Matthew 8:21

The verb ἐτάφη (aorist passive of θάπτω) is commonly translated as “was buried,” but its semantic range in Classical and Hellenistic Greek includes the full spectrum of funerary rites, not merely interment. In Greek cultural and religious practice, θάπτειν refers to the proper ritual treatment of the dead—laying out the body, public mourning, procession, interment or cremation, and tomb offerings. Thus, ἐτάφη is more precisely rendered “was given funeral rites”, indicating not just physical burial but the socially and ritually sanctioned honor of the deceased (cf. Il. 21.323; Od. 11.52; Soph. Antigone). Failure to receive such rites was considered a profound dishonor.