The word “Easter” is widely associated with the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. For many, it is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual renewal. However, some people question whether the word “Easter” has any biblical basis or if it is simply a tradition that has evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the origin of the word “Easter,” its connection to the Bible, and whether it is appropriate to use the term in relation to the Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
The Origins of the Word “Easter”
The word “Easter” itself does not appear in the Bible. The term is not used in the Greek New Testament or any of the original writings of the early Christian church. Instead, the term “Passover” (Greek: “Pascha”) is used in the Bible to describe the Jewish festival that commemorates God‘s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The New Testament also refers to the resurrection of Jesus as “the Feast of the Passover” or simply “the Resurrection.”
So, how did the word “Easter” come to be associated with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection? The answer lies in the history of the Christian church and its adoption of certain traditions and customs over time.
Early Christian Observance of the Resurrection
In the early Christian church, the focus was on the resurrection of Jesus. However, there were different ways of marking this event. The Jewish tradition of Passover was an important part of the backdrop to the resurrection, and early Christians often celebrated the resurrection during the Passover festival. This connection between Passover and the resurrection laid the foundation for the celebration of Easter, though the term “Easter” was not used initially.
The early Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus on a Sunday, as this was the day on which Christ was believed to have risen from the dead. This practice was established as early as the second century. The day was known as “the Lord’s Day,” and it became the main weekly observance for Christians, much like the Sabbath was for Jews.
However, by the fourth century, the church began to formalize the observance of the resurrection and set a specific day for it, separate from the Passover celebration. This led to the development of a separate Christian holiday to commemorate Christ’s resurrection.
The Transition from Passover to Easter
The transition from celebrating Jesus’ resurrection during Passover to celebrating it on a distinct day eventually led to the development of the holiday we now call “Easter.” The origins of this change can be traced back to the early church’s desire to distinguish Christian celebrations from Jewish traditions. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, it encountered various pagan festivals, some of which had themes related to spring, fertility, and rebirth. Over time, the church adapted certain elements of these pagan celebrations in an effort to make the transition to Christianity more appealing to converts.
One of the most prominent pagan festivals in early Europe was the celebration of the spring equinox, which honored the goddess Eostre (or Ostara) in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic traditions. The name “Easter” is believed to have come from this goddess, whose festival was held around the same time as the Christian resurrection celebration.
While the church did not directly adopt the worship of Eostre, elements of the springtime celebration—such as eggs, rabbits, and the idea of new life—became associated with the Christian celebration of the resurrection. These symbols, which had pagan roots, were gradually incorporated into the celebration of Easter over the centuries. The word “Easter,” therefore, became a term for the Christian holiday, even though it has no direct connection to the biblical texts.
Biblical Terms Related to Jesus’ Resurrection
While the word “Easter” is not found in the Bible, the concept of resurrection is central to the Christian faith and is firmly rooted in Scripture. The New Testament provides several key terms and descriptions related to the resurrection of Jesus. Some of the most important terms include:
1. The Passover (Greek: Pascha)
As mentioned earlier, the word “Passover” is the term used in the Bible to describe the Jewish festival that commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ death and resurrection took place during the Passover festival, which is why the early Christian celebration of the resurrection was closely tied to Passover.
In the Gospel of Luke, for example, Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples is described as a Passover meal. Jesus used this occasion to institute what we call the Lord’s Supper or Communion, where He broke bread and shared wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood. This moment is significant because it connects the sacrifice of Jesus with the Passover lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites from the judgment of death.
The term “Pascha” (Passover) is still used in many Christian traditions to refer to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. In fact, the word “Easter” is derived from the Old English word “ēastre,” which is believed to be related to the name of the pagan goddess Eostre. However, in many languages, the word for the holiday is derived from the term “Pascha.” For instance, in Greek, the word for Easter is “Πάσχα” (Pascha), which directly refers to the Jewish Passover.
2. Resurrection (Greek: Anástasis)
The word “resurrection” is a key term in the Bible that describes Jesus’ rising from the dead. The Greek word “anástasis” refers to the act of standing up or rising again. The resurrection is the foundational event of Christianity, as it affirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for believers.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Paul writes:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
The resurrection is the heart of the Christian gospel, and it is essential to the faith. Without the resurrection, Paul argues, “our faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Therefore, while the word “Easter” is not found in the Bible, the concept of resurrection is deeply embedded in Scripture.
3. The Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10)
In the New Testament, the term “the Lord’s Day” is used to refer to the first day of the week, which became the primary day of Christian worship. This day was chosen because it was the day on which Jesus rose from the dead. In Revelation 1:10, John writes:
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.”
The Lord’s Day became a special day for Christians to gather in worship, prayer, and celebration of the resurrection. It was a day to remember Jesus’ victory over death and the hope that He offers to all believers.
Is “Easter” a Biblically Accurate Term?
While the word “Easter” is not found in the Bible and has connections to pagan festivals, it has become a widely accepted term for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. The term has been used for centuries to describe this important event in Christian history. However, some Christians may prefer to use the term “Resurrection Sunday” or “Pascha” to emphasize the biblical nature of the celebration and to avoid any association with pagan traditions.
Ultimately, whether one uses the word “Easter” or another term is a matter of personal preference and tradition. What matters most is the focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to believers. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:4:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Conclusion
The word “Easter” is not found in the Bible, but the celebration it represents—Jesus’ resurrection—is central to the Christian faith. While the term itself has roots in pagan traditions, it has become widely used to describe the joyful remembrance of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Bible focuses on the resurrection of Jesus, and this event is foundational to the Christian message of hope and salvation.
Whether you choose to use the word “Easter” or prefer a different term, the important thing is to remember the significance of the resurrection and its impact on our lives. Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, and it is a truth that brings life and hope to all who believe in Him.
You Might Be Interested In:
