The Symbolic Meaning Behind 'Three Days and Three Nights' in the Crucifixion of Jesus

The concept of Jesus being in the heart of the earth for 'three days and three nights' has long been a source of debate and interpretation. However, to fully understand this statement, we must explore the symbolic nature of the phrase and its historical context. This article will provide insights into the true meaning of these terms and how they align with biblical and ancient pagan traditions.

Historical Pagan Roots

The idea of three days and three nights may have pagan roots that predate the birth of Christianity. The sun was believed to 'die' on the shortest day of the year, December 22, and to 'rise' again after three days, leading to the celebration of Christmas on this date. This ancient belief influenced the symbolism used in the Bible.

Biblical Interpretation

When reading the Bible, it's crucial to understand that the text often uses symbolic language. Many events and statements in the Scripture are not intended to be taken as literal historical accounts but rather as metaphors with deeper meanings. This is particularly true for the statement about Jesus spending 'three days and three nights' in the tomb.

The Literal vs. Idiomatic Interpretation

According to the biblical accounts, it is not intended to convey a period of time of exactly 72 hours. Rather, it is an idiomatic expression, meaning that Jesus would be in the tomb for parts of three different days. This can be seen from the prophecies made by Jesus and the timeline of events recorded in the gospels.

Prophecies and Predictive Phrases

Jesus explicitly predicted his resurrection on the third day. In Matthew 16:21 and Matthew 17:23, it is stated that Jesus would be raised 'on the third day.' This is a clear indication that the term 'three days and three nights' refers to parts of three days and not a complete 72-hour period.

Death and Burial Timeline

According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus died around the ninth hour, which is three in the afternoon on a Friday. His burial and subsequent resurrection timelines are as follows:

Friday (Nisan 14) - From the ninth hour (3 PM) until sunset (end of the day) Saturday (Nisan 15) - Full day of the Sabbath until sunset (beginning of Sunday) Sunday (Nisan 16) - From sunrise until the event narrated in the gospels

Therefore, Jesus was in the tomb for a part of Friday, all of Saturday, and a part of Sunday, which together total the 'three days and three nights' referred to in his prophecy.

Biblical Verses Supporting the Interpretation

The following verses support the idiomatic interpretation of the phrase:

Matthew 12:40 - For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

Matthew 16:21 - From that time Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Mark 15:33-37 - On the sixth hour darkness fell over the land until the ninth hour. Then at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' — that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' … And when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

John 19:31-42 - It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the cross during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. …So, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the next day was to be a special Sabbath, the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have Jesus and the other two crucified men crucified so that their bodies would not stay on the crosses during the Sabbath. Pilate granted the request. After he had given the order, the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, as well as those of the other.

These passages support the idea that Jesus was in the tomb for the part of Friday, Saturday, and a part of Sunday, rather than a complete 72 hours.

Conclusion

The statement 'three days and three nights' in the context of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus should not be taken literally. Instead, it is an idiomatic expression conveying that Jesus would be in the tomb for parts of three different days. This interpretation aligns with the symbolic language and prophetic statements found in the Bible, as well as the historical timeline of events.

Understanding the idiomatic nature of the phrase is crucial for a proper and accurate interpretation of the biblical narratives. By recognizing that language that is well-known to be idiomatic can be taken in a broader sense, we can better appreciate the deeper meanings and symbolism in the texts.

Key Points:

The concept of 'three days and three nights' has pagan roots and was often used in ancient cultures. The phrase is idiomatic and refers to parts of three days and nights, not a complete 72-hour period. Jesus' own prophecies and the timeline of events in the gospels support this interpretation.