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μήν

mḗn

G3376 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A period of time corresponding to a lunar month, typically about 29–30 days; used as a measurement of time in reference to calendars and the chronological reckoning of events. In extended usage, indicates a unit for counting durations aligned with lunar cycles.

Semantic Range

lunar month, month as a unit of time, a period of about 29–30 days, month (in calendar reckoning)

Root / Etymology

From the root μη- (me-), connected with the Greek noun μήν (mēn) for month. Related to the Proto-Indo-European root *mēns- (‘month’), itself derived from the root for ‘moon’, reflecting the ancient correlation of months with lunar cycles. Cognate with Latin mensis ('month').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μήν consistently refers to a lunar month, reflecting the ancient Mediterranean practice of reckoning time by moon cycles (as in Homer, Herodotus). The term is predominantly used in historical, literary, and calendrical contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, μήν refers specifically to a calendar month or a period measured from moon phase to moon phase. Ancient Israelite, Judean, and other Near Eastern calendars were typically lunar or lunisolar, so months did not always correspond to later fixed numbered months. Standard English translations render μήν as 'month', but the term’s reference to a period marked by the lunar cycle is often obscured in modern translations. The Greek concept contrasts with terms indicating year (ἐνιαυτός) or day (ἡμέρα).

Translation Consistency

primary "month" 18 occurrences

The lemma denotes a unit of time (a lunar month, ~29–30 days). The most natural, common English rendering is the noun “month.” Although many occurrences are plural, using the singular base “month” allows consistent inflection to produce “months” where needed and matches the typical calendar sense better than the adjective “lunar.”

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary word; a month:--month.

Root Family

μήν (mēn) — moon, month

Root μην- moon, month

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3376-03 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months 14
G3376-02 μῆνα mena N ACC M SG month a lunar month month 2
G3376-01 μὴν men N NOM M SG month indeed month 1
G3376-04 μηνὶ meni N DAT M SG month in a lunar month month 1

Occurrences in Scripture

18 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3376-03 Luke 1:24 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-04 Luke 1:26 μηνὶ meni N DAT M SG month in a lunar month month
G3376-01 Luke 1:36 μὴν men N NOM M SG month indeed month
G3376-03 Luke 1:56 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Luke 4:25 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Acts 7:20 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Acts 18:11 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Acts 19:8 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Acts 20:3 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
G3376-03 Acts 28:11 μῆνας menas N ACC M PL months lunar months months
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