Easter
Summary
A term appearing once in the King James Version as a translation of the Greek word for Passover, which modern translations correctly render as 'Passover.'
☩The Translation Issue
The word 'Easter' appears only once in the King James Version, in Acts 12:4, describing Herod's intention to bring Peter before the people 'after Easter.' Earlier English versions frequently used 'Easter' to translate the Greek word 'pascha,' which properly means 'Passover.' The Authorized Version substituted 'Passover' in all other passages but retained 'Easter' in this single instance. All subsequent revisions and modern translations have corrected this, using 'Passover' consistently throughout. The context clearly indicates the Jewish feast is meant, as Herod was detaining Peter during the days of unleavened bread.
☩Distinction from Christian Easter
The Christian feast of Easter and the Jewish Passover are distinct celebrations, though historically connected. The Christian Easter celebrates Christ's resurrection and developed its own traditions and dating in the early church. The Jewish Passover commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The confusion in Acts 12:4 arose from the use of 'Easter' in older English to refer to the Passover season, a usage that became obsolete as the terms became more precisely distinguished.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Easter," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Easter," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Easter," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).