### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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]].
TRV