Original Word: חֹדֶשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chodesh
Pronunciation: kho'-desh
Phonetic Spelling: (kho'-desh)
KJV: month(-ly), new moon
NASB: month, months, new moon, new moons, month throughout the months, month and months
Word Origin: [from H2318 (חָדַשׁ - renew)]

1. the new moon
2. (by implication) a month

monthly, new moon

From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month -- month(-ly), new moon.

see HEBREW chadash

Word Origin
from chadash
Definition
new moon, a month
NASB Translation
month (204), month and months (1), month throughout the months (2), months (33), new moon (17), new moons (9).

I. חֹ֫דֶשׁ₂₈₂ noun masculine^{Genesis 7:11} (feminine ᵑ0 Genesis 38:24 but masculine Sam Di) (newness), new moon, month (on formation compare Lg^{BN 144}; on usage, names, etc., Muss-Arn^{JBL 1892, 72 ff., 160 ff.}) — ׳ח absolute Genesis 7:11 +; construct (rare) Genesis 29:14 +; suffix חָדְשׁוֺ Numbers 28:14 2t.; חָדְשָׁהּ Hosea 2:13; Jeremiah 2:24; plural חֳדָשִׁים Genesis 38:24 +; construct חָדְשֵׁי Exodus 12:2 2t.; suffix חֳדָשָׁיו Job 14:5 2t.; חָדְשֵׁיכֶם Isaiah 1:14; Numbers 28:11; חָדְשֵׁכֶם Numbers 10:10; —

1 new moon = day, time, of new moon, as religious festival 1 Samuel 20:5,18,24,27,34 (Dr); compare ׳יאֹכְלֵם ח Hosea 5:7 a new moon shall devour them, Hi St VB, but on text see We; usually "" שַׁבָּת Amos 8:5; 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13 (+ קְרֹא מִקְרָא), מִדֵּי חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֺ Isaiah 66:23, Ezekiel 46:1,6 (both ׳יוֺם הַח), 1 Chronicles 23:31; 2Chron 2:3; 2 Chronicles 8:13; 31:3; Nehemiah 10:34 (all + מוֺעֵד), Hosea 2:13; Ezekiel 45:17 (both + חג, מועד); "" מוֺעֵד alone Isaiah 1:14; Ezekiel 3:5; "" יוֺם חַגֵּנוּ Psalm 81:4; (compare ׳ראֹשׁ הַח Numbers 10:10; Numbers 28:11; on religious observance of new moon compare Di^{Lv p. 578 f} Benz^{Archäol. § 69}); as time of augury in Babylon (astrological prognostication) Isaiah 47:13.

2 month (as beginning with new moon, lunar month; compare Benz^{Archäol. § 30}, but then, without reference to day of beginning);

a. as measure of time during which Genesis 38:24 (J), Numbers 11:20,21 (JE), Numbers 9:22 (P), Judges 11:37,38,39; Judges 20:47; 1 Samuel 6:1; 1 Samuel 27:7; 2 Samuel 2:11; 2 Samuel 5:5; 2 Samuel 6:11; 2 Samuel 24:8,13 = 1 Chronicles 21:12; Amos 4:7; 1 Kings 4:7; 1 Kings 5:7; 1 Kings 5:28 (3 t. in verse); 1 Kings 11:16; 2 Kings 15:8; 2 Kings 23:31; 2 Kings 24:8; Ezekiel 39:12,14; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 1 Chronicles 13:14; 2Chronicles 36:2,9; Esther 2:12 (3 t. in verse). In 1 Samuel 10:27b read probably כְּמֵחֹדֶשׁ for ᵑ0 כמחרישׁ, and join to 1 Samuel 11:1, so ᵐ5 We Dr (compare Genesis 38:24); in combinations, יָמִים ׳ח a month (of) time (compare יֶרַח ימים Deuteronomy 21:1; 2 Kings 15:13) Genesis 29:14 (J), Numbers 11:20,26 (JE), ׳ימים ארבעה ח Judges 19:2; of age ׳מִסְמַּרחֿ number of his months =length of his life Job 14:5; Job 21:21; compare especially ׳בֶּןחֿ Leviticus 27:6; Numbers 3:15,22,28,34,39,40,43; Numbers 18:16; Numbers 26:22 (all P).

