Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Christian faith. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fundamental event in Christianity. But if you search for the word “Easter” in the King James Bible, you might be surprised by what you find. This article will explore where Easter appears in the Bible, its significance, and the connection between Easter and the Bible’s teachings.

The Word “Easter” in the King James Bible

At first glance, it may seem like Easter is mentioned all over the Bible. After all, it’s the day Christians celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. However, the word “Easter” is only mentioned once in the entire King James Bible. This mention can be found in the New Testament, in Acts 12:4. Let’s take a closer look at this verse:

Acts 12:4 (KJV):

This is the only time the word “Easter” appears in the King James Version. It’s important to note that this verse is referring to King Herod’s plan to bring Peter to trial after the Passover season. The passage is often misunderstood because “Easter” here does not refer to the modern Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Instead, the word “Easter” in this context is a translation of the Greek word pascha, which actually refers to the Jewish Passover festival.

The Meaning of Easter in Acts 12:4

To understand why “Easter” is mentioned in Acts 12:4, we need to understand the historical context. King Herod had arrested the Apostle Peter and was planning to bring him to trial after the Jewish Passover. The word pascha in Greek referred to the Jewish festival, and it was common for early Christians to celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection during this time.

The King James translators used the word “Easter” because, at the time of translation in the 17th century, the English-speaking world associated this time with the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. However, it’s important to know that in the original Greek, the term is directly connected to the Passover, not the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated in the context of the Passover, but Easter as we know it today wasn’t a term used in the Bible itself.

The Significance of Easter for Christians

Even though the word “Easter” appears only once in the King James Bible, the event it represents is central to Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christianity, and Easter is the day Christians remember and celebrate this miraculous event. Let’s dive deeper into the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection.

The Resurrection in the Gospels

The resurrection of Jesus is described in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Let’s look at some key verses that tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Matthew 28:5-7 (KJV)

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”

Mark 16:6 (KJV)

“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

Luke 24:5-7 (KJV)

“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

John 20:17 (KJV)

“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”

Each of these passages speaks to the moment when Jesus’ followers discovered that He had risen from the dead. The resurrection marks the victory over sin and death and is the foundation of Christian hope.

The Importance of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is more than just a miraculous event—it has deep spiritual meaning for Christians. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17 (KJV):

“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

Without the resurrection, Christianity would lose its meaning. The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity. It also guarantees the future resurrection of believers. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (KJV):

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Easter and the Early Church

In the early church, Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus not just once a year, but every Sunday. The early Christians, especially in the first few centuries, met on Sundays because it was the day Jesus rose from the dead. Over time, a special holiday began to develop around this event. While the Bible does not specifically mention a holiday called “Easter,” the resurrection of Jesus was central to Christian worship from the very beginning.

The first official celebrations of Easter took place in the 2nd century. Christians began to mark the date of Jesus’ resurrection with a special celebration. In the early church, Easter was connected with the Jewish Passover, as both the Passover and the resurrection of Jesus occur around the same time of year.

The Origin of the Name “Easter”

The word “Easter” itself likely has its roots in pre-Christian traditions. Many historians believe that the name “Easter” is derived from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. However, the Christian celebration of Easter has little to do with these earlier pagan customs. Over time, the name became associated with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, and today it is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “Easter” only appears once in the King James Bible, in Acts 12:4, where it refers to the Jewish Passover. However, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Easter commemorates, is a central theme in the New Testament. It is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, as it demonstrates Christ’s victory over death and sin. Easter, while not specifically mentioned in the Bible as we celebrate it today, represents the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus’ resurrection.

The resurrection is foundational to Christian hope. Without it, the message of the Gospel would have no power. But because Jesus rose from the dead, Christians believe they, too, can have eternal life through faith in Him.

Though the word “Easter” itself does not appear throughout the Bible, the event it represents—Jesus’ resurrection—is woven throughout the entire New Testament. From the Gospels to the letters of Paul, the resurrection is the key to understanding the Christian faith.

As you celebrate Easter, remember that it’s not just a time for family gatherings or special meals. It’s a time to reflect on the hope that comes from Jesus’ victory over death and the new life He offers to all who believe in Him.

Easter, in essence, is a celebration of God’s power, love, and grace, and it all begins with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Where is Easter in the King James Bible?