Passover vs. Pentecost: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 28, 2024
Passover is a Jewish festival celebrating the Exodus from Egypt, while Pentecost is a Christian festival commemorating the Holy Spirit's descent on the apostles.
Key Differences
Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. It is celebrated with a Seder meal, where specific foods are eaten, and the story of the Exodus is retold. Pentecost, known as Shavuot in Hebrew, is observed in Christianity as the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian Church. This event is detailed in the New Testament's Book of Acts.
Passover is rooted in Jewish history and tradition, focusing on themes of freedom and divine deliverance. It involves specific rituals such as the Seder, where participants eat unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs to symbolize the hardships faced by the Israelites. Pentecost, while originating from the Jewish festival of Shavuot (celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai), holds distinct significance in Christianity. It emphasizes the empowerment of the apostles through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to preach the gospel and spread Christianity.
Both festivals share a connection through their origins in Jewish tradition but have evolved to hold unique meanings and practices within Judaism and Christianity, respectively.
Comparison Chart
Religion
Judaism
Christianity
Significance
Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit
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Duration
7-8 days
One day
Time of Year
Spring (15th of Nisan)
50 days after Easter
Main Practices
Seder meal, reading the Haggadah, matzah
Church services, readings from Acts, prayers
Historical Event
Liberation of Israelites
Birth of the Christian Church
Traditional Foods
Matzah, bitter herbs
None specific, varies by culture
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Symbolism
Freedom, deliverance
Empowerment, spreading the gospel
Passover and Pentecost Definitions
Passover
Starts on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar.
Passover begins at sunset on the 15th of Nisan.
Pentecost
Occurs 50 days after Easter.
Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season.
Passover
Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
During Passover, families gather for a Seder meal to retell the story of the Exodus.
Pentecost
Detailed in the Book of Acts in the New Testament.
The events of Pentecost are described in Acts 2.
Passover
Observed with specific rituals including eating matzah.
Matzah, or unleavened bread, is eaten throughout Passover.
Pentecost
Recognized as the birth of the Christian Church.
Pentecost is considered the day the apostles began their ministry.
Passover
Celebrates liberation from slavery.
Passover symbolizes the freedom of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
Pentecost
Involves prayers and liturgical readings.
Pentecost services often include readings from the Book of Acts.
Passover
Includes reading the Haggadah.
The Haggadah is read during the Seder to recount the Exodus story.
Pentecost
Christian festival commemorating the Holy Spirit's descent.
Pentecost is celebrated with special church services.
Passover
A holiday beginning on the 14th of Nisan and traditionally continuing for eight days, commemorating the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt. Also called Pesach.
Pentecost
(Christianity) The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Also called Whitsunday.
Passover
Alternative case form of Passover
Pentecost
(Judaism) See Shavuot.
Passover
A feast of the Jews, instituted to commemorate the sparing of the Hebrews in Egypt, when God, smiting the firstborn of the Egyptians, passed over the houses of the Israelites which were marked with the blood of a lamb.
Pentecost
A solemn festival of the Jews; - so called because celebrated on the fiftieth day (seven weeks) after the second day of the Passover (which fell on the sixteenth of the Jewish month Nisan); - hence called, also, the Feast of Weeks. At this festival an offering of the first fruits of the harvest was made. By the Jews it was generally regarded as commemorative of the gift of the law on the fiftieth day after the departure from Egypt.
Passover
(Judaism) a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days) celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
Pentecost
A festival of the Roman Catholic and other churches in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles; which occurred on the day of Pentecost; - called also Whitsunday.
Pentecost
Seventh Sunday after Easter; commemorates the emanation of the Holy Spirit to the apostles; a quarter day in Scotland
Pentecost
(Judaism) Jewish holy day celebrated on the sixth of Sivan to celebrate Moses receiving the Ten Commandments
FAQs
When is Pentecost celebrated?
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday.
What are the main practices during Passover?
Passover practices include the Seder meal, eating matzah, and reading the Haggadah.
What does Passover commemorate?
Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.
What is Passover?
Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery.
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is a Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
What foods are associated with Passover?
Foods associated with Passover include matzah, bitter herbs, and other symbolic items eaten during the Seder.
Are there specific foods associated with Pentecost?
There are no specific foods universally associated with Pentecost; traditions vary by culture.
When is Passover celebrated?
Passover is celebrated in the spring, starting on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar.
What are the main practices during Pentecost?
Pentecost practices include special church services, readings from the Book of Acts, and prayers.
Is Passover mentioned in the Bible?
Yes, Passover is detailed in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible.
What is the significance of Pentecost in Christianity?
Pentecost signifies the empowerment of the apostles by the Holy Spirit and the beginning of their public ministry.
What does Pentecost commemorate?
Pentecost commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent on the apostles and the birth of the Christian Church.
What event does Pentecost mark in the Christian calendar?
Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season and the beginning of the Church's mission.
How long does Passover last?
Passover lasts for seven or eight days, depending on the Jewish community.
What is the Seder meal?
The Seder meal is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover, featuring symbolic foods and the retelling of the Exodus story.
Is Pentecost mentioned in the Bible?
Yes, Pentecost is described in the Book of Acts in the New Testament.
Do Passover and Pentecost have any connection?
Yes, Pentecost (Shavuot) in Judaism occurs 50 days after Passover and celebrates the giving of the Torah, which has historical and thematic connections to the Christian Pentecost.
What does matzah symbolize in Passover?
Matzah symbolizes the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt in haste.
Can both festivals be celebrated by the same person?
While typically observed by followers of their respective religions, some individuals who identify with both faiths or are part of interfaith families might observe both.
How long does Pentecost last?
Pentecost is a single-day celebration.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
