Rachel Evans
The Bible does not explicitly specify the precise time of Jesus' death, but it is generally believed by Christians that Jesus died at around 3:00 pm on Friday, April 3, AD 33. This timing is based on interpretations of the Gospels of Mark and John, which indicate that Jesus died during the 'day of Preparation' for the Sabbath, which was a Friday. The Catholic Church, along with other Christian denominations, observes this belief and counts 3 days and 3 nights following Jesus' death before his resurrection, according to Jewish custom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Jesus' death | AD 33 |
| Broad timeframe | AD 18-36 |
| Day of the week | Friday |
| Time of day | 3:00 PM (9th hour) |
| Duration on the cross | 3 hours |
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What You'll Learn
- Jesus died at 3:00 PM, or the ninth hour
- The Gospel of Mark states Jesus was crucified at 9:00 AM, or the third hour
- The Gospel of John states Jesus was crucified at noon, or the sixth hour
- The Last Supper occurred simultaneously with the Passover celebration
- Jesus died on the Day of Preparation, or the day before the Sabbath
Jesus died at 3:00 PM, or the ninth hour
The exact time of Jesus' death has been a topic of discussion and interpretation among scholars and theologians for centuries. While there are some variations in the accounts of the Gospels, a consensus has emerged that Jesus died at around 3:00 PM, or the ninth hour, according to the Jewish division of the day into four three-hour increments.
The Gospel of Mark states that Jesus was crucified at the third hour, which corresponds to 9:00 AM (Mark 15:25). This timing is further supported by the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which describe the world turning dark during the sixth hour (12:00 PM) while Jesus was already on the cross (Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44). This description aligns with the account in the Gospel of John, which mentions that Jesus was carrying his cross around the sixth hour (John 19:14), indicating that the crucifixion took place after this time.
The Gospel of John, however, presents a different perspective on the timing of Jesus' crucifixion. It suggests that Jesus was handed over for crucifixion during the sixth hour in Roman time (6:00 AM) (John 19:14). This implies that there was a three-hour interval between the end of Jesus' trial and his crucifixion. Despite this discrepancy, both the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels agree that Jesus died during the ninth hour.
The exact timing of Jesus' death holds significant theological importance. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus' death coincides with the sacrificial lambs being ritually slaughtered in the Temple during Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). This interpretation is reinforced by John's portrayal of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29, 36). Additionally, the timing of Jesus' death before the Sabbath rest (John 19:31) underscores the urgency to bury him promptly, as Jewish law prohibited bodies from remaining on the cross during the Sabbath (John 19:42).
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Jesus died at around 3:00 PM, or the ninth hour, on a Friday, fulfilling his sacrificial role and adhering to the cultural and religious norms of the time. This interpretation reconciles the accounts of the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John, demonstrating the accuracy and consistency of the Scriptures.
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The Gospel of Mark states Jesus was crucified at 9:00 AM, or the third hour
The Gospel of Mark states that Jesus was crucified at the third hour of the day, which according to the Jewish division of twelve-hour days and nights, would have been 9 am. This timing is significant as it marks the beginning of Jesus' sacrifice and suffering on the cross.
In Mark's account, Jesus is crucified alongside two rebels, and the sun is obscured for three hours. During this time, Jesus calls out to God and then gives a shout before dying. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the darkness and solemnity of the event, highlighting the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.
The timing of Jesus' crucifixion in Mark's Gospel is also important when compared to other Gospel accounts, particularly that of John. John's Gospel describes Pilate questioning Jesus "about the sixth hour" (John 19:14), which places Jesus' crucifixion after this time, likely around noon. This discrepancy between the Gospels has led to debates among scholars, such as Bart Ehrman, who doubts the historical accuracy of both accounts due to their contradictions.
However, some argue that Mark and John are approximating the time of Jesus' death, and both place it in the second quarter of the day. This interpretation reconciles the Gospels, suggesting that there is no contradiction between them.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that the ancient world used different ways of reckoning hours, and they were not as precise as modern methods. Therefore, there may be some flexibility in interpreting the exact time of Jesus' crucifixion, and "the third hour" could refer to a broader timeframe. Nonetheless, the Gospel of Mark's statement that Jesus was crucified at 9 am holds theological and symbolic significance, contributing to our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and the events of that day.
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The Gospel of John states Jesus was crucified at noon, or the sixth hour
The Gospel of John states that Jesus was crucified at noon, or the sixth hour. This is based on the Jewish division of the day into four three-hour increments, with the day starting at sunrise and ending at sunset. According to John, Pilate questioned Jesus at the sixth hour (John 19:14), which means Jesus was likely crucified shortly after, at noon. This interpretation is supported by other Gospel accounts, such as St. Matthew, St. Mark, and St. Luke, which state that the sky turned dark during the sixth hour (12:00 pm) while Jesus was hanging on the cross.
The Gospel of Mark provides a different account, stating that Jesus was crucified at the third hour, or 9 am (Mark 15:25). This discrepancy has led to debates among scholars, with some arguing that the accounts cannot both be historically accurate due to the contradiction in the timing of the crucifixion. However, others argue that Mark and John are approximating the time of Jesus' death, and both place it in the second quarter of the day, so there is no contradiction.
