Pentecost is a Greek term that means “fiftieth,” and the Feast of Pentecost took place 50 days after Passover. The Lord instituted this celebration when He renewed His covenant with the people as He spoke to Moses in Exodus 34:22-23. In Numbers 28:26, the feast is called the Day of First Fruits.

Pentecost, meaning "fiftieth" is observed only in the New Testament (Acts 2:1; Acts 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8). The festival so named is first spoken of in Exodus 23:16 as "the feast of harvest," and again in Exodus 34:22 as "the day of the firstfruits" (Numbers 28:26).