Myth or Reality: The Concept of 69 Days in the Bible

There are various misconceptions and misinterpretations about the Bible that range from the humorous to the serious. One such misinterpretation is the belief that Jesus remained on the cross for 69 days before being resurrected. Alternatively, some take the 69 days mentioned in a particular Quora posting as a literal timeframe, comparing it to the days God took to create the world. This article will explore these concepts and dispel the myth with accurate biblical knowledge.

Where Did This Concept Come From?

The belief that Jesus was on the cross for 69 days or that the Bible mentions 69 days as a creation period is not found in any canonical or historical texts. Vince Michael Smith, who may have promoted this idea, might have gotten it from non-verified or apocryphal sources. This is not to be confused with the 7 weeks and 62 weeks prophesied by Daniel in Daniel 9.

Is the Bible a Reliable Source?

The Bible is a collection of texts that have been compiled over centuries. The oldest Gospel, Mark, which was written around AD 66, does not mention the 69-day period. This fact itself points to the inaccuracy of such claims. The story of Jesus and his resurrection is deeply rooted in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Correct Timeframe for Resurrection

According to the Bible, Jesus was buried for "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40). This timeframe aligns with the 7-day Sabbath and the traditional observance of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection. The concept of counting "days and nights" in biblical times was quite different from our modern understanding. A day in biblical terms could be morning to morning (or night to night), making the three-day period accurate in ancient reckoning.

The Julian Calendar and Biblical Calculations

It is important to note that the Julian Calendar, which was in use from 45 BC to 1582 AD, added an extra day in February during a leap year to adjust the seasons. Similarly, the Jewish lunar calendar sometimes added extra days to ensure Passover occurred on the correct date in the spring. This adds complexity in pinpointing exact dates. In the case of the biblical timeframe, the apostle John in John 19:31 refers to it as a "High Sabbath," which can be harder to pinpoint but is key to understanding the timing.

The 69 Weeks Prophecy

The 69 weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27) refers to a much longer timeframe. These 69 weeks span 483 years, as understood by scholars. It is crucial to not confuse this with the 69 days. The prophecy predicts the Messiah would be "cut off" (killed) after 62 weeks (434 years) of his reign, and then the city would be destroyed. This prophecy came true when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Conclusion: Understanding Biblical Context

While the idea of 69 days might seem intriguing, it is not supported by biblical texts. The correct understanding of biblical events, such as the resurrection of Jesus, the creation timeline, and the prophecy of the 69 weeks, requires a careful reading of the historical and cultural contexts. Always consult reliable sources and scholarly interpretations for a fuller understanding of the Bible.

Keywords: 69 days, Bible, Christianity

Bibliographic References

Daniel 9:24-27