Bible Dictionary

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Easter

This word occurs only once in the Bible (Acts 12:4) and then would be better translated “Passover.” The word Easter is from Eastre, a Norse goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis. There is no real connection. Jesus, being the Lamb of God, was crucified at Passover time and is the true Passover (see 1 Cor. 5:7). He was raised from the grave on the third day thereafter. It thus became a springtime anniversary and has come to be called Easter in the Christian world.

HOLY BIBLE (KJV)

Acts 12:4 ​And when he had apprehended him, he put ​him​ in ​​​prison​, and delivered ​him​ to four ​​​quaternions​ of soldiers to keep him; intending after ​​​Easter​ to bring him forth to the people.

1Corinthians 5: 7 ​​​​Purge​ out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are ​​​unleavened​. For even ​​Christ our ​​​passover​ is sacrificed for us: