πεντηκοστή (pentēkostē)
pentēkostē
Pentecost
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pentēkostē simply means "fiftieth." In the New Testament it functions as a shorthand for the Jewish festival known as Pentecost, which occurred fifty days after Passover. This timing marked the celebration of the wheat harvest and stood as one of the three major pilgrimage feasts in ancient Israel.
Its usage is sparse but significant, appearing only three times in the New Testament (Acts 2:1; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8). These references anchor the word in specific historical moments: the descent of the Holy Spirit in Acts and Paul’s travel plans in Corinth. The term itself carries no inherent theological weight beyond its chronological definition, serving primarily as a temporal marker for these pivotal events.
Translators consistently render it as "Pentecost," preserving the Greek form rather than translating it literally as "the fiftieth [day]." This choice highlights how the festival name had become a proper noun in early Christian communities, instantly recognizable to readers familiar with Jewish liturgical calendars.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Pentecost marks a specific moment in history when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples with power and clarity. It reminds us that God often chooses ordinary times to bring about extraordinary spiritual awakenings. This event was not just a historical footnote but the beginning of the Church’s public witness, showing that divine presence is available to all who gather in faith.
For believers today, this word points to the ongoing work of the Spirit in our lives. Just as the early followers were united and empowered, we too can experience God’s guidance and strength in our daily journeys. The festival originally celebrated the harvest, symbolizing how God brings life and growth from what was once barren.
Whether you are seeking clarity or community, Pentecost offers a reminder that God is actively at work. It invites us to look for His presence in the ordinary moments of our lives, trusting that He can transform our hearts and circumstances through His Spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Pentecost2×
- Pentecost;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πεντηκοστῆς2×
- πεντηκοστῆς·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:1
Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.
This verse marks the precise moment the Holy Spirit descended, fulfilling Jesus' promise and launching the Church's mission.
-
Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Paul’s haste to reach Jerusalem for this day shows how significant the festival remained in early Christian travel and devotion.
-
I Corinthians 16:8
But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
Paul’s plan to stay until Pentecost highlights the timing of his ministry and the importance of this season in his apostolic work.