DEAD (מֵ֖ת, מֵתִֽים, ֝רְפָאִ֗ים; shades, ghosts, νεκρός, G3738, dead, lifeless). מֵ֖ת is the general OT word for “dead,” applied to men or animal alike (Exod 21:35). Occasionally, it can refer to someone in a prospective sense, such as God’s warning to Abimelech that he was a dead man because of Sarah (Gen 20:3). A leper is also called “one dead” (Num 12:12). The phrase “dead dog” refers to a particularly worthless and lowly individual, sometimes an opponent of the king (1 Sam 24:14; 2 Sam 9:8; 16:9). Physical deformity or vile character can be involved in that expression.

Hebrew law had strict requirements relating to defilement through contact with dead bodies. The high priest could not go near the dead (Lev 21:11); neither could a Nazirite during the days of his separation to Jehovah (Num 6:6). Individuals who touched the dead were unclean seven days (19:11) and had to perform a purification ritual or face death (19:13). Hyssop dipped in water was sprinkled upon the defiled person and the place where the man died (19:18).

Mourning for the dead was common. This involved donning of special apparel and anointing with oil (2 Sam 14:2), weeping in a house of mourning, and eating and drinking for the dead (Jer 16:5-8; 22:10). Ezekiel was forbidden to remove his shoes or cover his lips when his wife died (Ezek 24:17). Burial of the dead was the usual custom (but note 1 Sam 31:12).

The dead are forgotten (Ps 31:12) and, in a sense, without knowledge (Eccl 9:5). They do not praise the Lord (Ps 115:17). Their abode is “the dark places” of Sheol (143:3). Glimpses of the resurrection of the dead appear in the OT (Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2).

In several instances ֝רְפָאִ֗ים appeal parallel to the dead as the inhabitants of Sheol (Ps 88:11; Isa 26:14). The exact meaning of the word is not known, though perhaps is related to רָפָה֒, H8332, “to sink, relax.” In Ugaritic they appear as the “deities, shades of the dead.”

The return of spirits from the dead (1 Sam 28:8f.) was accomplished through the “lady of the ’ôḇ.” This enigmatic term is prob. related to Hitt. api, referring to the sacrificial pit where necromancy took place.

NT usage of the dead includes the idea of being spiritually dead in sin (Matt 8:22; Eph 2:1). Believers, however, are to be dead to sin (Rom 6:11). This sense of “lifeless, inactive” is applied to dead faith (James 2:26), dead works of the law (Heb 9:14) and to the church of Sardis (Rev 3:1). The Resurrection of Christ and of the dead is a vital NT doctrine (1 Cor 15:20, 52).

Bibliography J. Gray, “The Rephaim,” PEQ 84 (1949), 127-139; J. B. Payne, The Theology of the Older Testament (1962), 443-463.