Luke 23:54 Meaning and Explanation
“And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →It is the day of preparation, and the sabbath is about to begin.
What Does Luke 23:54 Mean?
Luke marks the hour: Friday afternoon, the preparation day, with the sabbath approaching at sundown. The burial is finished quickly and reverently before the day of rest begins.
The timing carries a quiet beauty. The day's great work is done, and as the sabbath begins, the Lord of the sabbath rests in the tomb. The pattern set at creation — work completed, then rest — now frames his completed sacrifice, and points to what he offers the weary: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Luke 23:54 in the Original Language
paraskeue (παρασκευή), 'preparation' -- the day of making ready before the sabbath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:54
What does Luke 23:54 mean?
It is the day of preparation, and the sabbath is about to begin.