About…
graves in the Bible

Among the ancient Hebrews graves were outside of cities in the open field (Luke 7:12; John 11:30). Kings (1 Kings 2:10) and prophets (1 Samuel 25:1) were generally buried within cities.

Graves were generally grottoes or caves, natural or hewn out in rocks (Isaiah 22:16; Matthew 27:60).

There were family cemeteries (Genesis 47:29; 50:5; 2 Samuel 19:37). Public burial-places were assigned to the poor (Jeremiah 26:23; 2 Kings 23:6).

Graves were usually closed with stones, which were whitewashed, to warn strangers against contact with them (Matthew 23:27), which caused ceremonial pollution (Numbers 19:16).

There were no graves allowed inside Jerusalem except those of the kings, and according to tradition that of the prophetess Huldah. Outside of the Old City walls there are numerous tombs and graves.

More information

• sepulchre
• burial
• tombs
• embalming
• funeral
• Have the burial sites of any people in the Bible been found? Answer
• Has Joseph’s original tomb been found? Answer
• King David’s tomb
• death
• Have archaeologists discovered evidence of James, the brother of Jesus? (the James ossuary)