πεντηκοστή

Pentecost

Definition

Pentecost (πεντηκοστή) is a Greek term meaning 'fiftieth,' referring to the Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover, also known as the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). In the New Testament, it primarily denotes this annual feast, as seen in Acts 20:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:8, where Paul plans his travels around it. Most significantly, in Acts 2:1, Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, transforming it into the birthday of the Christian church. Thus, the word carries both its original Jewish liturgical sense and its new, pivotal Christian significance.

Biblical Usage

The word is used three times in the New Testament, always as a proper noun for the festival. In Acts 20:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:8, it is referenced in the context of Paul's ministry schedule, showing its importance in the Jewish and early Christian calendar. In Acts 2:1, its usage is foundational, describing the setting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All occurrences are in narrative or travelogue contexts, highlighting its role as a fixed point in time.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek adjective πεντήκοντα (pentēkonta), meaning 'fifty.' The feminine form πεντηκοστή (pentēkostē) literally means 'the fiftieth (day).' It is a direct translation of the Hebrew name for the Feast of Weeks, which was calculated from Passover.

Semantic Range

Pentecost is theologically central as it fulfills Old Testament prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) and Jesus' promise (Acts 1:8) of the Holy Spirit's power for the church. It marks the transition from the old covenant focused on Israel to the new covenant inclusive of all nations, as demonstrated by the speaking in tongues. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the timing of the Spirit's arrival to the Jewish festival of firstfruits, symbolizing the first harvest of believers.

In its original Jewish setting, Pentecost was one of the three major pilgrimage feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16), a harvest celebration where Israelites offered firstfruits. By the first century, it also commemorated the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The New Testament event in Acts 2 repurposes this cultural and theological backdrop, presenting the Holy Spirit as the new law written on hearts and the church as God's harvest.

ἑορτή (heortē, G1859) — A general term for 'feast' or 'festival,' of which Pentecost was one specific instance.

Word Details

Scripture References