Easter
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Easter in the Bible?
The English name 'Easter' derives from the Old English 'Eosturmonath', a month named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, a connection documented by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century, whereas other Christian traditions use terms derived from the Hebrew 'Pesach' (Passover).
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between the Germanic linguistic roots of the English term and the Hebrew origins of the festival clarifies the historical context of the celebration, allowing readers to better appreciate the biblical narrative of the Resurrection as presented in the Gospels without conflating it with pre-Christian linguistic traditions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Easter in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Easter clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.