And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
LUKE 23:54KJVWhat does Luke 23:54 mean?
Luke 23:54 says that the day Jesus died was the "preparation" day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. This means the events happened late on Friday, just before the weekly Jewish Sabbath started at sundown.
Luke is describing the timing right after Jesus' crucifixion. The "preparation" refers to the day before the Sabbath, when Jewish people would get everything ready because no work was allowed once the Sabbath began. This detail explains why Jesus' burial had to happen quickly, before sunset, and sets the stage for the women returning after the Sabbath to visit the tomb.
The Greek behind Luke 23:54
- ἡ παρασκευή (hē paraskeuē, "preparation"): This word means the day of preparation, which was Friday, the day before the Sabbath. It highlights the urgency to finish burial tasks before sundown.
- σάββατον (sabbaton, "Sabbath"): Refers to the weekly day of rest, beginning at sunset on Friday. The verse notes that the Sabbath was "drawing on," meaning it was almost time, adding to the pressure on those burying Jesus.
Why Luke 23:54 matters
- This verse clarifies why Jesus' burial was rushed and not completed according to all Jewish customs, explaining why the women planned to return after the Sabbath.
- It connects the timeline of Jesus' death and burial to the Jewish calendar, helping readers understand the sequence of events leading to the resurrection.
- The mention of "preparation" and "Sabbath" shows Luke's attention to Jewish customs and helps explain the actions of Jesus' followers in the following verses.