Brief Overview of παρασκευή (Strong’s G3904: paraskeuē)

Strong’s G3904: A noun meaning “preparation,” specifically referring to the Day of Preparation before the Sabbath or festivals. In New Testament usage, it particularly denotes Friday as the day of preparation for the Sabbath. Critical in understanding the timing of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρασκευή carries deep significance in Jewish religious practice as the day of preparation before the Sabbath. In the New Testament, it appears predominantly in the crucifixion narratives, marking the day of Jesus’s death. The term embodies both practical preparation and spiritual readiness. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both the historical timing of Jesus’s death and the spiritual preparation necessary for worship. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of the crucifixion timeline and reminds believers of the importance of spiritual preparation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρασκευή, paraskeuē, /par-as-kyoo-AY/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + as (as in ‘us’) + kyoo (as in ‘cute’) + AY (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• σκευή (skeuē): equipment, preparation
• -η (-ē): feminine noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• The day of preparation
• Friday (as preparation for Sabbath)
• Preparation time for festivals

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies the concept while σκευή provides the core meaning of preparation, creating a term for dedicated preparation time

Translation Options:

• “Preparation Day” – emphasizes its function in Jewish calendar
• “Friday” – contextual equivalent in Jewish week
• “Eve” – captures preparatory nature (as in “Sabbath Eve”)

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasia) /het-oy-mas-EE-ah/ – preparation in general
• προετοιμασία (proetoimasia) /pro-et-oy-mas-EE-ah/ – preparation beforehand
• σκευή (skeuē) /skyoo-AY/ – equipment or preparation materials

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρασκευή exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
Singular: παρασκευή (nom.), παρασκευῆς (gen.)
Plural: παρασκευαί (nom.), παρασκευῶν (gen.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific reference to Friday as preparation for Sabbath. Thayer’s notes its importance in Jewish religious practice. LSJ documents its broader usage for preparation in general. Vine’s highlights its significance in the crucifixion narrative. Moulton and Milligan note its adoption into Jewish Greek usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The next day, that is, after the [παρασκευή] day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate” (Matthew 27:62)

Additional References:
Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:14, 31, 42

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρασκευή served as both a technical term for Friday and a broader concept of preparation in Jewish religious life. Its prominence in the crucifixion narratives provides crucial chronological markers and theological significance.

D – Did You Know?

• The term became so associated with Friday that it remains the modern Greek word for Friday
• Its usage helps establish that Jesus was crucified on a Friday
• The word appears in all four Gospel accounts of the crucifixion

[Lexicon Summary]
A noun meaning “preparation,” specifically referring to the Day of Preparation before the Sabbath or festivals. In New Testament usage, it particularly denotes Friday as the day of preparation for the Sabbath. Critical in understanding the timing of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #preparation #friday #sabbath #crucifixion #jewish_customs #gospels #biblical_greek #new_testament #passion_narrative​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​