### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paraskeuḗ**, represented by `{{G3904}}`, signifies **preparation** or **readiness**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, consistently referring to the day immediately preceding the Sabbath. Its usage is concentrated within the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and burial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3904}}` is used exclusively to mark the specific day of Jesus's passion. It is explicitly defined as "the day before the **sabbath**" [[Mark 15:42]], a time of significant activity before the mandated day of rest began. It was on the day of **preparation** that the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` besought **Pilate** `{{G4091}}` to have the legs of the crucified men broken so their **bodies** `{{G4983}}` would not remain on the **cross** `{{G4716}}` during the sabbath [[John 19:31]]. This day is also identified as "the **preparation** of the passover" [[John 19:14]], and it was on this day that Jesus's body was laid in a nearby **sepulchre** `{{G3419}}` as the sabbath drew on ([[Luke 23:54]], [[John 19:42]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and significance of the day of **preparation**:
* `{{G4521}}` **sábbaton** (sabbath): This word denotes the day of weekly repose for which **paraskeuḗ** is the preparation. The relationship is made clear in the phrase "that day was the **preparation**, and the **sabbath** drew on" [[Luke 23:54]].
* `{{G4315}}` **prosábbaton** (day before the sabbath): This term is used in parallel to define `{{G3904}}`. Mark clarifies that the **preparation** is "the **day before the sabbath**" [[Mark 15:42]], emphasizing its role as the eve of the Sabbath.
* `{{G3957}}` **páscha** (passover): The events of the **preparation** are directly linked to the festival of **Passover**. John notes the timing as "the **preparation** of the **passover**" [[John 19:14]], connecting Christ's death to the sacrificial system it would fulfill.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3904}}` is tied to its specific timing in redemptive history.
* **Urgency and Finality:** The term frames the crucial hours before the Sabbath began. The need to bury **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` because of the **Jews**' `{{G2453}}` **preparation** day highlights the urgency of the actions taken before his body rested in the tomb [[John 19:42]].
* **Observance of Law:** The concern over the **bodies** `{{G4983}}` remaining on the **cross** `{{G4716}}` on the **sabbath day** `{{G4521}}` shows a strict adherence to religious custom, even amidst the profound events of the crucifixion [[John 19:31]].
* **Preparation for Fulfillment:** The day serves as the immediate precursor to Christ's fulfillment of the Passover. Occurring on "the **preparation** of the **passover**" [[John 19:14]], it sets the stage for understanding Christ as our **passover** sacrificed for us [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3904}}` is far more than a simple calendar designation. It is a term that marks a pivotal and urgent moment, anchoring the events of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus within the framework of Jewish law and festive cycles. It emphasizes that the final acts of Christ's earthly life were a **preparation**, not just for a weekly Sabbath, but for the new reality established through his death and subsequent resurrection.
TRV