InstaStudy

The Hebrew and Greek Meaning of "Month": Exploring Ancient Biblical Time Concepts

A comprehensive Bible study exploring the linguistic roots of the word 'month' in Hebrew and Greek, examining how God's design of time relates to spiritual renewal, covenant history, and modern discussions of time and legalism.

1. The Hebrew Concept of "Month" (Chodesh and Yerach)

1.1 Chodesh and the Principle of Renewal

Verses: Exodus 12:2; Psalm 104:19
  • The Hebrew word 'chodesh' literally means 'new moon' or 'renewal,' signifying a fresh start ordained by God.
  • God establishes the calendar to mark spiritual redemption, beginning the sacred year with the month of deliverance from Egypt.

1.2 Yerach and the Physical Moon

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:14; 1 Kings 6:38
  • The term 'yerach' relates directly to the physical moon and its cycles, highlighting God's creation as a natural clock.
  • It represents the natural, agricultural cycle of seasons which God governs sovereignly to sustain humanity.

2. The Greek Concept of "Month" (Men) in the New Testament

2.1 Men and the Measurement of Time

Verses: Luke 1:24; James 5:17
  • The Greek word 'men' refers to a month or a lunar cycle, used primarily for historical and chronological tracking in the New Testament.
  • It demonstrates how God works within human history and specific, measurable timeframes to accomplish His divine purposes.

2.2 Shadows and Realities in the New Covenant

Verses: Colossians 2:16-17; Galatians 4:9-10
  • New Testament writers warn against returning to the bondage of strictly observing days, months, times, and years as a means of salvation.
  • These temporal markers were shadows pointing to the ultimate spiritual reality found in the person of Jesus Christ.

3. Applying Ancient Biblical Time to Modern Discussions

3.1 The Sovereignty of God Over Time and Seasons

Verses: Acts 1:7; Daniel 2:21
  • God retains absolute authority over times and seasons, which are established by His own power and not by human calculation.
  • Modern discussions of calendars must submit to the truth that God is outside of time yet rules over every era.

3.2 Spiritual Renewal vs. Calendar Legalism

Verses: Romans 14:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • The true 'new month' or renewal for the believer is not found in a lunar cycle but in the daily renewal of the Holy Spirit.
  • A mature faith emphasizes a continuous walk in the Spirit rather than legalistic devotion to specific calendar days.

4. The Revelation of Jesus Christ as the Lord of Time

4.1 Jesus as the Alpha and Omega

Verses: Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 13:8
  • Jesus Christ, as the one true God manifest in the flesh, transcends all human and celestial calendars.
  • He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, making our spiritual standing independent of changing months.

4.2 Living in the Fulness of His Time

Verses: Ephesians 1:10; Acts 2:38
  • The dispensation of the fullness of times gathers all things together in Christ Jesus, who is the center of history.
  • Believers enter into God's eternal timeline through repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.