Wondering what the Good Book has to say about visiting the resting places of our loved ones? In essence, the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid it. Throughout Scripture, visiting graves has been seen as a way to honor and remember the departed. However, it’s the heart’s intention during such visits that matters most. If one goes to the gravesite to worship or communicate with the dead, it’s seen as a sin. On the other hand, if the intention is pure, and the visit is to pay respects or find closure, it aligns with God’s view on the matter.
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What Does the Bible Say About Visiting Graves?
The Bible is a vast collection of writings that span thousands of years and covers a multitude of topics. When it comes to visiting graves, the topic isn’t directly addressed in a commandment-style manner. However, there are numerous instances and teachings that can help us deduce God’s view on the matter.
In the Old Testament, we see patriarchs like Jacob setting up a pillar at Rachel’s grave as a memorial (Genesis 35:20). This shows that remembering and honoring the deceased has been a practice even in ancient times.
However, the Bible warns against idolatry and necromancy – communicating with the dead. In the days of ancient Israel, God forbade His people from engaging in these practices, as they were seen as sins and were common among pagan nations. Deuteronomy 18:10-12, for instance, warns against conjuring up the dead.
The New Testament continues this stance, especially in the teachings of Jesus. While Jesus Himself visited the tomb of His friend Lazarus, it wasn’t to communicate with him, but to miraculously raise him from the dead, showcasing God’s power over life and death.
It’s important to remember that while visiting graves isn’t a sin per se, it’s the intention behind the visit that God scrutinizes. If one visits a grave with a heart full of idolatry, attempting to seek guidance from the dead, it goes against God’s teachings. But, if the visit is a way to remember, honor, and find solace or closure, it seems to be allowed within the Christian faith.
Bible Verses About Visiting Graves
- Genesis 35:20 – “And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.” This verse highlights the ancient practice of marking graves, a gesture of respect and remembrance.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Here, the Bible explicitly warns against trying to communicate with the dead.
- 1 Samuel 28:7-19 – This recounts the story of King Saul consulting a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. The act displeased God and resulted in Saul receiving a grim prophecy.
- John 11:38 – “Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.” This verse narrates Jesus’ visit to Lazarus’ tomb, emphasizing God’s power over death, not communication with the deceased.
- Luke 23:55-56 – “The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” Here, the women’s visit to Jesus’ tomb was an act of love and respect, showcasing that honoring the dead is not against God’s view.