### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3376 (μήν, *mḗn*) is a primary word whose core meaning is "month." This term denotes a period of time, typically approximating the duration of a lunar cycle, which is roughly 29.5 days. In ancient calendars, months were intrinsically linked to the phases of the moon, and this etymological connection is often preserved in the word itself across various languages (e.g., "month" from "moon"). Its semantic range is predominantly temporal, referring to a specific calendrical division or a duration measured in such units. It can specify a particular month within a year or indicate a general period of several months.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G3376 appears 13 times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke and Revelation, with a single instance in Acts and Galatians.
* **Luke's Gospel:** In the infancy narratives, G3376 marks crucial periods in the divine unfolding of events. Elizabeth conceals herself for "five months" ([[Luke 1:24]]) before the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary in "the sixth month" ([[Luke 1:26]]). Gabriel then informs Mary that Elizabeth is "in her sixth month" ([[Luke 1:36]]), and Mary subsequently stays with Elizabeth for "about three months" ([[Luke 1:56]]). These occurrences highlight the precise, divinely orchestrated timing of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, underscoring God's meticulous plan for salvation history.
* **Acts of the Apostles:** In [[Acts 18:11]], G3376 is used to specify the duration of Paul's ministry in Corinth, where he "stayed a year and six months." This indicates a significant, extended period of evangelism and teaching, emphasizing the sustained effort required for establishing the early church.
* **Galatians:** In [[Galatians 4:10]], Paul rebukes the Galatian believers for observing "days and months and seasons and years." Here, G3376 is part of a list of calendrical observances that Paul identifies as a return to legalistic bondage, contrasting with the freedom and justification found in Christ through faith. This usage critiques reliance on external, Old Covenant practices rather than the spiritual reality of the new creation.
* **Revelation:** The book of Revelation employs G3376 frequently, often in a symbolic or prophetic context to denote specific durations of tribulation, judgment, or divine activity.
* The torment inflicted by the demonic locusts is for "five months" ([[Revelation 9:5]], [[Revelation 9:10]]).
* The trampling of the holy city by the Gentiles is for "forty-two months" ([[Revelation 11:2]]).
* The beast is given authority to act for "forty-two months" ([[Revelation 13:5]]).
These periods are often understood as symbolic rather than literal, representing a divinely appointed, limited duration for evil and tribulation.
* Significantly, in the description of the New Jerusalem, the tree of life yields its fruit "every month" ([[Revelation 22:2]]). This final occurrence conveys a sense of perpetual, rhythmic abundance and life-giving provision in the eternal state, transcending the limitations of earthly time while retaining a pattern of regular, unending fruitfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "month" in the New Testament finds its roots in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew equivalents include `{{H2320}}` (*chodesh*), often linked to the "new moon" and serving as the primary term for a month, and `{{H3391}}` (*yerach*), also meaning "month" or "moon."
In Greek, G3376 (μήν) is part of a broader lexical field of temporal words. These include:
* G2250 (*hēmera*): "day"
* G5550 (*chronos*): general "time" or "duration"
* G2540 (*kairos*): "opportune time" or "season"
* G1763 (*eniautos*): "year"
The word G3376 is thus a specific unit within the larger framework of time, often associated with natural cycles (lunar) and human calendrical systems. Concepts related to G3376 include divine timing, calendrical observance (both positive and negative), periods of waiting, periods of ministry, and prophetic durations of judgment or blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3376 is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Time:** In Luke, the precise mention of months underscores God's meticulous control and orchestration of history. The timing of the births of John and Jesus is not random but divinely appointed, demonstrating God's active involvement in the flow of human events for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
* **Critique of Legalism vs. Freedom in Christ:** The use of G3376 in Galatians is profoundly theological. By observing "months" (along with days, seasons, and years), the Galatians were reverting to a system of external, legalistic adherence, which Paul vehemently opposes. This highlights the New Covenant's emphasis on inward transformation by faith, rather than outward conformity to calendrical or ceremonial laws. True righteousness is not found in the observance of specific times but in Christ alone.
* **Symbolism in Eschatology:** In Revelation, G3376 takes on a highly symbolic role. The specified durations of "five months" or "forty-two months" are not merely literal but represent divinely delimited periods of tribulation and the limited power of evil. These timeframes assure believers that even in intense suffering, God remains in control, and the forces of darkness operate within boundaries set by Him.
* **Eternal Life and Sustenance:** The image of the tree of life bearing fruit "every month" in [[Revelation 22:2]] offers a profound theological statement about the eternal state. It signifies perpetual, unending provision, life, and renewal in the New Jerusalem. While earthly months mark finitude, in the new creation, the rhythmic cycle of provision continues without end, symbolizing the inexhaustible grace and blessing of God for His redeemed people.
### Summary
The Greek word G3376 (μήν, *mḗn*) primarily denotes a "month," a temporal unit often linked to lunar cycles. Its occurrences in the New Testament reveal significant theological dimensions. In Luke, it underscores the precise, divine timing of salvation history. In Acts, it marks the duration of apostolic ministry. In Galatians, it is part of a critique against legalistic observance, emphasizing the freedom found in Christ over reliance on external calendrical practices. Most notably, in Revelation, G3376 is used prophetically to delineate divinely appointed, often symbolic, durations of tribulation and the beast's power, ultimately culminating in the vision of the tree of life yielding fruit "every month," signifying perpetual life and unending divine provision in the eternal state. Thus, G3376 serves not merely as a temporal marker but as a vehicle for conveying profound truths about God's sovereignty over time, the nature of true worship, and the promise of eternal sustenance.
TRV