### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **páscha**, represented by `{{G3957}}`, is a term of Chaldee origin that refers to **the Passover**. It appears 29 times across 27 unique verses. The word's definition encompasses the Passover meal, the day itself, the festival, or the special sacrifices connected with it, and is also translated as **Easter** in one instance [[Acts 12:4]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3957}}` is central to the timing of Christ's final days. It is identified as a major **feast** `{{G1859}}` of the Jews, drawing many people to Jerusalem ([[John 11:55]], [[Luke 2:41]]). The Gospels record Jesus's disciples asking where they should **prepare** `{{G2090}}` for him to **eat** `{{G5315}}` the **Passover** [[Matthew 26:17]]. Jesus himself expressed that with **desire** `{{G1937}}` he had desired to **eat** `{{G5315}}` the **Passover** with them before he would **suffer** `{{G3958}}` [[Luke 22:15]]. The observance is specifically linked to the day of **unleavened bread** `{{G106}}`, when the **Passover** lamb must be **killed** `{{G2380}}` ([[Luke 22:7]], [[Mark 14:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of the Passover:
* `{{G106}}` **ázymos**: This word for **unleavened** is closely tied to the festival, which is called "the feast of unleavened bread... which is called the Passover" [[Luke 22:1]].
* `{{G2380}}` **thýō**: Meaning **to sacrifice** or **kill**, this verb describes the essential action performed on the day "when they killed the passover" [[Mark 14:12]].
* `{{G2090}}` **hetoimázō**: Meaning **to prepare**, this word is used when the disciples **prepare** the **Passover** meal as Jesus appointed [[Matthew 26:19]].
* `{{G4378}}` **próschysis**: This term for **sprinkling** is used to describe the original Passover, where through faith, the **sprinkling** of blood was kept as part of the observance [[Hebrews 11:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3957}}` is profound, pointing directly to Christ's redemptive work.
* **Christ as the Fulfillment:** The most significant theological statement identifies **Christ** `{{G5547}}` as the true Passover sacrifice. Paul states, "**Christ** our **passover** is sacrificed for us" [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **A Call to Purity:** The Passover serves as a metaphor for the Christian life. Believers are instructed to **purge out** `{{G1571}}` the old **leaven** `{{G2219}}`, connecting the removal of leaven during the festival to spiritual purity [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **An Act of Faith:** The observance of the Passover is presented as a foundational act of faith. Through faith, the first **Passover** and the **sprinkling** `{{G4378}}` of blood were kept to protect from the destroyer [[Hebrews 11:28]].
* **The Appointed Time:** The timing of Jesus's death is explicitly set during the **Passover**. His crucifixion occurs during the "preparation of the passover" [[John 19:14]], fulfilling his own words that the Son of man would be betrayed to be crucified at the time of the feast [[Matthew 26:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3957}}` is more than just a historical festival or a meal. It is a cornerstone concept that connects the Old Testament act of deliverance with the New Testament reality of salvation. It refers to the annual feast, the sacrificial lamb, and most importantly, the person and work of **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, who is himself the ultimate **Passover** sacrificed for believers [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
TRV