Bible Encyclopedias
Holyday

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hō´li - dā : This word occurs twice in the King James Version, namely, Psalm 42:4 , "a multitude that kept (the Revised Version (British and American) "keeping") holyday," and Colossians 2:16 . In the latter case it is a rendering of the Greek word ἑορτή , heortḗ , the ordinary term for a religious festival. the Revised Version (British and American) translates "feast day." In the former instance "keeping holyday" renders חוגג , ḥōghēgh ̌ . The verb means to "make a pilgrimage," or "keep a religious festival." Occasionally the idea of merrymaking prevails, as in 1 Samuel 30:16 - "eating and drinking," and enjoying themselves merrily. The Psalmist (who was perhaps an exiled priest) remembers with poignant regret how he used to lead religious processions on festival occasions.