### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâbar**, represented by `{{H6912}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **inter** or **bury**. It appears 133 times across 122 unique verses in the Bible. This word is central to the practices and theology surrounding death, honor, and judgment in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6912}}` is used to signify both honor and judgment. A proper burial is a mark of respect and a peaceful end, as seen in the accounts of the patriarchs like Abraham being **buried** in a good old age [[Genesis 15:15]] and Jacob's sons carrying his body to be **buried** in the land of Canaan [[Genesis 50:13]]. Conversely, the denial of burial is a profound curse and a sign of divine judgment. The prophet Jeremiah foretells that the wicked will not be **buried**, but will lie like dung upon the earth [[Jeremiah 16:4]]. This act is so significant that it is a direct command to **bury** a hanged man on the same day to avoid defiling the land [[Deuteronomy 21:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of death and interment:
* `{{H6913}}` **qeber** (a sepulchre): This noun, derived from **qâbar**, refers to the physical grave or burying place. It is the location Abraham seeks to purchase to **bury** his dead [[Genesis 23:4]], and where the bones of Elisha lay when a dead man was cast in and revived [[2 Kings 13:21]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): The act of dying is the natural precursor to burial. The connection is made explicit in Ruth's vow, "Where thou diest `{{H4191}}`, will I die `{{H4191}}`, and there will I be buried `{{H6912}}`" [[Ruth 1:17]].
* `{{H5594}}` **sâphad** (to lament): This word for mourning is often paired with burial to signify a proper, honorable death. The lack of both lamentation and burial is a sign of great judgment, as when Jeremiah prophesies that the slain "shall not be lamented `{{H5594}}`, neither... buried `{{H6912}}`" [[Jeremiah 25:33]].
* `{{H1828}}` **dômen** (dung): This word describes the state of those who are denied a proper burial. As a curse, the unburied are to be "as dung `{{H1828}}` upon the face of the earth" [[Jeremiah 16:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6912}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Covenant and Land Promise:** The act of being **buried** in the land of Canaan was a physical expression of faith in God's covenant promises. Jacob's insistence on being **buried** there [[Genesis 49:29]] and the eventual burial of Joseph's bones [[Joshua 24:32]] connect the finality of death with the continuity of God's promise to His people.
* **A Mark of Honor and Judgment:** To be **buried** properly, often with one's fathers, was the expected honor for the righteous and for kings [[1 Kings 11:43]]. Conversely, to be denied burial was a severe judgment and a mark of ultimate shame. This is seen in prophecies against the wicked, who would have "none to bury `{{H6912}}` them" [[Jeremiah 14:16]] and would instead become like dung on the ground [[Jeremiah 25:33]].
* **Divine Law and Holiness:** The law concerning burial reflects a concern for the holiness of the land and the people. The command to **bury** a hanged person on the same day shows that proper interment is not just a social custom but a divine requirement to prevent the land from being defiled [[Deuteronomy 21:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** extends far beyond the simple act of interring a body. It serves as a critical indicator of a person's standing, honor, and relationship to God's covenant. Whether it is the promised, peaceful burial of a patriarch [[Genesis 15:15]] or the prophesied dishonor of being left unburied as a curse [[Jeremiah 16:4]], this word encapsulates a profound theological concept about life, death, and divine justice in the biblical world.
TRV