### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παρασκευή (paraskeuḗ, `{{G3904}}`) is derived from the verb παρασκευάζω (paraskeuazō, `{{G3903}}`), which means "to prepare" or "to make ready." Consequently, the core meaning of παρασκευή is "readiness" or "preparation." It can denote the act of preparing, the state of being prepared, or, more specifically, the time designated for preparation. In the New Testament, its usage is almost exclusively specialized to refer to the "day of preparation" for the Sabbath or a major feast.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρασκευή appears in the New Testament primarily within the Gospel accounts, always in reference to the day preceding the Sabbath, often specifically the Sabbath of Passover week. This day, Friday, was set aside for completing all necessary work and preparations before the Sabbath rest commenced at sunset.
* In [[Matthew 27:62]], it is mentioned as "the next day, that followed the day of the preparation," indicating the Sabbath after Jesus' crucifixion.
* [[Mark 15:42]] explicitly defines it: "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath..." This verse clearly identifies παρασκευή as Friday, the day before the weekly Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea's urgency to bury Jesus before the Sabbath began is highlighted.
* [[Luke 23:54]] similarly states, "And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on," again emphasizing the impending Sabbath and the need for prompt action regarding Jesus' body.
* John's Gospel uses the term multiple times, often specifying it further. [[John 19:14]] refers to "the preparation of the Passover," indicating that this particular Friday was also the preparation day for the high Sabbath of Passover.
* [[John 19:31]] underscores the Jewish custom: "The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away." This demonstrates the strict adherence to the law that bodies should not remain exposed on the Sabbath, especially a "high day" Sabbath.
* Finally, [[John 19:42]] states, "There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand," reiterating the practical necessity driven by the observance of the preparation day.
Across these occurrences, παρασκευή consistently refers to the specific day dedicated to preparing for the Sabbath, underscoring the Jewish context and the meticulous timing of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
### Related Words & Concepts
* παρασκευάζω (paraskeuazō, `{{G3903}}`): As the verbal root, this word signifies the action of preparing or making ready. It provides the fundamental conceptual basis for παρασκευή.
* ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, `{{G2090}}`): This is another significant Greek verb for "to prepare" or "to make ready." While παρασκευή often carries the specific connotation of practical, often daily, arrangements for a specific event (the Sabbath), ἑτοιμάζω can have a broader semantic range, including spiritual or eschatological preparation (e.g., preparing the way for the Lord).
* σάββατον (sabbaton, `{{G4521}}`): The Sabbath. The concept of παρασκευή is inextricably linked to the Sabbath, as it is the day immediately preceding it, during which all necessary tasks are completed to ensure proper Sabbath observance.
* Jewish Law and Custom: The "day of preparation" is deeply embedded in Jewish halakha, which prohibited work on the Sabbath. Thus, all cooking, cleaning, and necessary provisions had to be made ready on Friday.
### Theological Significance
While παρασκευή does not carry an inherent theological meaning in the sense of a doctrine or spiritual truth, its contextual significance in the Gospel narratives is profound.
1. **Historical Veracity and Jewish Context:** The consistent use of παρασκευή highlights the historical accuracy of the Gospel accounts, demonstrating their rootedness in the specific cultural and religious practices of first-century Judaism. The urgency to bury Jesus before the Sabbath, especially a "high day" Sabbath, underscores the meticulous adherence to Jewish law even amidst the most pivotal event in human history.
2. **Divine Timing:** The fact that Jesus' crucifixion and burial occurred on the "day of preparation" can be seen as divinely orchestrated. The ultimate sacrifice, which prepared the way for eternal rest and reconciliation with God, took place on the very day designated for earthly preparation for rest. This subtly points to God's sovereignty over every detail, ensuring that His redemptive plan unfolded with perfect precision according to the appointed times.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Pattern:** Though not a direct prophecy, the timing aligns with a broader divine pattern of preparation leading to fulfillment. Just as the old covenant prepared the way for the new, and the "day of preparation" prepared for the Sabbath rest, so Christ's sacrifice on that day prepared the way for the ultimate rest and new creation inaugurated by His resurrection.
### Summary
The Greek word παρασκευή (paraskeuḗ, `{{G3904}}`) primarily denotes "readiness" or "preparation." In the New Testament, it is consistently used to refer to the "day of Preparation," which was Friday, the day before the Sabbath. Its most significant occurrences are found in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, where it underscores the urgency to lay His body in the tomb before the commencement of the Sabbath, particularly the "high day" Sabbath of Passover week ([[Mark 15:42]], [[John 19:31]]). This specific usage highlights the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative within its Jewish context and subtly points to the divine orchestration of events, where the ultimate act of redemption—Christ's sacrifice—occurred on the very day designated for preparation, leading to the promise of eternal rest.
TRV