### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mḗn**, represented by `{{G3376}}`, is a primary word for **a month**. It appears **18 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently refers to a literal measure of time, used to mark specific durations, cycles, and key points within a narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3376}}` is used to specify distinct periods of time. It marks significant durations in prophecy, such as the "forty and two **months**" during which the holy city is trodden under foot [[Revelation 11:2]] and a beast is given authority [[Revelation 13:5]]. The word also structures historical accounts, as seen in Luke's narrative where Elisabeth's pregnancy is marked in **months** ([[Luke 1:24]], [[Luke 1:36]]) and in Acts, where Paul's missionary journeys are measured by periods of "three **months**" [[Acts 19:8]]. It can also denote a recurring cycle, as with the tree of life which yields fruit every **month** [[Revelation 22:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are frequently used alongside `{{G3376}}` to define various scales of time:
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This is a foundational unit of time often listed with **month**, as when Paul warns against observing "**days**, and **months**, and times, and years" [[Galatians 4:10]].
* `{{G1763}}` **eniautós** (a year): This word is often paired with **month** to describe longer durations, such as the drought lasting "three **years** and six **months**" [[James 5:17]].
* `{{G2540}}` **kairós** (an occasion, i.e. set or proper time): This term refers to specific, appointed times or seasons and appears in sequence with **months** in [[Galatians 4:10]].
* `{{G5610}}` **hṓra** (an "hour"): This specifies a more precise moment and is listed in a progressive sequence of time units: "**hour**, and a **day**, and a **month**, and a **year**" [[Revelation 9:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3376}}` is primarily derived from the contexts in which these specific timeframes are employed.
* **Prophetic Timetables:** In the book of Revelation, specific durations like "forty and two **months**" [[Revelation 13:5]] and "five **months**" [[Revelation 9:5]] signify that periods of tribulation and judgment are precisely measured and controlled by God.
* **Fulfillment of God's Plan:** The careful marking of **months** in Luke's account of the events leading to Christ's birth underscores the deliberate and perfectly timed nature of God's redemptive plan ([[Luke 1:26]], [[Luke 1:36]]).
* **Eternal Provision:** The tree of life yielding fruit every **month** in the new Jerusalem illustrates the concept of God's constant, uninterrupted provision and eternal life for His people [[Revelation 22:2]].
* **Ritual Observance:** The word is used by Paul to caution believers against reverting to a legalistic observance of special "**days**, and **months**, and times, and years," contrasting such practices with life in the Spirit [[Galatians 4:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3376}}` **mḗn** is a straightforward term for a unit of time, but its application is crucial to biblical narrative and prophecy. It provides structure to historical accounts, defines the duration of divinely appointed judgments, and illustrates concepts of God's perfect timing and ceaseless provision. From marking the months of pregnancy in the story of the Incarnation to defining periods of tribulation in eschatology, **mḗn** demonstrates how even a simple measure of time is used in Scripture to convey God's sovereign control over all events.
TRV