Holyday

HOLYDAY, the tr. of the common Heb. קֹ֫דֶשׁ, H7731, usually read as “holy” (Isa 6:3, et al.), but tr. by KJV in Exodus 35:2 as “holyday,” RSV reads “holy.” In the NT the Gr. ἑορτη, is read by KJV as “holyday” only in Colossians 2:16, but as “feast” in all other passages (Luke 2:41, et al.). In all cases, irrespective of the precise tr. both the Heb. and Gr. words have reference to the many Jewish high holidays when the specific festivals were held in the Temple at Jerusalem.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

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.