And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

LUKE 23:54KJV
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Luke 23:54 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“on” Greek G2020 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

“preparation” Greek G3904 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
  • John 19:31 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.

“sabbath” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.