What year did Jesus die?

Quick answer

Jesus likely died around AD 30 or AD 33, with most scholars favoring AD 30 based on historical and biblical clues. While the exact year is uncertain, the significance of His death and resurrection remains the cornerstone of Christian faith and salvation.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus’ death year isn’t stated in the Bible, but historical clues help estimate it. Jesus likely died around AD 30 or AD 33, with most scholars favoring AD 30 based on the timing of John the Baptist’s ministry and Pontius Pilate’s rule. Jesus began His ministry shortly after John started preaching and ministered for about three and a half years. His crucifixion happened during Passover under Pilate’s governance. While exact dates matter less than the meaning, Jesus’ death and resurrection remain central to Christian faith and salvation and changed the course of all history.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The year that Jesus died is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Bible doesn't detail when Jesus was born or when He died, but we can figure it out based on other historical facts. Herod the Great was ruler over Judaea from 47 BC until his death in 4 BC (Matthew 2:1, 19). After Herod died, Joseph and Mary were once again visited by an angel and told it was safe to return to the area (Matthew 2:19–23). Looking at the information provided to us, we can say that Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BC.

Luke 3:1 says that John the Baptist started his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius' reign—that's about AD 26. Tiberius started reigning, as co-regent with Augustus Caesar, in AD 12, though he wasn't named emperor until AD 14.

As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus began His ministry soon after John the Baptist started preaching (Matthew 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-22) and taught and healed for about three and a half years (John 2:13; John 6:4; John 11:55). Thus, Jesus finished His ministry on earth around AD 29 or 30 (Luke 3:23; John 19:14).

We also know that Pontius Pilate ruled Judea from AD 26-36 and Jesus' death was during the Passover feast (Mark 14:12). The Jewish calendar that determined feast days was lunar-based. In combining all this information, we arrive at either April 7 AD 30 or April 3 AD 33 for the crucifixion date. There are scholarly arguments for both. If Jesus was executed in AD 33, His ministry would have been longer than three and a half years and would have started at least a year later than when John began his ministry. Most scholars believe Jesus died in AD 30.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It is true that the event of God coming to earth as a man, living a sinless life, dying on the cross as propitiation for our sins, and rising back to life is the central, pivot point of history. The precise dates of Jesus' birth or His death are not important. What is important is that each person realizes the significance of Jesus dying on the cross for their sins, then rising again in power over even death (Colossians 1:21–22). God has offered us new life and a future with Him (1 Peter 1:3). All we must do is put our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord and we will be saved (John 3:16–18; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8–9).

UNDERSTAND

Most scholars favor AD 30 as the date for Jesus’ death based on historical and biblical clues.

With Jesus’ birth approximated at 4 BC, and having a 3 ½ year ministry after His baptism, scholars tend to accept an earlier crucifixion.

Jesus’ death and resurrection remain central to Christian faith and salvation regardless of what year He was born or what year He died.

REFLECT

How does knowing the estimated time of Jesus’ death deepen your appreciation for the historical reality of His sacrifice?

How does focusing less on the exact date of Jesus’ death and more on its meaning affect your faith and daily life?

How does the centrality of Jesus’ death and resurrection challenge you to live differently in your relationship with God and others?

ENGAGE

How do the historical clues about Jesus’ ministry and death help us better understand the context of His mission and message?

What impact does the uncertainty of the exact year of Jesus’ death have on how we interpret biblical history and prophecy?

How can focusing on the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection rather than the specific date shape the way our faith communities worship God and share the gospel?