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Is the word “Easter” in the Bible?

BIBLE
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Philip Kosloski - published on 04/17/22
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No, the word "Easter" is not in the Bible, but the events we commemorate on Easter are contained in it.

In English, the Christian celebration of Easter can be a confusing topic, as the word, "Easter" is not in the Bible.

For some Christians, the celebration of Easter is viewed as a separate holiday, not to be confused with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Yet, the word "Easter," even though it doesn't appear in the Bible, is not incompatible with the Christian faith.

For example, some historians see more of a connection with the German word Osternwhich connects it to the rising of the sun. According to Nick Sayers, “The English word Easter is of German/Saxon origin … The German equivalent is Oster. Oster (Ostern being the modern day equivalent) is related to Ost which means the rising of the sun, or simply in English, east.”

In Christian symbolism, Jesus’ resurrection is frequently tied to the rising of the sun as his body was not found in the tomb when some of his disciples went there at dawn.

Other historians will point to the connection of the word Easter to a goddess named Eostre.

It's not certain where exactly the English word, "Easter," came to be associated with the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

However, what is certain is that Christians "baptized" the word and incorporated it into their language, giving it a new meaning.

While "Easter" may not be in the Bible, the events it celebrates are narrated in all four Gospels.

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