b. calendar months, (1) with names הָאָבִיב ׳ח Exodus 13:4; Exodus 23:15; Exodus 34:18 (twice in verse) (all J E; = 1st month Exodus 12:2 P), Deuteronomy 16:11; זִו ׳ח 1 Kings 6:1 ( = 2nd mo. ib.; = יֶרַח זִו 1 Kings 6:37); compare 1 Kings 8:2 (הַשְּׁבִיעִי ׳הַח = יֶרַךְ הָאֵתָנִים), 1 Kings 6:38 (הַשְּׁמִינִי ׳הַח = יֶרַח בּוּל); in the post-exilic books occur Babylonian names (see the several words): — נִיסָן ׳ח Nehemiah 2:1; Esther 3:7 ( = 1st mo. Esther 3:7); סִיוָן ׳ח Esther 8:9 = 3rd mo.; כִּסְלֵו ׳ח Zechariah 7:1; Nehemiah 1:1 ( = 9th mo. Zechariah 7:1); טֵבֵ֑ת ׳ח Esther 2:16 = 10th mo.; שְׁבָט ׳ח Zechariah 1:7 = 11th mo.; אֲדָר ׳ח Esther 3:7,13; Esther 8:12; Esther 9:1 in all = 12th mo., Esther 9:15,17,19,21; (compare also אֱלוּל Nehemiah 6:15, without ׳ח or יֶרַךְ; this was 6th mo.; see further Schr^{COT Nehemiah 1:1} Benz^l.c.). (2) merely numbered (chiefly P and late) e.g. הַשֵּׁנִי ׳בַּח Genesis 7:11, compare Genesis 8:4,5,14; Leviticus 16:29; Numbers 1:1,18 (all P) + often P; Deuteronomy 1:3 (P), 1 Kings 12:32; 1 Kings 12:33; 1Ki 25:1; 1Ki 25:3; 1Ki 25:8; 1Ki 25:25; 1Ki 25:27; Jeremiah 1:3 11t. Jeremiah; Ezekiel 24:1; Ezekiel 32:1; Haggai 1:1,15; Zechariah 1:1; Zechariah 7:1,13; 1 Chronicles 12:15, compare entire list 1 Chronicles 27:2-15; 2Chronicles 3:2 12t. 2 Chronicles; Ezra 3:1 10t. Ezra; Nehemiah 7:72; Nehemiah 8:2,14; Esther 3:12; note especially הַזֶּה לָכֶם ראֹשׁ חָדָשִׁ֑ים רִאשׁוֺן הוּא לָכֶם ׳הַח Exodus 12:2 (P), as implying that the 1st mo. was formerly not in the spring; observe also usage of omitting ׳ח, e.g. בָּרִאשׁוֺן = ׳הָר ׳בַּח Genesis 8:13, compare Genesis 8:5; so commonly in Ezek.: — Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 20:1; Ezekiel 29:1,17; Ezekiel 30:20; Ezekiel 31:1; Ezekiel 33:21; Ezekiel 45:18,21,25 + Ezekiel 26:1; Ezekiel 32:17; Ezekiel 45:20 Co; (׳ח sometimes expressed, see Ezekiel 24:1; Ezekiel 32:1 above; on like usage with יום see יום). (3) special phrases and usages are: — עֹלַת חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֺ לְחָדְשֵׁי שָׁנָה Numbers 28:14 (P; compare יום, and Isaiah 66:23 above

1); מִיּוֺם לְיוֺם וּמֵחֹדֶשׁ לְחֹדֶשׁ Esther 3:7 from day to day and from month to month; חָדְשָׁהּ Jeremiah 2:24 of wild she-ass's mating time.

Overview of Usage

חֹדֶשׁ functions in Scripture both as “month” (the span between one new moon and the next) and as “new moon” (the first visible crescent initiating that month). Of the roughly 283 occurrences, the majority mark dates in narrative or legal texts; a significant minority highlight cultic celebration and prophetic hope. The term therefore anchors Israel’s historical record, worship rhythm, and eschatological expectation.

Calendar and Chronology

1. Foundational Marker. The first explicit reference fixes the Flood chronology: “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month…” (Genesis 7:11). חֹדֶשׁ structures Genesis through Esther, enabling precise historical memory.
2. Sacred Reordering. At the Exodus the Lord reorients national time: “This month is to be the first month of your year” (Exodus 12:2). The redemption event, not agricultural custom, becomes Israel’s temporal center.
3. Dual Calendar. References such as “in the seventh month, on the first day of the month” (Leviticus 23:24) show the coexistence of a sacred year (beginning in Abib/Nisan) and a civil year (beginning in Tishri), both counted by חֹדֶשׁ.

Cultic and Liturgical Observance

1. New Moon Offerings. Numbers 28:11-15 prescribes burnt offerings, grain offerings, and a sin offering “at the beginning of your months.” The new moon thus joins Sabbath and festival days as divinely appointed convocations.
2. Musical Celebration. “Blow the trumpet at the new moon” (Psalm 81:3). Sounding the shofar announces covenant fidelity and divine kingship.
3. Table Fellowship. Saul’s court held a two-day feast at the new moon (1 Samuel 20:5,18,24-27), illustrating the day’s social and royal importance.
4. Sanctuary Access. The Shunammite woman’s husband asked, “Why go to him today? It is neither the new moon nor the Sabbath” (2 Kings 4:23), confirming the custom of seeking prophetic instruction on those days.
5. Eschatological Worship. Isaiah foretells universal pilgrimage: “From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh will come to worship before Me” (Isaiah 66:23). Ezekiel 46 echoes this renewed order.

