Good Friday is the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At first, it may seem strange to call the darkest day in history “good.” On this day, Jesus was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. Yet Christians believe it is “good” because of what His death accomplished—our salvation and forgiveness.
The Suffering of the Cross
On Good Friday, Jesus endured deep suffering. He carried the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5
The Gospels describe His suffering in detail.
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet. —Matthew 27:35
What looked like defeat was part of God’s perfect plan. The cross shows both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s love.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. —Isaiah 53:4
The Meaning of “Good”
The word “good” in Good Friday does not mean happy or easy. Instead, it points to the good result of the cross: the gift of eternal life for those who believe.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13
Without Good Friday, there would be no Easter Sunday. The death of Jesus made way for the resurrection, proving victory over sin and death.
The Accomplishment of the Cross
Through His sacrifice, Jesus paid the penalty for sin once and for all.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. —2 Corinthians 5:21
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. —1 Peter 2:24
This exchange—our sin for His righteousness—is what makes Good Friday truly good. It is the foundation of the Christian faith.
Hope Beyond the Darkness
Good Friday reminds us that even in the darkest moment, God’s plan brings light. The cross was not the end, but the beginning of hope for all.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. —Romans 6:23
What seemed like defeat became the greatest victory of all time.
The Etymology of “Good” in Good Friday
The English word good comes from the Old English gōd, which could mean not only “pleasant” or “favorable,” but also holy, righteous, or sacred. In this sense, Good Friday is “good” because it was the holy day when Christ’s saving work was accomplished.
This aligns with how the Bible describes Jesus’ mission.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. —1 Peter 3:18
Other languages reflect this meaning as well. For example, in German it is called Karfreitag, which means “Sorrowful Friday,” highlighting the grief of the crucifixion. English, however, chose Good Friday—pointing to the goodness and holiness of what Jesus’ death brought for humanity.
The “good” in Good Friday, then, is about holiness and divine purpose. It was not good because of what happened to Jesus, but because of what God accomplished for the world through it.
We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. —Ephesians 1:7
