Pascha
Pascha Definition
- the paschal sacrifice (which was accustomed to be offered for the people’s deliverance of old from Egypt)
- the paschal lamb, i.e. the lamb the Israelites were accustomed to slay and eat on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan (the first month of their year) in memory of the day on which their fathers, preparing to depart from Egypt, were bidden by God to slay and eat a lamb, and to sprinkle their door posts with its blood, that the destroying angel, seeing the blood, might pass over their dwellings; Christ crucified is likened to the slain paschal lamb
- the paschal supper
- the paschal feast, the feast of the Passover, extending from the 14th to the 20th day of the month Nisan
What Does Pascha Mean in Greek in Context of the Bible?
Pascha is the Greek word often translated as “Passover.” In the Bible, it refers specifically to the Jewish festival that commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This explanation is crucial for understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of Pascha, especially as it relates to the Christian celebration of Easter. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of Pascha, its origins, and its implications in both the Old and New Testaments.
The Origin of the Term Pascha
The term “Pascha” comes from the Hebrew word “Pesach,” which means “to pass over.” This term is deep-rooted in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the book of Exodus, where God instructed the Israelites to mark their doors with lamb’s blood so that the angel of death would pass over their homes during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). The festival of Passover celebrates this divine act of deliverance.
In the Greek Scriptures, “Pascha” takes on layers of meaning that intertwine with Christian theology. As the early Christians began to establish their beliefs, they retained many aspects of Jewish traditions, including the observance of Passover. This change set the stage for how “Pascha” evolved in significance.
The Significance of Pascha in the Old Testament
Understanding Pascha in the Old Testament begins with the story of the Exodus. The Passover festival is mentioned in Exodus 12-13, and it consists of various elements, each imbued with meaning. The main components include:
- The Unblemished Lamb: Each family was to sacrifice a lamb without defect. This lamb represented purity and was crucial for the sacrifice.
- The Bitter Herbs: Traditionally eaten during the Passover meal, these symbolize the bitterness of slavery and hardship.
- The Matzah: Unleavened bread, which represents the haste of the Israelites leaving Egypt—there was no time to let the dough rise.
As the Israelites celebrated Pascha, they remembered God’s promise to them and their deliverance from bondage. This historical and spiritual context is important, as it directly plays into the understanding of Pascha in the New Testament.
How Pascha Connects to the New Testament
In the New Testament, the word “Pascha” becomes central to the story of Jesus Christ. The Gospels narrate how Jesus was crucified during Passover, which gives new meaning to the event. For Christians, Jesus is perceived as the ultimate Passover Lamb. His sacrificial death fulfills the symbolism of the lamb in the Passover story.
The Last Supper and Pascha
During the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples that had Passover as its backdrop. This event is significant for understanding Pascha in the Greek context. Jesus took the bread and wine and said, “This is my body… this is my blood” (Matthew 26:26-28). By identifying bread and wine as His body and blood, He redefined the traditional Passover meal to signify the new covenant between God and humanity.
The use of “Pascha” in these passages underlines the continuity of faith from the Old Testament to the New. The early Christians continued to celebrate Pascha, linking it to the resurrection of Jesus. Thus, the timing of Easter generally follows the Passover, showing how the two celebrations are inherently connected.
The Transition to Easter
As Christianity spread, the focus shifted more towards the resurrection of Jesus, and the celebration of Pascha evolved into what is today widely known as Easter. The early church incorporated the joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection into the existing Jewish Passover traditions.
The term “Pascha” is still used in many Christian traditions today, particularly in Eastern Orthodox churches. This variation highlights how the meaning of Pascha continues to resonate with the themes of rebirth and renewal. The joyous celebration of Easter, therefore, has its roots firmly entrenched in the Paschal observance of Passover.
Modern Observances of Pascha
Today, Pascha is deeply meaningful not just in the context of the Bible, but also within various Christian traditions.
Eastern Orthodox Traditions
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Pascha is celebrated with great fervor. The observance often includes:
- Vigil Services: These services last throughout the night and include readings, hymns, and prayers.
- Midnight Service: At midnight, the church bells ring, signifying the resurrection of Christ.
- Feasting: Following the lengthy fasting period of Lent, Pascha celebrations often feature a lavish meal with traditional foods.
Western Traditions
In Western Christian traditions, Easter celebrations include:
- Easter Sunday Mass: Churches hold special services that highlight the resurrection of Jesus.
- Easter Eggs and Bunnies: These symbols of new life and rebirth, while not traditionally biblical, have become a popular part of Easter festivities in many cultures.
As Christians reflect on their faith, Pascha stands as a reminder of God’s promise to deliver and redeem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “Pascha” originates from the Hebrew “Pesach,” meaning “Passover,” and it carries profound implications across biblical texts. While it initially described a Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus, its meaning expanded significantly in the New Testament context. Jesus’ crucifixion during Passover transformed Pascha into a celebration of the new covenant and the resurrection. Today, Pascha remains a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian traditions, reminding believers of their faith’s deep roots and the continuing story of redemption.
Common Questions Related to What Does Pascha Mean In Greek In Context Of The Bible
Q. What does the term Pascha literally translate to in English?
A. Pascha literally translates to “Passover” in English, highlighting its roots in the Jewish festival.
Q. How is Pascha related to the story of the Exodus?
A. Pascha commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus.
Q. Why is Jesus called the Paschal Lamb?
A. Jesus is called the Paschal Lamb because His sacrificial death fulfills the symbolism of the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed for the sake of the people.
Q. How did the meaning of Pascha evolve in Christianity?
A. The meaning of Pascha evolved to encompass the resurrection of Jesus, thus linking it to both Passover and the celebration of Easter.
Q. What are some traditional practices during Pascha in Orthodox churches?
A. Traditional practices include all-night vigils, midnight services to celebrate the resurrection, and communal feasting.
Q. What foods are typically associated with Pascha celebrations?
A. Foods often include lamb, eggs, and other festive dishes that symbolize new life and renewal.
Q. Is Pascha celebrated on the same date every year?
A. No, Pascha (Easter) does not have a fixed date and varies each year, often falling on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
Q. How does the celebration of Pascha differ between Eastern and Western churches?
A. Eastern churches focus more on the vigil and solemnity before the resurrection, whereas Western churches may emphasize joyous celebrations and family traditions.
Q. What role does the Last Supper play in understanding Pascha?
A. The Last Supper is crucial as it redefined the Passover meal to signify Jesus’ body and blood, thus connecting Pascha to the new covenant.
Q. Why is Pascha significant for Christians today?
A. Pascha is significant as it represents God’s promise of redemption, resurrection of Jesus, and the hope of new life for believers.