ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazō)
entaphiazō
to prepare burial
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb entaphiazō describes the careful preparation of a body for burial, involving bathing, wrapping, and anointing with spices. It appears only twice in the New Testament, marking two significant moments where Jesus’ death is honored with dignity. In Matthew 26:12, a woman pours expensive perfume on his head, an act Jesus interprets as preparing his body for burial before it happens. Later, in John 19:40, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take down the crucified Jesus and bind him in linen with about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes, following Jewish burial customs.
The word comes from roots meaning "in" and "tomb," emphasizing the act of placing someone within their final resting place through ritual care. Unlike generic terms for burying, entaphiazō highlights the specific rites of embalming and adorning the corpse. This detail underscores the reality of Jesus’ physical death and the respect shown by those who loved him, even in the face of a criminal’s execution.
Translators typically render this word as "prepare for burial" or "embalm," capturing the thoroughness of the process. The use of such a specific term draws attention to the cultural importance of honoring the dead and the tangible nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. These brief mentions serve as bookends to his ministry, framing his life and death with acts of devotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entaphiazō points to the tender care given to Jesus’ body after His death. In Matthew 26:12, a woman pours expensive perfume on Him, an act Jesus calls preparation for burial. This moment shows that even in anticipation of suffering, devotion is honored. Her gesture was not wasteful but deeply respectful, acknowledging the reality of what was to come.
Later, in John 19:40, Joseph and Nicodemus follow Jewish customs, wrapping Jesus’ body in linen with heavy spices. This careful handling affirms the truth of His physical death while expressing love and reverence. Such acts remind us that our faith is rooted in real history, not myth. God values the dignity of life and the sincerity of those who mourn.
These brief mentions frame Jesus’ ministry with acts of devotion. They invite us to consider how we honor Christ in our own lives. Whether through quiet service or costly generosity, we can reflect the same spirit of care and respect that marked these final moments before the resurrection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to prepare for burial.1×
- to bury1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνταφιάσαι1×
- ἐνταφιάζειν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:12
For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
Jesus interprets the woman’s act as preparing His body for burial, linking her devotion directly to His impending death.
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John 19:40
So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
Joseph and Nicodemus bind Jesus’ body in linen with spices, following Jewish burial customs to show honor and love.