The Greek word noumēnía, represented by G3561, refers to the festival of new moon. Derived from a compound of Greek words for "new" and "month" or "moon," its specific meaning is "new moon." This term is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
The sole appearance of G3561 is in Colossians 2:16, where it is listed among several religious observances. The passage instructs believers, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:" Colossians 2:16. In this context, the new moon is presented as a type of ceremonial practice about which believers should not be subject to human judgment.
The words surrounding G3561 in its only scriptural context help clarify its meaning as a religious observance:
- G2919 krínō (to distinguish, i.e. decide): This word, translated as judge, sets the theme of the verse, cautioning against condemnation based on ceremonial practices Colossians 2:16.
- G1035 brōsis (eating, food, meat): Paired with "drink," this points to dietary regulations, another area where judgment was being applied Colossians 2:16.
- G1859 heortḗ (a festival): This term for a holyday or feast directly links the new moon observance with other scheduled religious festivals Colossians 2:16.
- G4521 sábbaton (the Sabbath): The inclusion of the sabbath places the new moon among the most significant time-based observances in the religious calendar Colossians 2:16.
- G4213 pósis (a drinking, a draught): This word for drink is used alongside "meat" to cover the scope of dietary laws Colossians 2:16.
The theological significance of G3561 is derived entirely from its single use, where it contributes to a larger argument about Christian liberty.
- A Ceremonial Festival: Its placement alongside holyday G1859 and sabbath G4521 days categorizes the new moon as a formal, recurring religious festival Colossians 2:16.
- Freedom from Judgment: The primary theological point is that the observance of the new moon, like other ceremonies, is not a basis for one person to judge G2919 another. The instruction is to let no man G5100 pass sentence on these matters Colossians 2:16.
In summary, G3561 is a precise term for the new moon festival. Its singular mention in scripture occurs within a list of ceremonial practices, including rules about food, drink, feasts, and sabbaths. The defining message associated with this word is not about the practice itself, but about the believer's freedom from condemnation by others regarding its observance, as stated in Colossians 2:16.
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