Learn more about Pasch

Introduction to Pasch

The term “Pasch” is a historically significant word used primarily in older English translations of the Bible and ecclesiastical writings. It is derived from the Latin “Pascha,” which in turn comes from the Greek “Πάσχα” (Pascha), itself a transliteration of the Hebrew “פֶּסַח” (Pesach), meaning “Passover.” In the Jewish tradition, Pesach commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, while in Christianity, "Pasch" evolved to refer both to the Passover and, more broadly, to the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word encapsulates one of the most pivotal transitions in salvation history—from slavery to freedom, and from death to life.

Pasch Pronunciation

“Pasch” is pronounced as pask, rhyming with “mask.”

Pasch in the Bible

The word "Pasch" is most frequently encountered in translations such as the Douay-Rheims Bible and older English versions of the Scriptures. It is used in both the Old and New Testaments to refer to the Passover feast and the associated sacrifice.

• Exodus 12: The institution of the Passover. God commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so the angel of death would “pass over” them. This foundational event is the origin of “Pasch.”
• Leviticus 23:5-8: Provides further instructions on how the Passover is to be observed as a feast unto the Lord.
• Deuteronomy 16:1-8: Moses reiterates the command to observe the Pasch, connecting it to the Exodus story.
• Matthew 26:17-19: Jesus prepares to celebrate the Pasch with His disciples, leading to the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7: Paul refers to Christ as our Pasch: “For even Christ our Pasch is sacrificed for us.” This verse clearly ties the Christian understanding of Jesus’ crucifixion to the Jewish Passover.

Pasch in Biblical History and Context

In the Old Testament, the Pasch or Passover marks the decisive act of God's salvation for the Israelites. It is both a historical remembrance and a religious celebration emphasizing obedience, redemption, and covenant. The Paschal lamb, whose blood shielded the Israelites, prefigured Christ in Christian theology.

In the New Testament, Jesus’ crucifixion occurs during the Passover festival, deepening the connection. The early Christians understood Jesus to be the new and true Paschal Lamb, sacrificed once for all. The Pasch thus becomes a bridge between the Old and New Covenants.

Related Themes and Meanings to Pasch

• Passover: The foundational Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus.
• Paschal Lamb: The lamb sacrificed during Passover, symbolizing purity and substitutionary atonement.
• Resurrection: In Christian theology, Pasch also encompasses the Resurrection of Jesus, seen as the triumph over death.
• Eucharist: The Last Supper, which occurred during Passover, instituted the Eucharist, central to Christian worship.
• Redemption and Deliverance: Central themes in both Jewish and Christian observances of Pasch.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Pasch

• The term “Pasch” is still widely used in liturgical and theological contexts, especially in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican traditions.
• The term “Paschal” is used to describe many Christian liturgical elements, such as the “Paschal candle” and “Paschal mystery.”
• While “Easter” is the common English term for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, many other languages (e.g., “Pâques” in French, “Pasqua” in Italian, “Pascua” in Spanish) preserve the term derived from “Pasch.”
• The Gregorian liturgical calendar refers to the date of Easter as the "Paschal Full Moon," tying it to the Jewish lunar calendar.

Theological Significance of Pasch

The Pasch is a rich theological symbol. In Judaism, it is the memory of liberation and divine protection. In Christianity, it becomes the lens through which the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus are interpreted. The concept of the Paschal Mystery encapsulates Christ’s work of redemption and is central to Christian doctrine and liturgy. It signifies a passage—from slavery to freedom, sin to grace, death to life—paralleling the ancient story of Exodus with the new Exodus led by Christ.