Easter is one of the most celebrated events in Christianity, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This pivotal event is at the core of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death, and affirming the hope of eternal life. While modern believers recognize this event as “Easter,” a question often arises: What is Easter called in the Bible? This article explores the origins of the term “Easter,” its biblical references (or lack thereof), and the theological significance of the resurrection as it is presented in Scripture.
The Word “Easter” in the Bible: A Closer Look
In most modern English translations of the Bible, the word “Easter” is not found. The exception lies in the King James Version (KJV), which uses the word Easter once in Acts 12:4:
“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)
However, this translation has been widely debated. The original Greek word used in this passage is “Pascha” (Πάσχα), which refers to the Passover, the Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Nearly all other translations, such as the ESV, NASB, NIV, and NKJV, correctly translate Pascha as Passover in Acts 12:4 and in all other occurrences.
Thus, the only appearance of the word Easter in the Bible is a result of a translation choice made by the KJV translators in the early 17th century. Linguistically and contextually, it is widely agreed that the word should have been rendered Passover, consistent with the rest of the New Testament usage.
Origin and Meaning of the Term “Easter”
The term Easter itself is not of biblical origin. It likely derives from the Old English word Ēastre or Ēostre, which was the name of a pagan festival or goddess associated with spring and fertility. The Venerable Bede, an 8th-century English monk and historian, first mentioned this connection. Over time, the term was Christianized to refer to the resurrection of Christ, which occurred during the Jewish Passover season.
In many other languages, however, the word for Easter is directly derived from Pascha—for example:
- French: Pâques
- Spanish: Pascua
- Italian: Pasqua
- Greek: Πάσχα (Pascha)
This reflects a stronger connection to the biblical Passover and the original Greek term used throughout the New Testament.
The Biblical Term “Pascha” and Its Significance
As mentioned earlier, the Greek word Pascha is used 29 times in the New Testament. It consistently refers to the Jewish Passover. However, for Christians, the Passover took on deeper significance after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul draws a profound parallel:
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
This reference clearly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites in Egypt, so the blood of Christ offers salvation from sin and death. The early church did not celebrate “Easter” by name, but they did commemorate the resurrection, often in connection with Passover.
The Resurrection in the New Testament: Central Theme Without the Name
Though the term “Easter” does not appear (except in the KJV rendering of Acts 12:4), the resurrection of Jesus Christ is thoroughly documented and celebrated in the New Testament. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) all record the event of the resurrection with specific detail, making it a cornerstone of Christian theology.
Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
Mark 16:6 – “He has risen; he is not here.”
Luke 24:6-7 – “He is not here, but has risen.”
John 20:1-18 – A narrative of Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb.
Throughout the book of Acts and the epistles, the resurrection is the foundation of the apostles’ preaching:
Acts 2:32 – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”
Romans 6:9 – “Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again.”
1 Peter 1:3 – “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
While the Bible doesn’t assign a holiday name to this event, the importance of the resurrection is unquestionable. It is the event that defines Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Early Church Observances: Pascha, Not Easter
In the early centuries of Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus was commemorated during a festival called Pascha, not Easter. Early Christians, particularly in the East, celebrated the resurrection in conjunction with the Jewish Passover. The exact timing and manner of celebration led to disagreements, known as the Quartodeciman Controversy.
Some Christians celebrated Pascha on the 14th of Nisan (the date of the Jewish Passover), regardless of the day of the week. Others, particularly in Rome, observed the resurrection on the Sunday following the 14th of Nisan, emphasizing the weekly celebration of the Lord’s Day.
The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) eventually standardized the date for celebrating Christ’s resurrection on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox—a tradition that still governs Easter’s date today.
Theological Importance of the Resurrection
Even though the Bible doesn’t use the word “Easter” to describe the resurrection, it unmistakably teaches the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope:
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
The resurrection affirms:
- The divinity of Jesus (Romans 1:4)
- The acceptance of Christ’s atonement (Hebrews 10:10-14)
- The believer’s new life in Christ (Romans 6:4)
- The future resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
Thus, the biblical emphasis is not on a name or date, but on the reality and power of the risen Christ.
Modern Implications: What Should Christians Call It?
Given that the term “Easter” is rooted in a non-biblical tradition, some Christians prefer using “Resurrection Sunday” to describe the celebration. This terminology focuses on the biblical event rather than the cultural or linguistic heritage of the word “Easter.”
However, others accept “Easter” as a culturally established term for the resurrection celebration, understanding that its current usage in Christian settings is completely distinct from any ancient pagan roots. The key is not the name, but the truth it represents.
Conclusion: Beyond the Name
In summary, the Bible does not use the word Easter to describe the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead, the Scriptures speak extensively of the Passover (Pascha) and its fulfillment in Christ, and they proclaim the resurrection as the central hope of the Christian faith. The KJV’s single use of “Easter” in Acts 12:4 is better translated as “Passover,” aligning with every other use of the term Pascha in the New Testament.
While the word Easter may not be biblical in origin, the event it signifies—the resurrection of Jesus—is profoundly biblical. Whether one calls it Easter, Pascha, or Resurrection Sunday, the celebration centers on the victorious truth that Jesus is risen, and in Him, believers have eternal life.
“He is risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)
This eternal truth, not a single word or label, is what Christians across the world and across generations have clung to as the bedrock of their faith.
You Might Be Interested In:
