Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter
Attention!
StudyLight.org has pledged to help build churches in Uganda. Help us with that pledge and support pastors in the heart of Africa.
Click here to join the effort!

Bible Encyclopedias
Day Before the Sabbath

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Search for…
or
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Day and Night
Next Entry
Day of Atonement
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links

(ἡ παρασκευή , hē paraskeuḗ , "preparation"): Considered as a day of preparation, in accordance with Exodus 16:23 , both before the regular Sabbath and before a feast Sabbath (Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14 , John 19:31 , John 19:42 ). At 3 p.m., the Hebrews began to prepare their food for the next day, and to perform all labors which were forbidden to be done on the Sabbath and yet must be done. They bathed and purified themselves, dressed in festive apparel, set their tables, and lighted their lamps. On the day before Easter, the Hebrews of the later period made it their chief business to remove all leaven from the house (1 Corinthians 5:7 ). This custom of converting at least a portion of the day before the Sabbath into a holy day was recognized by the Romans to such an extent that, according to a rescript of Augustus, Jews need not appear in court after 3 p.m. on such days. Criminal cases were not brought before court on this day, and journeys exceeding 12 Roman miles were prohibited. The signal for the preparations was given by the priests by means of trumpets blown six times at intervals.

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Day Before the Sabbath'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​d/day-before-the-sabbath.html. 1915.
adsFree icon
Ads FreeProfile