Brief Overview of πεντηκοστή (Strong’s G4005: pentēkostē)
Strong’s G4005: From πεντήκοντα (fifty); literally “fiftieth,” refers to Pentecost festival occurring fifty days after Passover. In NT, marks pivotal moment of Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Originally agricultural festival transformed into commemoration of giving of Law, then birth of Church.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πεντηκοστή represents profound theological transition from Old to New Covenant. Originally marking the wheat harvest and later commemorating Sinai’s law-giving, it became the birthday of the Church through the Spirit’s outpouring. Early church saw it as fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy and inauguration of the Spirit’s age. Today, it reminds us of the Spirit’s ongoing work in empowering the Church.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πεντηκοστή, pentēkostē, [pen-tay-kos-TAY]
- Detailed pronunciation: pen-tay-kos-TAY (emphasis on final syllable)
- Part of Speech: Adjective (used as Noun)
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Etymology:
- From πεντήκοντα (fifty)
- Feminine form of πεντηκοστός
- Substantivized adjective
- Implies “fiftieth day”
D – Defining Meanings
- Pentecost festival
- Fiftieth day
- Feast of Weeks
For compound words: Not applicable as derived adjective
Translation Options:
- Pentecost – Traditional translation
- Feast of Weeks – Jewish context
- Fiftieth Day – Literal meaning
E – Exploring Similar Words
- πεντηκοστός [pentēkostos, pen-tay-kos-TOS] – fiftieth
- ἑορτή [heortē, heh-or-TAY] – feast, festival
- πεντήκοντα [pentēkonta, pen-TAY-kon-ta] – fifty
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- First Declension
- Feminine Gender
- Nominative: πεντηκοστή
- Genitive: πεντηκοστῆς
- Dative: πεντηκοστῇ
- Accusative: πεντηκοστήν
- Cross-references: πεντήκοντα (fifty)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes festival significance. Thayer’s notes Jewish background. LSJ traces agricultural origins. Vine’s highlights Spirit’s outpouring. Moulton and Milligan show festival usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“When the Day of Pentecost [πεντηκοστή] had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)
Additional References:
Acts 20:16, 1 Corinthians 16:8
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Josephus: Antiquities | “The feast called Pentecost [πεντηκοστή].” |
Philo: Special Laws | “The festival of Pentecost [πεντηκοστή].” |
Tobit: Septuagint | “Until the feast of Pentecost [πεντηκοστή].” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πεντηκοστή marks God’s progression from law written on stone to Spirit written on hearts. The Spirit’s outpouring empowers believers for witness and ministry, continuing Christ’s work through His Church. This reminds us of our constant need for Spirit’s power in mission.
D – Did You Know?
- Only major Jewish feast occurring on a single day
- Christians celebrate it as Church’s birthday
- Associated with first fruits offering in Jewish tradition
Strong’s G4005: From πεντήκοντα (fifty); literally “fiftieth,” refers to Pentecost festival occurring fifty days after Passover. In NT, marks pivotal moment of Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Originally agricultural festival transformed into commemoration of giving of Law, then birth of Church.
Part of speech: Adjective (used as Noun)
Tags: #Pentecost #HolySpirit #ChurchBirthday #Festivals #JewishFeasts #Acts #SpiritualEmpowerment #Witness #BiblicalFeasts #ChurchHistory
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