Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Pentecost”
The biblical word “Pentecost” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (shavuot (Hebrew), pentekoste (Greek)), where it meant “The Jewish Feast of Weeks celebrated 50 days after Passover; the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles at Jerusalem”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The Christian festival marking the descent of the Holy Spirit to the apostles; a major liturgical observance; the birthday of the Church”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekshavuot (Hebrew), pentekoste (Greek)The Jewish Feast of Weeks celebrated 50 days after Passover; the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles at Jerusalem
Hebrew shavuot (H7620, weeks). Greek pentekoste (πεντηκοστή, fiftieth day) in Acts 2:1 for the outpouring of the Spirit on the apostles.
Medieval Latin / Church
Latinpentecostes / pentecosteThe festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church; the Sunday 50 days after Easter
Latin pentecostes from Greek. Medieval liturgy made Pentecost a major feast; red vestments symbolize the Holy Spirit's fire and the apostles' witness (Acts 2:3-4).
Modern English
EnglishPentecostThe Christian festival marking the descent of the Holy Spirit to the apostles; a major liturgical observance; the birthday of the Church
From Greek pentekoste via Latin. English term dates to Old English pentecostes. Pentecostalism as a movement emphasizes the Holy Spirit's gifts and speaking in tongues.