Embalming

The Jewish custom of preparing a body for the grave. However, the technically correct use of the term describes the removal of the internal organs of the dead and filling the cavity with spices. This originated with the Egyptians but was not practised by the Jews. Biblical teaching concerning life after death makes embalming unnecessary.

Jacob and Joseph were embalmed in Egypt

Genesis 50:2–3 See also Genesis 50:26

And Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

Jesus Christ was embalmed

John 19:39–40 parallels Matthew 27:59, Mark 15:46, Luke 23:53

Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.

Further embalming of Jesus Christ was planned

Mark 16:1 parallel Luke 24:1

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus.