Easter is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated observances in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, when one turns to the Bible—specifically the King James Version (KJV), one of the most well-known and widely used English translations—the word “Easter” appears only once. This lone mention has been the subject of much discussion, study, and at times, controversy.
This article explores the singular appearance of the word Easter in the KJV, its historical and linguistic context, its theological significance, and what it reveals about the evolution of Christian traditions and Bible translation.
The Only Mention of Easter in the King James Bible
Acts 12:4 — The Single Occurrence
The word “Easter” appears in only one verse in the entire King James Bible:
“And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” — Acts 12:4 (KJV)
This verse refers to King Herod Agrippa I, who had arrested the Apostle Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and was planning to bring him before the public after Easter.
A Closer Look at the Greek Text
The original Greek word used in Acts 12:4 is “πάσχα” (Pascha), which is consistently translated as “Passover” in nearly all other New Testament instances—29 times, to be exact.
Thus, Acts 12:4 is the only instance in the King James Bible where “Pascha” is translated as “Easter” rather than “Passover,” raising the question: Why did the translators choose “Easter” here?
Historical Context of the King James Translation
The King James Bible and Its Translators
The King James Version was commissioned in 1604 by King James I of England and completed in 1611. The translators were a group of 47 scholars, mainly clergy of the Church of England, who worked in committees. Their mandate was to produce an English Bible suitable for public reading and aligned with the beliefs and liturgical practices of the Anglican Church.
This background is critical to understanding why certain words were rendered as they were. The translators were not only scholars but also influenced by ecclesiastical and cultural preferences of their time.
Use of “Easter” in the 17th Century
In the early 17th century, the word “Easter” was commonly used in English to refer to the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. However, in the Church of England, it was also loosely associated with the Passover season, especially in terms of the calendar.
Therefore, when the KJV translators encountered the word Pascha in Acts 12:4, and given the context of Herod’s actions occurring during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, they might have chosen “Easter” not to reflect the Jewish Passover directly, but the Christian holiday that coincided with it on the calendar.
Theological and Doctrinal Considerations
Herod’s Intentions and the Timing
In Acts 12:3, we read that Peter was arrested during “the days of unleavened bread.” The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins immediately after Passover and lasts for seven days. Verse 4 then says Herod planned to present Peter to the people after Easter.
Here’s where interpretation plays a critical role. Some theologians argue that Herod, being a pagan, would not have delayed the trial of Peter because of a Jewish festival, but rather due to a Roman or pagan holiday, or perhaps out of deference to Jewish sentiment during a major religious feast.
Others suggest that the translators deliberately used “Easter” to indicate a Christian celebration that early believers may have observed by that time—though this is speculative since Acts was written in the first century.
Translation versus Interpretation
Modern Bible scholars overwhelmingly agree that the Greek word “Pascha” means “Passover,” and many modern translations, such as the NIV, ESV, and NKJV, render Acts 12:4 as:
“intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.”
This difference highlights a key issue in translation: should translators aim for literal accuracy, or should they translate with an eye to contemporary understanding?
Easter and Passover: A Shared Timeline
Similarities Between the Two
Both Passover and Easter share a seasonal and theological connection:
Passover commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who celebrated Passover with his disciples before his crucifixion (known as the Last Supper).
Because of this connection, early Christians often celebrated the resurrection in relation to the Jewish Passover, which follows a lunar calendar (the 14th of Nisan).
Quartodeciman Controversy
In early church history, there was significant debate over when to celebrate Easter. Some Christians, particularly in Asia Minor, observed the resurrection on the 14th of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. This practice was called Quartodecimanism.
Others argued that Easter should always be celebrated on a Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The Council of Nicaea in AD 325 settled the issue by decreeing that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
This division further complicates how we understand the use of “Easter” in Acts 12:4. Was the KJV referring to the Christian festival, or was it merely using the common term for that seasonal period?
The Evolution of the Word “Easter”
Etymology and Origins
The word “Easter” is unique to English and German (“Ostern”). It is believed to be derived from “Eostre” or “Ēastre,” a pagan Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring mentioned by the 8th-century English monk Bede.
In nearly all other languages, the term used for Easter is derived from the Greek “Pascha,” which directly references the Passover:
- French – Pâques
- Spanish – Pascua
- Italian – Pasqua
- Latin – Pascha
This linguistic distinction further underscores the cultural influences behind the King James translation, as “Easter” would have been the recognized term for the resurrection celebration in 17th-century England.
Modern Bible Translations
Most modern translations have opted to return to “Passover” in Acts 12:4 to better reflect the original Greek and the historical context. For example:
- New International Version (NIV): “after the Passover”
- English Standard Version (ESV): “after the Passover”
- New King James Version (NKJV): “after Passover”
These translations aim for greater linguistic and theological accuracy, reducing the confusion between Jewish and Christian observances.
Why the King James Translation Still Matters
Legacy and Influence
Despite newer translations, the King James Bible remains a beloved and enduring work of English literature and Christian tradition. Its poetic language, reverence, and rhythm have deeply influenced English-speaking Christian communities.
The use of “Easter” in Acts 12:4 serves as a linguistic snapshot of a time when biblical interpretation was entwined with cultural and religious norms.
Scholarly Reflection
The mention of “Easter” in Acts 12:4 challenges scholars and believers alike to think critically about translation choices, the role of tradition, and the importance of context in understanding Scripture.
It also demonstrates the complexity of conveying ancient texts to modern audiences—a challenge that every Bible translation must confront.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Readers Today?
The appearance of the word “Easter” in the King James Bible—though it occurs only once—is a fascinating example of how translation, tradition, and theology intersect. It invites readers to reflect on the historical context of Bible translation, the shared roots of Easter and Passover, and the enduring significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
While most modern scholars agree that “Passover” is the more accurate rendering of the Greek Pascha, the use of “Easter” in Acts 12:4 in the King James Version remains a testament to the cultural and ecclesiastical influences of its time.
For today’s readers, this single verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of contextual Bible study, respect for historical tradition, and the need to seek deeper understanding of the Scriptures that shape Christian faith and practice.
You Might Be Interested In:
