The word “Easter” is widely associated with the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, if you were to look for the term “Easter” in the King James Bible, you might be surprised to find it used only a few times, and not in the way many people expect. In this article, we will explore where the word “Easter” appears in the King James Bible, what it means, and the historical and theological context behind its use.
The Search for “Easter” in the King James Bible
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is one of the most well-known and beloved translations among English-speaking Christians. It has been the foundation for much Christian doctrine and practice. Many people, especially those who observe Easter as a major Christian holiday, might assume that the word “Easter” appears frequently in the Bible. However, when we examine the text closely, we discover that “Easter” is mentioned only one time in the KJV New Testament, specifically in Acts 12:4.
Let’s start by looking at this verse closely:
“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.”
Here, the term “Easter” appears in a passage that describes an event involving the Apostle Peter. King Herod had arrested Peter and planned to bring him before the people after “Easter.” But why does this verse mention Easter? And what does it mean?
The Meaning of “Easter” in Acts 12:4
To understand why the word “Easter” is used in Acts 12:4, it is helpful to first look at the historical and linguistic context. In the Greek text of the New Testament, the word that appears in Acts 12:4 is “Pascha.” This word is derived from the Hebrew word “Pesach,” which refers to the Passover feast.
The Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (as described in the book of Exodus). It marks the moment when God passed over the homes of the Israelites during the final plague on Egypt and spared their firstborns. The Jewish people still celebrate Passover today, and it plays a key role in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, as Jesus died during the Passover festival.
So, why does the KJV translate “Pascha” as “Easter”? This decision is rooted in the translation choices made by the scholars of the King James Bible. In 1611, when the KJV was being translated, the word “Easter” was already in use in English, but it had a different meaning than it does today. At that time, “Easter” referred to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, which was closely tied to the timing of the Jewish Passover. Therefore, the translators chose to use “Easter” in Acts 12:4, likely because they associated the period around Passover with the Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
However, it is important to note that in other modern translations of the Bible, the word “Easter” is usually replaced with “Passover.” For example, the New International Version (NIV) and the English Standard Version (ESV) both translate Acts 12:4 as:
“When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.”
This translation is more consistent with the original Greek word “Pascha” and its connection to the Jewish Passover. So, while the King James Bible uses “Easter,” the more accurate term is “Passover.”
The Development of the Term “Easter”
To fully understand the use of “Easter” in the KJV, we need to look at how the word itself came to be associated with the resurrection of Jesus. The term “Easter” in English has roots in ancient languages. Some scholars believe that it comes from the Old English word “ēastre,” which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. This festival was dedicated to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, who was associated with fertility and renewal.
In the early days of Christianity, the church sought to find a way to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is believed that the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection was eventually linked to the timing of these spring festivals. Over time, “Easter” became the term used for the Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s victory over death.
The term “Easter” gradually replaced “Pascha” in many languages, particularly in Western Europe. However, in many other languages, the word for Easter is still closely related to the term “Passover.” For instance, in Greek, the word for Easter is “Pascha,” and in Spanish, it is “Pascua.”
Theological Significance of Easter
Theologically, Easter holds immense significance in Christianity. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central event in Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14:
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the ultimate victory over sin and death. It assures Christians of eternal life and is the foundation of Christian hope. While the word “Easter” may not appear frequently in the Bible, the event it represents is of utmost importance. The resurrection is the reason Christians gather to celebrate, not only on Easter Sunday but every time they gather to worship.
The Role of Easter in the Christian Calendar
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, a date that typically falls between March 22 and April 25. This timing is symbolic, as it aligns with the Jewish Passover and the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred during that time.
The period leading up to Easter is known as Lent, a season of fasting, prayer, and reflection for many Christians. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, representing the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. The culmination of Lent is Holy Week, which includes Good Friday (commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (celebrating His resurrection).
Easter Sunday is the most significant day in the Christian calendar. It is a day of joy and celebration, as Christians remember that Jesus defeated death and offers the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Other References to Passover in the Bible
While the word “Easter” may only appear once in the King James Bible, the event it represents—Christ’s resurrection—was deeply connected to the Jewish Passover. The Gospels recount the events of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, which occurred during the Passover festival. The following verses are particularly important:
- Matthew 26:17-19 – Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, instituting what we now call the Lord’s Supper or Communion.
- Luke 22:7-15 – The preparation for the Passover meal is described, and Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples.
- John 19:14 – The crucifixion of Jesus is described as taking place “about the sixth hour” on the day of Preparation for the Passover.
These passages highlight the connection between Jesus’ death and resurrection with the Passover feast. Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God” because His sacrifice fulfilled the symbolism of the Passover lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites in Egypt.
Conclusion
The word “Easter” only appears once in the King James Bible, and it is found in Acts 12:4. However, the event it represents—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—is a central theme throughout the New Testament and the entire Christian faith. The use of the word “Easter” in Acts is a translation choice that reflects the historical context of the time. In the original Greek, the term “Pascha” is used, which refers to the Jewish Passover.
Today, Christians around the world celebrate Easter as the most important event in their faith. It reminds believers of the victory of life over death, the hope of eternal life, and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ. Whether we call it Easter or Passover, the message remains the same: Jesus is risen!
If you are interested in learning more about the resurrection of Jesus and its significance, you can explore the many passages in the Bible that describe His death, burial, and resurrection. Regardless of the term used, the core message of Easter remains the same: Christ has conquered death, and through Him, all believers can have eternal life.
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