hō´li - dā : This word occurs twice in the King James Version, namely, Psalm 42:4 , "a multitude that kept (the Revised Version (British and American) "keeping") holyday," and Colossians 2:16 . In the latter case it is a rendering of the Greek word ἑορτή , heortḗ , the ordinary term for a religious festival. the Revised Version (British and American) translates "feast day." In the former instance "keeping holyday" renders חוגג , ḥōghēgh ̌ . The verb means to "make a pilgrimage," or "keep a religious festival." Occasionally the idea of merrymaking prevails, as in 1 Samuel 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.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
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