Why are Shavuot and Pentecost not on the same day?

While it is sometimes referred to as Pentecost (in Koinē Greek: Πεντηκοστή) due to its timing after Passover, “pentecost” meaning “fifty” in Greek, since Shavuot occurs fifty days after the first day of Passover, it is not the same as the Christian Pentecost.

What feast is related to Pentecost?

The Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) was primarily a thanksgiving for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, but it was later associated with a remembrance of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.

How are Shavuot and Pentecost related to each other?

In accepting these, the Israelites became a nation committed to serving God and Shavuot marks the anniversary of this event. There are similarities between Shavuot and the Christian festival of Pentecost. Pentecost, or Whitsun, is 49 days after Easter Sunday and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit onto Jesus’ followers.

What does the Greek word Shavuot mean in Greek?

Shavuot means “weeks” as it occurs seven weeks after Passover. The Greek word for this holiday is Pentecost, which means “50th”. This is because Shavuot happens 50 days (one day plus seven weeks) after the sabbath after Pentecost. (Leviticus 23:15)

What does the Bible say about the Feast of Shavuot?

Hag Hakatzir, or “the Feast of Harvest” (Ex. 23:16). This feast marked the beginning of the summer harvest season. In the Greek language, Shavuot was known as Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth,” since it was celebrated 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. Three Scripture passages outline the biblical observance of Shavuot.

Why is Pentecost celebrated 49 days after Passover?

Pentecost, or Whitsun, is 49 days after Easter Sunday and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit onto Jesus’ followers. The period between Passover, when Jewish people celebrate their liberation from slavery in Egypt, and Shavuot, is known as the Counting of the Omer. This marks a period of spiritual preparation before the Torah is received.