Lexical Summary paraskeué: Preparation Original Word: παρασκευή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance preparation. As if from paraskeuazo; readiness -- preparation. see GREEK paraskeuazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paraskeuazó Definition preparation, the day of preparation (for a Sabbath or feast) NASB Translation day (1), day of preparation (3), preparation (2), preparation day (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3904: παρασκευήπαρασκευή, παρασκευῆς, ἡ, from Herodotus down; 1. a making ready, preparation, equipping. 2. that which is prepared, equipment. 3. in the N. T. in a Jewish sense, the day of preparation, i. e. the day on which the Jews made the necessary preparation to celebrate a sabbath or a feast: Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:31 (Josephus, Antiquities 16, 6, 2); with a genitive of the object, τοῦ πάσχα (according to Winer's Grammar, 189 (177f) a possessive genitive), John 19:14 (cf. Rückert, Abendmahl, p. 31f); with a genitive of the subjunctive, τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ibid. 42. Cf. Bleek, Beiträge zur Evangelienkritik, p. 114ff; (on later usage cf. 'Teaching 8, 1 [ET] (and Harnack's note); Martyr. Polycarp, 7, 1 [ET] (and Zahn's note); Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word, 3). Strong’s Greek 3904 (παρασκευή, paraskeuḗ) designates “Preparation,” the final daylight period before a festival Sabbath. In the Gospel record it consistently refers to the Friday of Passion Week, the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Historical Context in Second Temple Judaism By the first century, Jewish life was regulated by oral traditions that amplified the commands of Torah. Work was meticulously curtailed on Sabbaths, so the preceding day became one of diligent readiness: food was cooked, lamps filled, travel curtailed, and burial completed. Because Passover could begin with a high Sabbath (Exodus 12:16), any Preparation directly before that feast carried special urgency (John 19:14). Occurrences in the New Testament • Mark 15:42 – identifies the late afternoon urgency to remove Jesus’ body. Chronological Importance in the Passion Narrative The timing anchors the crucifixion on Friday afternoon before sunset, allowing three calendar segments (Friday, Saturday, early Sunday) to satisfy the “third day” prophecies (Luke 24:7). The Gospel writers mention παρασκευή to demonstrate faithful adherence to Mosaic law even amid Rome’s occupation. Their agreement underscores the historical reliability of the death and burial events. Theological Reflections 1. Completion: Jesus’ cry “It is finished” (John 19:30) precedes the communal completion of chores. Whereas Israel prepared for rest, Christ prepared eternal rest for His people (Hebrews 4:9-10). Early Christian Practice and Worship First-century believers continued synagogue attendance (Acts 13:14) yet gathered for “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7). Friday retained solemnity; by the second century many fasted until three o’clock to honor the crucifixion hour. The association of παρασκευή with redemption shaped liturgies for Good Friday and the Paschal Vigil. Contemporary Ministry Applications • Pastoral scheduling: Care should be taken to avoid needless burdens on congregants preparing for Lord’s Day worship. Key Lessons 1. God’s redemptive plan integrates calendar, covenant, and Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:62 N-AFSGRK: μετὰ τὴν παρασκευήν συνήχθησαν οἱ NAS: after the preparation, the chief priests KJV: followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests INT: after the preparation were gathered together the Mark 15:42 N-NFS Luke 23:54 N-GFS John 19:14 N-NFS John 19:31 N-NFS John 19:42 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3904 |
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