קְבֻרָה (qe.vu.rah)
qe.vu.rah
tomb
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qburah refers to a place of burial, specifically a tomb or grave where the dead are interred. It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, serving as the standard term for these resting places rather than just any pit or hole. The word emphasizes the physical location designated for the body after death.
This term is most frequently found in historical narratives, particularly in Genesis and II Kings, where it marks significant moments of family lineage and royal history. For instance, it describes the cave of Machpelah in Genesis 23:19 as the burial site for Abraham and Sarah, establishing a tangible connection to the patriarchs. In II Kings, it appears in accounts of kings like Jehoiachin (2 Kings 25:27), grounding the political history of Judah in concrete, earthly realities.
While often translated simply as "grave," qburah carries the weight of finality and lineage. It is not merely a hole in the ground but a structured space for honoring the dead. The sources highlight its use in contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked, or marking the end of a dynasty. By focusing on these specific locations, the biblical text anchors spiritual truths in physical history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qeburah simply means a tomb or place of burial. In the Old Testament, it marks where people rest after death, often linking them to their families or ancestors. Think of Rachel’s grave in Genesis 35:20. Jacob set up a pillar there, turning a moment of loss into a lasting marker of memory. These tombs were not just holes in the ground; they were structured spaces that honored the dead and connected generations.
Reading about kings like Jehoiachin or Uzziah being buried in their family plots reminds us that history is real and tangible. Even when dynasties fall, as with the king in Jeremiah 22:19 who receives a shameful burial, the text grounds spiritual truths in physical places. This word helps us see how ancient Israelites valued lineage and the dignity of the body.
For your faith today, qeburah invites you to reflect on what we leave behind and how we honor those who have gone before us. It is a reminder that our lives are part of a larger story, anchored in real history. May this understanding bring you comfort as you consider the legacy of love and faith you are building for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ grave/ his2×
- in/ own grave/ his1×
- in/ grave/ their1×
- in/ burial1×
- grave/ her1×
- burial place/ his1×
- burial1×
- [the] tomb of1×
- [the] grave of1×
- [the] burial of1×
- <the>/ grave1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְבוּרָ֖ה1×
- קְבוּרַ֥ת1×
- קְבֻרָתָ֑/הּ1×
- קְבֻרַ֥ת1×
- קְבֻֽרַת\־1×
- קְבֻ֣רָת֔/וֹ1×
- הַ/קְּבוּרָה֙1×
- בִּ/קְבוּרָ֔ה1×
- בִּ/קְבֻרָתָ֑/ם1×
- בִּ/קְבֻרָת֖/וֹ1×
- בִּ/קְבֻֽרָת֑/וֹ1×
- בִ/קְבֻרָת֛/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:20
Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.
This verse shows how a tomb serves as a permanent memorial, with Jacob setting up a pillar that marks Rachel’s grave to this day.
-
II Kings 9:28
His servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in David’s city.
Here the word connects King Ahaziah’s death to his ancestors in David’s city, emphasizing royal lineage and continuity.
-
Jeremiah 22:19
He will be buried with the burial of a donkey, drawn and cast out beyond the gates of Jerusalem.”
The prophet contrasts a normal burial with being cast out like a donkey, highlighting the shame associated with this king’s fate.