Brief Overview of ἑορτή (Strong’s G1859: heortē)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for uncovering the deeper meanings and contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word ἑορτή (heortē), meaning “feast” or “festival,” is particularly significant because it appears frequently in discussions about Jewish and early Christian celebrations. Its usage provides insight into the religious, social, and cultural practices of the ancient world, revealing how holy days and community gatherings were central to spiritual life.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἑορτή (heortē) [he-or-TAY]
• Etymology: Likely derived from the Greek verb ἑορτάζω (heortazō), meaning “to celebrate a festival,” suggesting an origin rooted in communal celebration and observance.
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Feast: A celebration marked by religious observance, communal eating, and joy.
• Festival: A period of time set aside for the celebration of a significant religious or cultural event.

Similar Words: The word ἑορτή (heortē) is related to several Greek terms associated with celebration. For example, ἑορτάζω (heortazō) [he-or-TA-zo] means “to celebrate a feast,” emphasizing the action of celebrating, whereas πανήγυρις (panēgyris) [pa-NEE-gy-rees] refers to a more general “public assembly” or “festive gathering.” Both words involve celebration, but heortē specifically denotes a religious feast.

Further Insights: The noun ἑορτή (heortē) follows the first declension pattern in Greek, where most feminine nouns end in -η. The word’s structure and usage are quite regular in Koine Greek texts, making it a foundational term for understanding biblical references to Jewish and Christian religious observances.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἑορτή (heortē) as “a religious festival or feast,” often linked with Jewish traditions such as Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Pentecost. It highlights the communal aspect of these events, where individuals gathered for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

Thayers: Notes that ἑορτή (heortē) means “a feast day,” primarily used in the New Testament for Jewish holy days. Thayer emphasizes the word’s ceremonial connotations, where rituals and special sacrifices were central.

Vines: Explains ἑορτή (heortē) as a “feast” or “festival,” with the sense of a fixed time of celebration. It elaborates on how the word is used to denote both the event itself and the gathering associated with it, such as in John 5:1.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἑορτή (heortē) is used broadly to mean “festival” or “feast,” applied to both religious and secular contexts. The lexicon notes its use to refer to various Greek and Roman festivals, extending its meaning beyond purely Jewish or Christian connotations.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἑορτή (heortē) as a noun meaning “a festival or holy day.” Strong’s emphasizes its prevalence in the New Testament to highlight key religious observances and the associated communal activities.

Related Scripture References

• John 7:2: “Now the feast (ἑορτὴ) of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near.”
• Matthew 26:5: “But they were saying, ‘Not during the feast (ἑορτῇ), otherwise a riot might occur among the people.'”
• Colossians 2:16: “Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival (ἑορτῇ) or a new moon or a Sabbath day.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἑορτή (G1859: heortē)

The Greek noun ἑορτή (heortē), meaning “feast” or “festival,” plays a vital role in understanding the communal and religious life of Jewish and early Christian societies. As a term deeply embedded in the context of religious observance, heortē highlights the importance of communal gatherings for worship, reflection, and fellowship. Its use across the New Testament and classical literature reflects the broader cultural significance of celebrating sacred events and holy days.

Did You Know?

The word ἑορτή (heortē) is the root of the English word “holiday,” which comes from “holy day.” This connection underscores how ancient traditions of feast-keeping have influenced modern concepts of holidays as times for communal gathering, celebration, and rest.