ἐνταφιάζω (G1779) — Greek Lexicon

ἐνταφιάζω

entaphiázō

G1779 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To prepare (a body) for burial, especially by wrapping in burial cloths or linens; more generally, to inter or entomb according to customary rites. The term primarily focuses on the act of laying out a deceased person and wrapping them as part of funeral preparation, which could include further aspects of burial or interment.

Semantic Range

to wrap in burial cloths, to lay out (a body) for burial, to prepare a corpse ceremonially, to perform rites of interment, to bury

Root / Etymology

From ἐν (in) and τάφος (tomb, grave), literally meaning 'to put in a tomb' or 'to place in a burial.' The verb is derived from these elements, indicating the action of performing burial rites.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In ancient Greek, ἐνταφιάζω refers specifically to the respectful preparation of a corpse for burial, especially wrapping it in linens or cloths (the 'cerements' or burial clothes). This practice was integral to Greek, and later Hellenistic and Judean, funerary customs. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:8; John 12:7; John 19:40), it describes the actions surrounding the burial of Jesus and others, focusing on the preparation and wrapping of the body rather than the act of burial itself, though the terms often overlap. The Septuagint uses the related noun ἐνταφιασμός (preparation for burial) to translate Hebrew terms for mourning rituals. Standard translations often render the word as 'to bury,' but this can obscure the specific nuance of ceremonial preparation and wrapping for burial, which may not always coincide exactly with the act of interment. The term does not carry specifically religious meaning, but rather cultural custom regarding the treatment of the dead.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of ἐν and τάφος; to inswathe with cerements for interment:--bury.

Root Family

ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiázō) — to prepare for burial, to wrap for interment, to place in a tomb

Root ἐνταφιαζ- to prepare for burial, to wrap for interment

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1779-02`	ἐνταφιάζειν	entaphiazein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to bury	to prepare for burial	to prepare for burial	1
`G1779-01`	ἐνταφιάσαι	entaphiasai	`V AOR ACT INF`	prepare for burial	to prepare for burial	to prepare for burial	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1779-01`	Matthew 26:12	ἐνταφιάσαι	entaphiasai	`V AOR ACT INF`	prepare for burial	to prepare for burial	to prepare for burial
`G1779-02`	John 19:40	ἐνταφιάζειν	entaphiazein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to bury	to prepare for burial	to prepare for burial

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