What Year Did Jesus Die?
What Year Did Jesus Die? Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
Key verse: Luke 3:1 (KJV)
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness." — Luke 3:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture does not give an exact calendar year for the crucifixion, but several historical clues narrow the date. Luke notes that John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar (about AD 28-29), and Jesus' public ministry began shortly after. The Gospel of John records at least three Passover feasts during Jesus' ministry, indicating a span of about three to three and a half years. Pontius Pilate ruled Judea from AD 26 to AD 36, and Caiaphas was high priest from AD 18 to AD 36 — both must have been in office during the crucifixion. Lining these dates with Passover and a Friday crucifixion narrows the year to either AD 30 (Friday, April 7) or AD 33 (Friday, April 3). The AD 33 date best fits Daniel's 'seventy weeks' prophecy and most modern scholarship.
Key Scripture References
"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness."
"And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary."
"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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What Is the Meaning of Emmanuel?
Emmanuel (Immanuel) means 'God With Us' — the prophetic name given to Jesus, announcing that God Himself has come to dwell among His people.
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
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What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
The Good Samaritan is Jesus' story of a despised outsider who showed mercy to a wounded stranger, revealing what it truly means to love your neighbour.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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