If you’ve ever studied the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, you may have come across the term “High Sabbath” and wondered what it means and when it took place.
This question is important for anyone interested in the historical and religious context of Good Friday, the crucifixion, and the Jewish Passover.
In short: The High Sabbath when Jesus was crucified occurred on the day He died—on a Friday that also coincided with the special Passover feast day, making it both the weekly Sabbath and an annual “high” or special Sabbath.
Let’s take a closer look at how these dates line up and what makes this Sabbath unique.
What is a High Sabbath?
To understand what day the High Sabbath fell on, it’s important to first understand the Jewish calendar and festival system.
1. The Weekly Sabbath
The Sabbath (Shabbat) is the seventh day of the week, running from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is the day of rest, commemorating God’s rest after creation. (Genesis 2:2-3)
2. Annual Sabbaths or “High Sabbaths”
In addition to the weekly Sabbath, the Torah designates certain annual holy days as Sabbaths—these are called “High Sabbaths” or “High Days.”
Leviticus 23 outlines these annual Sabbaths, including the first and last day of Unleavened Bread (beginning with Passover), the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles.
A “High Sabbath” or “High Day” is any Sabbath that falls on one of these festival days, whether or not it coincides with the weekly Saturday Sabbath.
The Passover Week in Jesus’ Time
1. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread
Passover (Pesach) is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. The following day, the 15th of Nisan, marks the start of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which also begins with a special Sabbath—the first “High Day” of the festival week. (Leviticus 23:4-6)
2. Preparation Day
John 19:31 tells us,
“…because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) .”
“Preparation Day” refers to the day before the Sabbath, when Jews prepared food and finished work forbidden during the Sabbath. On Passover week, Preparation Day also meant slaughtering the Passover lamb.
What Do the Gospel Accounts Say?
1. Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke)
All three Gospels agree that Jesus’ crucifixion happened on the day of Preparation—the day before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, Matthew 27:62).
2. The Gospel of John
John specifically says this Sabbath was a “high day” (John 19:31 KJV).
Was Jesus Crucified on a Friday?
The Gospels place the crucifixion on the day before a Sabbath (Preparation Day).
Yes, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. (Luke 23:53-54)
“Three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40)—often interpreted as partial days and nights according to Jewish reckoning.
Why Was This Sabbath “High”?
Once every few years, the first day of Unleavened Bread (an annual Sabbath) falls on the weekly Sabbath. That year, the “Sabbath” after Jesus’ crucifixion was doubly significant because:
- It was the weekly Saturday Sabbath, and
- The start of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, an annual “High Sabbath.”
What Day Was the High Sabbath?
Historical and Astronomical Clues
Scholars have used ancient Jewish calendars and astronomy to try to match the Biblical Passover with modern dates.
In AD 31, Passover Eve fell on a Friday (April 27), meaning the following Sabbath was both the regular weekly Sabbath and the annual Passover “High Sabbath.”
This unique overlap made “that Sabbath a high day” (John 19:31).
Timeline of Events
| Day | Jewish Day | Modern Day | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Day | Nisan 14 | Friday | Jesus crucified – Passover -buried before sunset |
| High Sabbath | Nisan 15 | Saturday | Weekly Sabbath + Feast of Unleavened Bread |
So, the High Sabbath when Jesus was crucified started Friday evening and ran through Saturday.
Why Does This Matter?
1. Fulfilling Prophecy
Multiple Old Testament prophecies connect the Messiah’s suffering with the Passover lamb (Exodus 12, Isaiah 53). Jesus died as the Passover lambs were sacrificed—fulfilling the type and timing.
2. Gospel Harmony
Understanding the “High Sabbath” solves perceived contradictions between the Gospels.
3. The Meaning of Good Friday and Easter
Knowing that Jesus died just before this double Sabbath and rose “on the first day of the week” (Sunday) highlights why Christians celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday when they do.
Key Bible Verses
John 19:31 – “The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,…) ”
Mark 15:42 – “…it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, …”
Leviticus 23:6–7 – “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. ”
Conclusion:
To summarize, the High Sabbath when Jesus was crucified began at sundown on the Friday He died and lasted through Saturday.
This Sabbath was unique because it was both the weekly day of rest (Saturday) and the annual festival Sabbath (first day of Unleavened Bread following Passover).
This perfect overlap fulfilled the prophetic symbolism of Jesus, the Passover Lamb, dying for the sins of the world.
My Letter To A Sunday Keeper – Sabbath Documentary
The Days of Noah – Powerful Documentary (Video Format)
Bible Studies – Written Format
