### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πεντηκοστή (pentēkostḗ), Strong's number `{{G4005}}`, is derived from πεντήκοντα (pentēkonta), meaning "fifty." As a feminine ordinal adjective, it signifies "fiftieth," with the noun ἡμέρα (hēmera, "day") being implicitly understood. Therefore, its core meaning is "the fiftieth day." This term is exclusively used to denote a specific Jewish festival, occurring fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits (which followed Passover). Its semantic range is narrow, uniquely identifying this significant annual observance, which marks the culmination of the counting of the omer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πεντηκοστή appears three times in the New Testament, each instance underscoring its importance as a major Jewish festival:
* In [[Acts 2:1]], the setting for the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit is explicitly stated: "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place." This verse is foundational for Christian understanding of Pentecost, linking it directly to the inauguration of the New Covenant era and the birth of the Church. The gathering of devout Jews from every nation under heaven ([[Acts 2:5]]) highlights the festival's role in drawing pilgrims to Jerusalem, setting the stage for a universally significant event.
* [[Acts 20:16]] reveals Paul's earnest desire to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost: "For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost." This demonstrates the festival's continued prominence in the early Christian period, likely due to the large gatherings of Jewish believers and potential for evangelism.
* In [[1 Corinthians 16:8]], Paul informs the Corinthian church of his plans: "But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost." This indicates that Pentecost was a well-known point in the calendar, influencing travel and ministry schedules, and possibly a time when significant opportunities for ministry or fellowship arose.
In the Septuagint (LXX), πεντηκοστή is the standard translation for the Hebrew חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת (Chag HaShavuot), the "Feast of Weeks" (e.g., [[Exodus 34:22]], [[Deuteronomy 16:10]], [[2 Chronicles 8:13]]). This establishes the continuity between the Old Testament festival and its New Testament fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term πεντηκοστή is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and other festivals:
* **Feast of Weeks (חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת):** This is the Hebrew name for the festival, emphasizing the "weeks" counted from Passover. It was an agricultural festival celebrating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest ([[Exodus 34:22]], [[Numbers 28:26]]).
* **Counting the Omer:** The 50-day period between Passover and Pentecost, during which an omer (sheaf) of barley was offered, symbolizing the transition from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest.
* **Passover (πάσχα, `{{G3957}}`):** Pentecost is chronologically dependent on Passover, occurring precisely 50 days after it. The liberation from Egypt celebrated at Passover finds its spiritual culmination at Pentecost.
* **Firstfruits:** The festival is also known as the Feast of Firstfruits, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over the harvest. This concept foreshadows the "firstfruits of the Spirit" ([[Romans 8:23]]) and the resurrected Christ as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([[1 Corinthians 15:20]]).
* **Holy Spirit (πνεῦμα ἅγιον, `{{G4151}}` `{{G40}}`):** The most significant New Testament association, as the Spirit's descent upon the disciples on this day dramatically transformed the early community of believers.
* **Law/Torah:** Jewish tradition associates the Feast of Weeks with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, providing a profound parallel with the giving of the Spirit in the New Covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πεντηκοστή is profound, marking a pivotal moment in God's redemptive history:
* **Inauguration of the New Covenant:** Just as the Old Covenant was inaugurated at Sinai with the giving of the Law, the New Covenant is inaugurated at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This fulfills prophecies of God writing His law on hearts ([[Jeremiah 31:33]]) and giving a new spirit ([[Ezekiel 36:26-27]]).
* **Birth of the Church:** The events of [[Acts 2]] are widely recognized as the birth of the Christian Church. The Spirit's descent united diverse believers into one body, empowering them for witness and fellowship, transcending ethnic and linguistic barriers.
* **Empowerment for Mission:** Pentecost marks the fulfillment of Christ's promise of power for witness ([[Acts 1:8]]). The Spirit enabled the apostles to boldly proclaim the Gospel, leading to thousands of conversions ([[Acts 2:41]]) and initiating the global spread of Christianity.
* **Reversal of Babel:** The miraculous speaking in tongues ([[Acts 2:4-11]]) can be seen as a divine reversal of the confusion of languages at Babel ([[Genesis 11:1-9]]). Instead of division, the Spirit unites people from every nation in understanding the mighty works of God, symbolizing the Spirit's power to overcome human divisions and reconcile humanity to God.
* **Presence of God's Spirit:** Pentecost signifies the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers and in the Church, providing guidance, conviction, comfort, and sanctification. It is the beginning of the Spirit's ongoing work in the lives of believers.
### Summary
The Greek term πεντηκοστή (pentēkostḗ), meaning "fiftieth," designates the Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover, known in the Old Testament as the Feast of Weeks (חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת). While originally an agricultural festival commemorating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and, by tradition, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, its New Testament significance is profoundly transformed. In [[Acts 2:1]], Pentecost becomes the momentous occasion for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, marking the birth of the Christian Church. This event fulfills Old Testament prophecies, inaugurates the New Covenant, empowers believers for global mission, and signifies the permanent indwelling of God's Spirit within His people. Thus, pentēkostḗ represents a pivotal moment in redemptive history, linking the Old Covenant's legal and agricultural themes with the New Covenant's spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
TRV