A.T. Robertson Commentary John 7:2

"Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand." — John 7:2 (ASV)

The feast of tabernacles (η σκηνοπηγια). Only New Testament example of this word (σκηνη, tent, πηγνυμ, to fasten as in Heb 8:2). Technical name of this feast (Deuteronomy 16:13; Leviticus 23:34,43). It began on the 15th of the month Tisri (end of September) and lasted seven days and finally eight days in post-exilic times (Nehemiah 8:18). It was one of the chief feasts of the Jews.