The Greek word pentēkostḗ, represented by G4005, refers to the festival of Pentecost. Its name is derived from the term for "fiftieth," with the word for day, hēméra, being implied. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses, highlighting specific and significant moments in the New Testament narrative.
In the biblical record, G4005 is used to mark a pivotal festival day. It is the setting for a foundational event in the early church, described as the day that "was fully come" when the believers were gathered together Acts 2:1. The festival was significant enough that the Apostle Paul was determined to travel to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost Acts 20:16. It also served as a temporal landmark, as when Paul stated his intention to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" 1 Corinthians 16:8.
Several related words provide deeper context for the event of Pentecost:
- G2250 hēméra (day): The term for the time space between dawn and dark or a 24-hour period. The very definition of Pentecost implies this word, and it is explicitly used to frame the event in the phrase "the day of Pentecost" Acts 2:1.
- G4845 symplēróō (fully come): This word means to accomplish or be complete in respect to time. Its use in Acts 2:1 signifies that the arrival of Pentecost was the completion of an appointed time.
- G3661 homothymadón (with one accord): Meaning unanimously, this adverb describes the unity of the believers on the day of Pentecost, stating they were all together "with one accord" in one place Acts 2:1.
The context of G4005 in scripture highlights several key themes:
- Appointed Timing: The phrase "fully come" G4845 in Acts 2:1 suggests that the day of Pentecost was not incidental but a divinely appointed and fulfilled moment in God's plan.
- Corporate Unity: The event of Pentecost is explicitly linked with the believers being gathered "with one accord" G3661, emphasizing that the festival was an occasion of profound communal unity Acts 2:1.
- Apostolic Landmark: The festival served as a significant date in the calendar of the early church, structuring the travel and ministry plans of the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:16, 1 Corinthians 16:8).
In summary, G4005 denotes the important festival of Pentecost, the "fiftieth" day. While its usage is infrequent, it marks a crucial turning point in the book of Acts, an event defined by divine timing and the unity of believers. It also functioned as a practical and important time marker that guided the missionary activities of the early church leadership.
TRV