What does the Bible say about embalming?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents embalming and burial preparations as customary acts of honor toward the dead, while teaching that death is the sober consequence of sin and that true hope rests in God’s resurrection promise. Genesis 50:2-3 records Joseph’s embalming of Jacob, and Genesis 50:26 notes that Joseph himself was embalmed in Egypt. Such practices did not deny mortality but acknowledged it with dignity, as Genesis 3:19 reminds us that human bodies return to dust. King Asa received an honorable burial with spices in 2 Chronicles 16:14. Likewise, the women prepared spices for Jesus’ body, and Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped Him with spices, yet Christ’s resurrection transformed the grave into a place of hope for all who belong to Him.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Of Jacob Genesis 50:2; Genesis 50:3
- Of Joseph Genesis 50:26
- Of Asa 2 Chronicles 16:14
- Of Jesus Mark 15:46; Mark 16:1
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Unknown to early patriarchs Genesis 23:4
- Learned by the Jews in Egypt Genesis 50:2; Genesis 50:26
- Time required for Genesis 50:3
- How performed by the Jews 2 Chronicles 16:14; Luke 23:56; John 19:40
- Not always practised by the Jews John 11:39
- An attempt to defeat God’s purpose Genesis 3:19
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