or (feminine) קִבְרָה; from קָבַר; a sepulchre; burying place, grave, sepulchre.
Transliteration:qeber
Pronunciation:keh'-ber
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קֶבֶר (qeber, `{{H6913}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verb קָבַר (qabar, `{{H6912}}`), meaning "to bury." Its core meaning is a "grave," "sepulchre," or "burying place." It designates the physical location where a deceased body is interred, encompassing a range of burial sites from simple earthen plots to elaborate hewn tombs or natural caves. The less common feminine form, קִבְרָה (qibrah), carries the identical meaning. The semantic range of קֶבֶר is primarily literal, referring to the physical receptacle for the dead, and does not inherently denote the state of the dead or the afterlife, distinguishing it from related concepts like Sheol.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קֶבֶר (qeber) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a place of burial. Its usage illuminates various cultural and religious practices surrounding death and interment.
* **Patriarchal Burials:** A foundational context is found in the patriarchal narratives, particularly Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a "burying place" (קֶבֶר) for Sarah and his descendants ([[Genesis 23:4]], [[Genesis 23:6]], [[Genesis 23:9]], [[Genesis 23:20]]). This highlights the significance of family sepulchres and the desire for a dignified resting place among one's kin.
* **Royal and Honored Burials:** The term is often used for the sepulchres of kings and prominent figures, such as David being buried in his "sepulchre" in the City of David ([[1 Kings 2:10]]). This indicates a designated, often revered, burial site. Conversely, the denial of a proper "grave" was a severe punishment and a sign of divine judgment, signifying utter disgrace ([[Jeremiah 8:2]], [[Jeremiah 14:16]], [[Jeremiah 22:19]]).
* **Figurative Language:** While predominantly literal, קֶבֶר can occasionally be used figuratively to denote the finality of death or a place from which there is no return without divine intervention ([[Psalm 88:11]]). The phrase "going down to the grave" serves as a common euphemism for dying.
* **Distinction from Sheol:** It is crucial to differentiate קֶבֶר (qeber) from שְׁאוֹל (Sheol, `{{H7585}}`). הקֶבֶר is the visible, earthly grave, the physical tomb. שְׁאוֹל is the unseen realm of the dead, the underworld. One is placed *in* a קֶבֶר, but one descends *to* שְׁאוֹל. While distinct, they are conceptually linked as the grave is the physical point of entry into the state of death often associated with Sheol.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קָבַר (qabar, `{{H6912}}`):** The foundational verb "to bury," from which קֶבֶר is derived. The act of burial was a vital practice, signifying respect for the deceased and proper disposal of the body.
* **מַצֵּבָה (matstsebah, `{{H4676}}`):** A "pillar" or "memorial stone," often erected over a grave to mark the site and commemorate the person buried there ([[Genesis 35:20]]).
* **מְעָרָה (m'arah, `{{H4631}}`):** A "cave." Many biblical burials, especially in earlier periods, occurred in natural or hewn caves that served as family tombs, such as the Cave of Machpelah.
* **שְׁאוֹל (Sheol, `{{H7585}}`):** The underworld or realm of the dead. While distinct from the physical grave, the grave is often seen as the gateway to this unseen realm.
* **עָפָר (aphar, `{{H6083}}`):** "Dust" or "earth." The grave is the place where the human body returns to the dust from which it was formed, fulfilling the divine decree in [[Genesis 3:19]].
* **חֶסֶד (chesed, `{{H2617}}`):** "Loyalty," "steadfast love." The proper burial of the dead was often considered an act of *chesed*, a kindness shown to the deceased and their family, even in death.
### Theological Significance
The concept of the קֶבֶר (qeber) holds profound theological significance in the Old Testament:
* **Human Mortality and the Consequence of Sin:** The grave stands as a stark and universal reminder of human mortality, the fragility of life, and the ultimate consequence of sin, as declared in [[Genesis 3:19]]: "For dust you are, and to dust you will return." It signifies the finality of earthly existence.
* **Dignity of the Human Body:** The consistent emphasis on proper burial throughout the Old Testament underscores a deep reverence for the human body, even in death. To be denied a grave was a severe curse and a sign of utter disgrace, implying a lack of peace even beyond life ([[Jeremiah 22:19]]). This reflects a cultural value that aligns with a divine valuing of human life.
* **Hope Beyond the Grave:** While the grave represents the cessation of earthly life, it is not always presented as an ultimate end. The Old Testament, particularly in later prophetic books, contains nascent ideas of resurrection, where the dead will rise *from* their graves ([[Isaiah 26:19]], [[Ezekiel 37:12-13]], [[Daniel 12:2]]). This foreshadows the New Testament's explicit teaching of bodily resurrection, most supremely in Christ. Thus, the grave can be seen as a temporary resting place rather than a permanent prison.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Death:** Ultimately, even the grave, the symbol of human limitation, is subject to God's sovereign power. He alone possesses the authority to open graves and bring forth the dead, demonstrating His absolute control over both life and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קֶבֶר (qeber, `{{H6913}}`), derived from the verb "to bury" (קָבַר, `{{H6912}}`), refers specifically to a "grave," "sepulchre," or "burying place." It consistently denotes the physical location of interment, whether a simple plot or an elaborate tomb. Biblical narratives frequently underscore the importance of securing and maintaining such burial sites, reflecting deep cultural and religious respect for the deceased and ancestral ties. While distinct from שְׁאוֹל (Sheol, `{{H7585}}`), the unseen realm of the dead, the קֶבֶר serves as the earthly gateway to the state of death. Theologically, the grave powerfully symbolizes human mortality and the consequences of sin, yet within the Old Testament, it also carries the nascent hope of future resurrection, signifying that God's power extends even beyond the confines of the tomb itself. The reverence accorded to the קֶבֶר highlights a profound biblical understanding of human dignity and the sacredness of life, even in its physical conclusion.
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