the **burial** of an ass, drawn and cast forth" is a curse on a wicked ruler [[Jeremiah 22:19]]. Likewise, having one's soul unfulfilled and lacking a **burial** is presented as a tragic failure [[Ecclesiastes 6:3]].
* **Legacy and Remembrance:** A **sepulchre** could serve as a lasting landmark. Jacob set a pillar upon Rachel's **grave**, which was still known as "the pillar of Rachel's **grave**" for some time [[Genesis 35:20]]. Conversely, the fact that no man knows the **sepulchre** of Moses "unto this day" [[Deuteronomy 34:6]] is a unique divine act, setting him apart and preventing his grave from becoming a site of improper reverence.
### Summary
In summary, **qᵉbûwrâh** `{{H6900}}` is a term that extends beyond a mere physical location for the dead. It serves as a powerful indicator of one's standing in life and death. Whether it is an honored **sepulchre** marked for generations like Rachel's [[Genesis 35:20]], a place of familial rest with one's fathers [[Genesis 47:30]], or the lack of one as a sign of ultimate disgrace [[Jeremiah 22:19]], the concept of **burial** is deeply tied to honor, judgment, and legacy in the biblical worldview.
TRV