Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Each day of Holy Week has deep spiritual significance and is reflected in key Bible verses that guide believers in prayer, reflection, and worship.
Whether you're looking for the Good Friday Bible verse, the Easter Sunday Bible verse, or specific scriptures for Black Saturday and other days of Holy Week, this guide provides carefully selected passages and explanations for each.
🌿 Palm Sunday Bible Verse (Sunday before Easter)
Theme: The Triumphal Entry
📖 Matthew 21:9 (NIV)
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). The crowd laid down palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!"—a declaration of praise and plea for salvation. This day marks the beginning of Holy Week.
🕊️ Holy Monday Bible Verse
Theme: Cleansing of the Temple
📖 Matthew 21:12–13 (NIV)
“My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
On Holy Monday, Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out money changers. This act demonstrates Christ's authority and His call for spiritual purity.
📜 Holy Tuesday Bible Verse
Theme: Teaching and Warnings
📖 Matthew 22:37–39 (NIV)
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ … ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus taught in the temple, including the parables and the Greatest Commandment. It was a day of spiritual instruction and confrontation with religious leaders.
🪔 Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) Bible Verse
Theme: Betrayal of Jesus
📖 Matthew 26:14–16 (NIV)
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?”
Spy Wednesday commemorates Judas Iscariot’s decision to betray Jesus. It’s a day to reflect on loyalty, temptation, and the gravity of betrayal.
🍞 Maundy Thursday Bible Verse
Theme: The Last Supper and Commandment of Love
📖 John 13:34–35 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
📖 Luke 22:19–20 (NIV)
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me... This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and Jesus’ command to love and serve. “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.”
✝️ Good Friday Bible Verse
Theme: The Crucifixion
📖 Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
📖 John 19:30 (NIV)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day remembering His suffering and death on the cross, a sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.
🌑 Black Saturday (Holy Saturday) Bible Verse
Theme: Waiting in the Tomb
📖 Matthew 27:59–60 (NIV)
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb... He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
Black Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, is a day of quiet reflection and mourning. It marks the time Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, and it symbolizes the in-between space of grief and hope before the resurrection.
✨ Easter Sunday Bible Verse
Theme: The Resurrection
📖 Matthew 28:5–6 (NIV)
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
📖 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NIV)
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a joyful day of victory over sin and death, bringing hope and renewal to believers around the world.
🙏 Final Thoughts: Living Out Holy Week
Each day of Holy Week is rich with meaning. By meditating on these specific Bible verses, you can deepen your understanding and spiritual connection during this sacred time.
✅ Quick Recap of Holy Week Bible Verses:
| Day | Theme | Bible Verse |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Triumphal Entry | Matthew 21:9 |
| Holy Monday | Cleansing the Temple | Matthew 21:12–13 |
| Holy Tuesday | Teaching | Matthew 22:37–39 |
| Holy Wednesday | Betrayal | Matthew 26:14–16 |
| Maundy Thursday | Last Supper | John 13:34–35, Luke 22:19–20 |
| Good Friday | Crucifixion | Isaiah 53:5, John 19:30 |
| Black Saturday | Burial | Matthew 27:59–60 |
| Easter Sunday | Resurrection | Matthew 28:5–6, 1 Corinthians 15:20 |
