Lexical Summary laxeutos: Hewn, carved Original Word: λαξευτός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hewn in stone. From a compound of las (a stone) and the base of xeros (in its original sense of scraping); rock-quarried -- hewn in stone. see GREEK xeros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of laas (a stone) and xeó (to scrape) Definition hewn (in stone) NASB Translation cut into the rock (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2991: λαξευτόςλαξευτός, λαξευτη, λαξευτον (from λαξεύω, and this from λᾶς a stone, and ξέω to polish, hew), cut out of stone: μνῆμα, Luke 23:53, and thence in Evang. Nicod. c. 11 at the end; (once in the Sept., Deuteronomy 4:49; Aq. in Numbers 21:20; Numbers 23:14; Deuteronomy 34:1; (Joshua 13:20); nowhere in Greek authors). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Luke 23:53 contains the sole New Testament use of the adjective translated “cut in the rock”: “Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, where no one had yet been laid” (Berean Standard Bible). The word highlights the nature of Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb—new, hand-hewn, and untainted by previous burials. Historical Background of Rock-Cut Tombs Second-Temple-period Jerusalem was surrounded by limestone hills riddled with family tombs laboriously carved into the rock. Such sepulchers were costly, usually belonging to the wealthy (compare Matthew 27:57). They were entered through a low doorway, inside which loculi (burial niches) were chiseled. After decomposition, bones were gathered into ossuaries placed in side chambers. A rock-hewn tomb therefore signified permanence, dignity, and family honor; it was far more secure than an earthen grave and resistant to animal intrusion or grave robbers. Prophetic Resonance and Messianic Significance Isaiah 53:9 foretold that the suffering Servant would be “with a rich man in His death.” Luke’s reference to a tomb carved from solid rock underscores the fulfillment of that prophecy: Joseph, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a man of means, donates an unused, expensive burial place to the crucified Messiah. The adjective thus becomes a subtle testimony that every detail of Jesus’ burial fell under divine orchestration, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and the sovereignty of God. Theological Themes 1. Incorruption and Purity: Because no one had been laid there, the tomb symbolized the sinlessness of Christ, whose body “did not see decay” (Acts 2:31). Practical Ministry Applications • Apologetics: Emphasizing the expensive, durable nature of such tombs strengthens historical arguments for the bodily resurrection. Related Biblical Imagery • Abraham’s purchase of the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23) reflects early practice of securing permanent family tombs. Summary The lone New Testament occurrence of this adjective in Luke 23:53 encapsulates rich historical, prophetic, and theological significance. A painstakingly carved, unused tomb—humanly intended as a final resting place—became the empty stage upon which God unveiled the victory of the risen Christ, grounding Christian hope in a verifiable, scripturally anticipated event. Forms and Transliterations ελάξευσα ελάξευσε λάξευσον λαξεύσωμεν λαξευτήν λαξευτω λαξευτώ λαξευτῷ λελαξευμέναι λελαξευμένον λελαξευμένου laxeuto laxeutō laxeutôi laxeutō̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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