Bible Dictionary
HOLYDAY
Holyday is an older translation for a religious festival or feast day. It may also describe a pilgrimage or joyful observance of a sacred occasion.
Definition
Holyday is an older English term for a religious festival, feast day, or pilgrimage. In some contexts it includes the idea of joyful celebration or merrymaking associated with a sacred occasion.
Biblical Usage
In Colossians 2:16, “holyday” translates the ordinary Greek term for a religious festival and is rendered “feast day” in the Revised Version. In Psalm 42:4, keeping holyday recalls religious processions and festival worship.
Historical Background
The underlying verb may mean making a pilgrimage or keeping a religious festival. In some passages it emphasizes joyful celebration, including eating and drinking merrily.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ho'-li-da: This word occurs twice in the King James Version, namely, Ps 42:4, "a multitude that kept (the Revised Version (British and American) "keeping") holyday," and Col 2:16. In the latter case it is a rendering of the Greek word heorte, the ordinary term for a religious festival. the Revised Version (British and American) translates "feast day." In the former instance "keeping holyday" renders choghegh. The verb means to "make a pilgrimage," or "keep a religious festival." Occasionally the idea of merrymaking prevails, as in 1Sa 30:16--"eating and drinking," and enjoying themselves merrily. The Psalmist (who was perhaps an exiled priest) remembers with poignant regret how he used to lead religious processions on festival occasions.</p><p>T. Lewis</p>