What does Pascha mean?

Etymology and Scriptural Roots

The term “Pascha” derives from the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word “Pesach,” commonly translated in English as “Passover.” In Scripture, “Pascha” appears in the Greek text of the New Testament to reference the Jewish Passover festival (e.g., Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:15). This term also came to be used in the early church to refer to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The connection between the Hebrew Pesach and the Greek Pascha intertwines the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt with the redemption accomplished by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Passover, as described in Exodus, involves the divine rescue of the Israelites from bondage by Yahweh’s direct intervention. The origin of the festival is captured in Exodus 12, where each household was commanded to slaughter a lamb and place its blood on the doorposts (Exodus 12:6–7). The angel of the Lord would then “pass over” the homes marked by this blood (Exodus 12:13). Because the root term for “Pascha” shares this heritage, it underscores themes of salvation and release from spiritual slavery.

Old Testament Foundations of the Term

From the earliest records, Passover stood as a key commemoration of the Exodus. Scripture recounts in detail the instructions given to Moses:

“Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, ‘Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb.’” (Exodus 12:21)

This observance was so integral to Israel’s collective identity that it was repeated each year to remind them of the Almighty’s miraculous care. Archaeological and historical texts, such as the Elephantine Papyri from the 5th century BC, confirm that Jewish communities outside the land of Israel continued celebrating Passover in faithful adherence to the tradition described in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Dead Sea Scrolls also reference instructions for festival observances consistent with biblical regulations.

New Testament Significance

In the Gospels, “Pascha” repeatedly denotes the timeframe when Jewish pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to observe Passover (Matthew 26:17–19; Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13). During this pivotal period, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting what would become the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14–20).

The apostle Paul employs “Pascha” when teaching that Christ fulfills the prophetic dimensions of Passover:

“Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Here, the sacrifice of the Passover lamb in the Exodus foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus. As the lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from death, Christ’s sacrificial death brings salvation to those who believe.

The Connection to the Resurrection

Following Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection, believers came to see Pascha not only in terms of the Jewish festival but also as the victorious event in which Jesus rose from the dead. Early Christians recognized the resurrection as the culmination of the Passover theme: deliverance from slavery to sin and death, secured by the perfect atoning work of God’s Son.

Scripture offers multiple accounts that Christ rose bodily from the grave (e.g., Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; John 20:1–18). This historical event, central to the gospel narrative, corresponds to the Passover season, solidifying the link between “Pascha” and Easter observances. Early Christian writers such as Melito of Sardis wrote about the Paschal mystery, blending Passover themes with Christ’s redeeming work on the cross.

Early Christian Usage and Celebration

By the second century AD, Church leaders and congregations commemorated “Pascha” as an annual remembrance of Christ’s passion and resurrection. This practice is seen in the writings of Church Fathers like Irenaeus of Lyons. Though debates arose regarding the exact date and method of observance (often referred to as the Quartodeciman Controversy), believers of every era identified “Pascha” with Christ’s resurrection and the completion of God’s redemptive plan.

The textual evidence for these early celebrations is extensive, with records pointing to widespread agreement about the festival’s resurrection focus. This continuity reinforced the reliability of the apostolic witness that Christ rose bodily, as described in manuscripts circulated throughout the Mediterranean world.

Theological Reflections on Pascha

1. Redemption and Deliverance: Just as the original Passover lamb’s blood delivered Israel from judgment in Egypt, Christ’s blood delivers from sin’s penalty. “Pascha” thus embodies the transition from captivity to freedom.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Biblical prophecy anticipates a messianic figure who would bring greater deliverance (e.g., Isaiah 53). Jesus’s sacrificial death and victorious resurrection fulfill these prophecies in a way that correlates explicitly with Passover types and shadows.

3. Unity of Scripture: References to “Pascha” highlight how Old Testament practices prefigure New Testament truths. The continuity of inspiration is evident, bolstered by manuscript discoveries (such as the thousands of Greek New Testament fragments and the Hebrew Bible texts in the Dead Sea Scrolls) that confirm the consistent message throughout centuries.

4. Historical Reliability: Archaeological finds, textual analyses, and the testimony of both Jewish and Christian communities verify the longstanding observation of Passover/Pascha. This supports the historicity of key scriptural accounts, strengthening the foundation for recognizing Christ’s resurrection as a historical event coinciding with Passover celebrations.

Conclusion

“Pascha” draws together the Exodus deliverance of the ancient Israelites and the risen Messiah who conquered death. It emphasizes both the Old Testament feast of Passover and the most central event in Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, “Pascha” highlights how Christ embodies the ultimate Passover lamb, fulfilling every prophetic and ritual dimension of the festival. Over the centuries, believers across diverse cultures and languages have celebrated “Pascha” as a cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan, underscoring the unbroken thread of salvation woven throughout Scripture.

In this way, “Pascha” symbolizes liberation from physical and spiritual bondage, culminating in the eternal hope offered through the risen Son of God. The term therefore is deeply rooted in historical reality, scriptural testimony, and centuries of faithful observance, making it a profound reminder of deliverance and new life through the redeeming work of the Savior.