The timing of Jesus' crucifixion is significant because it coincides with the sacrificial lambs being ritually slaughtered in the Temple. John specifically refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29, 36), emphasizing the symbolism of Jesus' death as a sacrificial offering for the sins of the world. Additionally, the timing of Jesus' death before the beginning of the Sabbath (John 19:31) is important to understand the haste with which he was buried, as the Jewish law prohibited leaving bodies on the cross during the Sabbath rest.
The Gospel of John's reference to the sixth hour also aligns with the chronological details provided in other Gospel accounts. For example, John mentions that Jesus was crucified on the ""day of preparation" for the Passover" (John 19:14), which is interpreted as a reference to Friday, the day before the weekly Sabbath. This interpretation is supported by other Synoptic Gospels and strengthens the case for understanding the phrase "day of preparation" as referring to Friday.
Furthermore, the timing of Jesus' crucifixion during the high priesthood of Caiaphas (Matthew 26:3-4, John 11:49-53) provides a broad timeframe for his death, as Caiaphas served as high priest from AD 18 to AD 36. This timeframe corresponds with the rule of Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion according to the Gospels. These chronological details help establish a historical context for Jesus' death and demonstrate the consistency of the Gospel accounts.
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The Last Supper occurred simultaneously with the Passover celebration
The timing of Jesus' death is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus died the day after the Last Supper (Mark 14:12, 17). Mark also states that Jesus was crucified at "the third hour" (Mark 15:25), which according to the Jewish division of twelve-hour days, would have been 9 am.
On the other hand, the Gospel of John places Jesus' death on "the day of preparation of the Passover" (John 19:14). John tells us that Pilate questioned Jesus "about the sixth hour" (John 19:14), indicating that the crucifixion took place sometime after, possibly at noon. This discrepancy between Mark and John's accounts has led to differing interpretations and attempts at reconciliation.
One theory suggests that Jesus used a different calendar than the temple authorities, allowing for the possibility that he ate the Passover meal a day earlier than what is mentioned in John 18:28. Another proposal suggests that Jesus celebrated the Passover a day early because he knew his impending death. It has also been argued that John's account has been misunderstood, and there are several indications that the Last Supper was indeed a Passover meal. For example, it was held in Jerusalem (John 12:1), and John 19:14 should be interpreted as referring to the Friday of Passover week, with "the day of preparation" being an idiom for Friday.
The Last Supper is believed to have followed the order of a Seder meal, but there is debate about whether it included the sacrifice of a lamb, as the Old Covenant Passover meal required. Some argue that the only lamb present was the "Lamb of God," Jesus Christ. Others suggest that the Last Supper was not a Passover Seder at all, as the Gospels do not mention a lamb, indicating a normal Jewish supper consisting of wine and bread.
While the exact timing of Jesus' death and the nature of the Last Supper remain subjects of discussion, these debates highlight the complexities and interpretations surrounding the events of Jesus' final hours.
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Jesus died on the Day of Preparation, or the day before the Sabbath
According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus was crucified at the third hour of the day, or 9 a.m., and died by the ninth hour, or 3 p.m.. However, John mentions that Pilate questioned Jesus around the sixth hour, or noon, indicating that Jesus was crucified sometime after. This discrepancy has led some, like agnostic New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman, to doubt the historical accuracy of both accounts.
Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that Jesus died on the day before the Sabbath, also known as the "Day of Preparation." This interpretation is supported by John's reference to the "Jewish day of Preparation" in John 19:42, as well as the need to quickly bury Jesus before the Sabbath rest began at sundown. The term "Day of Preparation" typically refers to Friday, the day when preparations were made for the Sabbath.
The exact day of Jesus' death is further clarified by the chronology of events. After the Passover meal on Thursday, Jesus was killed on the Day of Preparation, followed by the Sabbath on Saturday and his resurrection on the first day of the week, Sunday. This sequence of events is consistent with the timeline provided by the four canonical gospels, which place Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The timing of Jesus' death is also significant in terms of Jewish law. According to John 19:31, Jesus had to die before the Sabbath, when capital punishment was prohibited. This is further supported by Deuteronomy 21:23, which stipulates that those executed by hanging on a tree should not remain there overnight. As a result, the legs of the two thieves crucified with Jesus were broken to hasten their deaths before the start of the Sabbath.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus died at the ninth hour, or 3:00 p.m.
According to the Gospel of John, Jesus was handed over for crucifixion during the sixth hour (6:00 a.m.) and died sometime after.
The Gospels of Mark and John approximate the time of Jesus' death to be in the second quarter of the day. However, Mark claims Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9:00 a.m.), while John places it at noon.
The discrepancy can be reconciled by understanding the different ways of reckoning hours in the ancient world. The Jews divided daylight hours into four three-hour increments, with some flexibility in rounding up or down to the quarter-hour.
Historical sources indicate that Jesus was crucified during the high priesthood of Caiaphas, which was between AD 18 and AD 36.
