Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "birth-day" refers to the anniversary of a person's birth. The celebration of birthdays is mentioned sparingly in the Scriptures, and when it is, it often carries a negative connotation. The Bible provides limited direct references to birthday celebrations, and these instances are primarily found in the Old Testament and the Gospels.Old Testament References The earliest mention of a birthday celebration in the Bible is found in the Book of Genesis. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is described as celebrating his birthday with a feast: "On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker." (Genesis 40:20) This passage highlights the custom of celebrating birthdays among the Egyptians, a practice that was not common among the Israelites. The context of this celebration is significant, as it leads to the restoration of the chief cupbearer and the execution of the chief baker, demonstrating the power and authority of Pharaoh. New Testament References In the New Testament, the most notable reference to a birthday celebration is found in the account of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Herod's birthday feast is infamous for the beheading of John the Baptist: "On Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked." (Matthew 14:6-7) This event is also recorded in the Gospel of Mark: "On Herod’s birthday, Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you.’" (Mark 6:21-22) The celebration of Herod's birthday is marked by excess and moral corruption, culminating in the unjust execution of John the Baptist. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of indulgence and the misuse of power. Cultural and Theological Considerations The limited and often negative portrayal of birthday celebrations in the Bible has led some Christian traditions to view such observances with skepticism. The early Christian church did not emphasize the celebration of birthdays, focusing instead on the commemoration of significant events in the life of Jesus Christ, such as His death and resurrection. In contrast, the modern celebration of birthdays is generally seen as a time for thanksgiving and reflection on God's blessings throughout the past year. While the Bible does not explicitly endorse or condemn the practice of celebrating birthdays, it encourages believers to live lives marked by gratitude and humility, recognizing that every day is a gift from God. Conclusion The biblical references to birthdays, though few, provide insight into the cultural practices of ancient times and offer lessons on the use of power and the importance of righteous living. While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive theology of birthday celebrations, it calls believers to honor God in all aspects of life, including the marking of personal milestones. Easton's Bible Dictionary The observance of birth-days was common in early times (Job 1:4, 13, 18). They were specially celebrated in the land of Egypt (Genesis 40:20). There is no recorded instance in Scripture of the celebration of birth-days among the Jews. On the occasion of Herod's birth-day John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14:6). Greek 1077. genesia -- a birthday celebration ... a birthday celebration. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: genesia Phonetic Spelling: (ghen-es'-ee-ah) Short Definition: a birthday celebration ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1077.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget... bear, beget, birthday, born, make to bring forth children, young, bring up ... as midwife; specifically, to show lineage -- bear, beget, birth((-day)), born, (make ... /hebrew/3205.htm - 7k 3117. yom -- day Library For a Birthday. On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ. The Festival of the Birth-Day of Manich??us. Birthday. For a Friend's Birthday. Preached on his Birthday , or Day of Ordination. Reflections on his Fiftieth Birthday. What a Wonderful Being is ... On his Birthday, iii: Delivered on the Anniversary of his ... On his Birthday, ii. : Delivered on the Anniversary of his ... Marriages and Birthday Feasts are not to be Celebrated in Lent. .. ... Thesaurus Birth-day (2 Occurrences)Birth-day. Birthday, Birth-day. Birth-pains . Easton's Bible Dictionary The ... WBS). Birthday, Birth-day. Birth-pains . Reference Bible. /b/birth-day.htm - 7k Birthday (4 Occurrences) Herodias (7 Occurrences) Officials (229 Occurrences) Birth-pains (10 Occurrences) Banquet (58 Occurrences) Kept (891 Occurrences) Nobles (71 Occurrences) Opportunity (35 Occurrences) Officers (171 Occurrences) Resources What is the Christian calendar? | GotQuestions.orgIn Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son? | GotQuestions.org Was Jesus born on December 25? Is December 25 Jesus' birthday? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Birth-day (2 Occurrences)Matthew 14:6 Mark 6:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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