ταφή (taphē)
taphē
burial (place)
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun taphe refers simply to burial or a burial place. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 27:7, where it describes the use of funds for purchasing a field as a cemetery for foreigners. The word derives from the verb tithēmi, meaning "to place" or "to put," highlighting the physical act of laying someone to rest.
In this specific context, the term underscores the practical reality of Jesus’ death: he was not left unattended but provided with a designated resting site. This single usage connects the event to the broader biblical theme of honoring the dead, fulfilling the expectation that even the crucified would receive proper interment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word taphe appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Matthew 27:7. It refers to a burial place or cemetery. In this verse, the chief priests use thirty pieces of silver to buy a field for burying foreigners who died in Jerusalem. This act was practical, ensuring that strangers had a proper resting place without defiling the temple.
For your faith, this detail highlights the tangible reality of Jesus’ death. He was not left in shame or forgotten. The provision of a burial site shows that even in the midst of injustice and rejection, care for the dead remained a priority. It reflects a deep respect for human dignity, regardless of status or origin.
When you read about taphe, remember that God cares about the physical needs of people. He is concerned with how we treat those who are vulnerable or outside our community. This small detail points to a larger truth: Jesus’ death was real, and his body was honored. It invites us to approach our own lives with similar respect for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a burial place1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταφὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:7
They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.
This verse uses taphe to describe the specific purpose of the purchased field as a cemetery for strangers, grounding the abstract concept of burial in a concrete historical action.