Bible Dictionaries
Grave

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 Samuel 25:1 ) were generally buried within cities. Graves were generally grottoes or caves, natural or hewn out in rocks (Isaiah 22:16; Matthew 27:60 ). There were family cemeteries (Genesis 47:29; 50:5; 2 Samuel 19:37 ). Public burial-places were assigned to the poor (Jeremiah 26:23; 2 Kings 23:6 ). Graves were usually closed with stones, which were whitewashed, to warn strangers against contact with them (Matthew 23:27 ), which caused ceremonial pollution (Numbers 19:16 ).

There were no graves in Jerusalem except those of the kings, and according to tradition that of the prophetess Huldah.