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 ReferencesThe 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 ReferencesIn 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 ConsiderationsThe 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.
ConclusionThe 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 -- abirthday celebration... a
birthday celebration. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: genesia Phonetic
Spelling: (ghen-es'-ee-ah) Short Definition: a
birthday celebration
...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
...3117. yom -- day
... root Definition day NASB Word Usage afternoon* (1), age (8), age* (1), all (1),
always* (14), amount* (2), battle (1),birthday* (1), Chronicles* (38...
Library
For aBirthday.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCXLVI. For aBirthday. 8.6.8.6 James Montgomery. For aBirthday.
Is this the day that gave me birth? Returning year by year,....
On the Theophany, orBirthday of Christ.
... a future occasion; for the present the Festival is the Theophany orBirth-day, for
it... to it in reference to the Manifestation, and that ofBirthday in respect...
The Festival of theBirth-Day of Manich??us.
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 8. "The
Festival of theBirth-Day of Manich??us. 9. In adding the...
Birthday.
...Birthday. 75. Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way, And when
earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last...
For a Friend'sBirthday.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCXLVII. For a Friend'sBirthday. 8.8.8.8 James Montgomery.
For a Friend'sBirthday. Brother and friend, with heart and voice,....
Preached on hisBirthday , or Day of Ordination.
... Sermons. Sermon I. Preached on hisBirthday , or day of Ordination. Preached
on hisBirthday [645] , or day of Ordination. Having...
Reflections on his FiftiethBirthday. What a Wonderful Being is...
... CHAPTER XIX. Reflections on his FiftiethBirthday. What a Wonderful Being is Man!...
Last Three Birthdays. His Trust in God. Reflections on his FiftiethBirthday....
On hisBirthday, iii: Delivered on the Anniversary of his...
... Sermons. Sermon III. On HisBirthday, III: Delivered on the Anniversary
of his Elevation to the Pontificate. On HisBirthday, III...
On hisBirthday, ii. : Delivered on the Anniversary of his...
... On hisBirthday, II.: Delivered on the Anniversary of his Consecration. On hisBirthday,
II.: Delivered on the Anniversary [654] of his Consecration....
Marriages andBirthday Feasts are not to be Celebrated in Lent. .....
... Canon LII. Marriages andbirthday feasts are not to be celebrated in Lent.? Marriages
andbirthday feasts are not to be celebrated in Lent. Notes....
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.
Birthday (4 Occurrences)
... On the occasion of Herod'sbirth-day John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14:6...
of or pertaining to the day of birth, or its anniversary; as,birthday gifts or...
Herodias (7 Occurrences)
... At Herod'sbirthday feast, Herodias induced her daughter Salome, whose dancing had
so charmed the tetrarch, to ask as her reward the head of John the Baptist...
Officials (229 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on hisbirthday made a supper for
his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. (See NIV)....
Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)
Birth-pains.Birth-day, Birth-pains. Birth-pangs . Multi-Version Concordance...
(BBE).Birth-day, Birth-pains. Birth-pangs . Reference Bible.
Banquet (58 Occurrences)
...Birthday banquets are mentioned (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6). They were sometimes
protracted, and attended with revelry and excess (Genesis 21:8; 29:22; 1...
Kept (891 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY BBE WBS). Matthew 14:6 But when Herod'sbirthday was kept, the daughter
of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. (KJV WBS YLT)....
Nobles (71 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on hisbirthday made a supper for
his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. (WEB WEY)....
Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... Herod on hisbirthday gave a banquet to the nobles of his court and to the
tribunes and the principal people in Galilee, (WEY RSV)....
Officers (171 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on hisbirthday made a supper for
his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. (WEB RSV)....
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.orgWas Jesus born on December 25? Is December 25 Jesus' birthday? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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