Bible Dictionary
Grave
A grave was a burial place, commonly a natural or rock-cut cave outside a city, sometimes used by a family. Graves could be closed with stones and were associated with ceremonial uncleanness when opened or touched.
Definition
A grave is a place prepared for burial, commonly a natural or hewn cave or grotto in rock. Graves could belong to families, serve the public burial of the poor, or be associated with kings and prophets.
Biblical Usage
Scripture describes graves as burial places outside cities, though kings and prophets were sometimes buried within them. Graves were closed with stones and could cause ceremonial pollution when opened or touched.
Historical Background
Hebrew graves were often in open fields or rock-cut caves. Family cemeteries were known, while public burial places were assigned to the poor. Stones were commonly used to close graves and were whitewashed as warnings.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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 Sam. 25:1) were generally buried within cities. Graves were generally grottoes or caves, natural or hewn out in rocks (Isa. 22:16; Matt. 27:60). There were family cemeteries (Gen. 47:29; 50:5; 2 Sam. 19:37). Public burial-places were assigned to the poor (Jer. 26:23; 2 Kings 23:6). Graves were usually closed with stones, which were whitewashed, to warn strangers against contact with them (Matt. 23:27), which caused ceremonial pollution (Num. 19:16). There were no graves in Jerusalem except those of the kings, and according to tradition that of the prophetess Huldah.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Burial, Sepulchres]