ταφή

a burial

Definition

The Greek word ταφή (taphē) specifically means 'a burial' or 'the act of burying.' It refers to the process of interring a body, as well as the burial place itself. In its single New Testament occurrence in Matthew 27:7, it denotes the purchase of a field to be used as a burial place for strangers. The word carries the concrete sense of the final disposition of a corpse, distinct from the tomb (μνημεῖον) as a structure.

Biblical Usage

Ταφή is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 27:7. The context is the chief priests' use of the thirty pieces of silver returned by Judas Iscariot. They decide, 'Let us buy with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.' Here, the word explicitly refers to the purpose of the field—to serve as a burial ground. Its usage is purely narrative and descriptive, with no figurative application in the biblical text.

Etymology

Ταφή is a noun derived from the verb θάπτω (thaptō, G2290), which means 'to bury.' It is related to the noun τάφος (taphos, G5028), which also means 'tomb' or 'sepulchre.' The root concept is the act of interment or consignment to the grave, a fundamental cultural practice in the ancient world.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is mundane, its sole biblical context in Matthew 27:7 is theologically significant. The purchase of the 'field of blood' (Matthew 27:8) for burial fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah (cf. Matthew 27:9-10, referencing Jeremiah 32:6-9 and Zechariah 11:12-13). This act connects Judas's betrayal money to a permanent, grim memorial—a burial place for outsiders—highlighting the consequences of betrayal and the ironic, providential use of evil for God's redemptive purposes.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, proper burial was a sacred duty and a mark of respect. A designated burial place for 'strangers' (ξένοις) mentioned in Matthew 27:7 likely refers to non-resident Jews or Gentiles who died in Jerusalem, ensuring they received a burial according to custom. This contrasts with dishonorable disposal of a body. The purchase of a field specifically for this purpose reflects organized charity and ritual concern for the dead, even for outsiders.

τάφος (taphos, G5028) — More commonly refers to the tomb or grave as a physical location. μνημεῖον (mnēmeion, G3419) — A memorial, monument, or sepulchre; often the specific tomb structure (e.g., Jesus' tomb).

Word Details

Scripture References