Civil and Agricultural Rhythms

1. Taxation and Administration. Dates attached to royal edicts (1 Kings 6:1,37-38; Ezra 7:9) guided construction, military campaigns, and legal reforms.
2. Harvest Cycle. References in Deuteronomy 16 and 2 Chronicles 31 link months to barley, wheat, and fruit harvests, integrating worship with agronomy.
3. Everyday Commerce. Amos condemns merchants eager for the new moon to pass so they can resume trading (Amos 8:5), exposing the tension between piety and profit.

Prophetic and Eschatological Outlook

1. Heart over Ritual. Hosea 2:11 warns that unfaithful Israel will lose “her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her appointed feasts,” showing that ritual without covenant loyalty invites judgment.
2. False Security. Isaiah 1:13-14 declares God’s abhorrence of corrupt new-moon assemblies. Authentic worship demands ethical obedience.
3. Final Restoration. As noted, Isaiah 66:23 and Ezekiel 46:1,3 place the new moon in a future perfected order, indicating continuity of sacred time yet transformed in a redeemed cosmos.

Typological and Christological Implications

1. Cycle of Renewal. The waxing crescent symbolizes new beginnings, prefiguring regeneration in Christ: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Fulfillment of Shadows. While the new moon was “a shadow of the things to come,” the substance belongs to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). The observance pointed forward to the true light that inaugurates a new covenant era.
3. Kingdom Inclusivity. The prophetic vision of all nations worshiping at each new moon anticipates Revelation 21:24-26, where the glory of God enlightens the new Jerusalem continually—no longer requiring lunar cycles, yet fulfilling their intent.

Pastoral and Discipleship Applications

1. Ordering Time Around Redemption. Just as Israel’s calendar began with deliverance, believers structure life around the death and resurrection of Jesus, commemorated weekly and seasonally in corporate worship.
2. Regular Self-Examination. The monthly reset encourages spiritual inventory and recommitment to covenant faithfulness (1 Corinthians 11:28 principle).
3. Joyful Assembly. The festive nature of the new moon invites Christians to cultivate rhythms of celebration, gratitude, and communal generosity.
4. Expectant Hope. Each visible new crescent reminded Israel of divine constancy; likewise, disciples live in anticipation of the “blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Summary

חֹדֶשׁ weaves together chronology, worship, community, and prophecy. From Noah’s ark to Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth, the month-marker punctuates Scripture with recurring calls to remember redemption, honor the Creator, pursue holiness, and look ahead to ultimate restoration in Christ.

בְּחָדְשָׁ֖הּ בְּחָדְשׁ֔וֹ בְּחֹ֔דֶשׁ בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ בְחֹֽדֶשׁ־ בַּחֹ֑דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֖דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֤דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ בַחֹ֔דֶשׁ בַחֹ֣דֶשׁ בחדש בחדש־ בחדשה בחדשו הֶחֳדָשִׁ֜ים הַחֹ֔דֶשׁ הַחֹ֖דֶשׁ הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ הַחֹ֜דֶשׁ הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַחֹ֤דֶשׁ הַחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַחֹ֧דֶשׁ החדש החדשים וְהַחֹ֗דֶשׁ וְלֶ֣חֳדָשִׁ֔ים וְלֶחֳדָשִׁ֣ים וּבֶחֳדָשִׁ֑ים וּבֶחֳדָשִׁים֙ וּבַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ וּבַחֹ֣דֶשׁ וּבַחֹ֤דֶשׁ וּבַחֹ֥דֶשׁ וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ וּמֵחֹ֛דֶשׁ ובחדש ובחדשים והחדש ולחדשים ומחדש חֳ֠דָשִׁים חֳדָשִֽׁים׃ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים חֳדָשִׁ֔ים חֳדָשִׁ֖ים חֳדָשִׁ֗ים חֳדָשִׁ֛ים חֳדָשִׁ֜ים חֳדָשִׁים֙ חֳדָשָׁ֣יו חֳדָשָׁ֥יו חָדְשֵׁ֣י חָדְשֵׁיכֶ֔ם חָדְשֵׁיכֶ֤ם חָדְשֵׁיכֶם֒ חָדְשָׁ֣הּ חָדְשׁ֑וֹ חֹ֑דֶשׁ חֹ֔דֶשׁ חֹ֖דֶשׁ חֹ֗דֶשׁ חֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ חֹ֚דֶשׁ חֹ֜דֶשׁ חֹ֣דֶשׁ חֹ֤דֶשׁ חֹ֥דֶשׁ חֹ֧דֶשׁ חדש חדשה חדשו חדשי חדשיו חדשיכם חדשים חדשים׃ לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ לֶחֳדָשִׁ֔ים לֶחֳדָשִׁ֖ים לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ לַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ לַחֹ֛דֶשׁ לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ לַחֹ֤דֶשׁ לַחֹ֥דֶשׁ לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ לַחֹֽדֶשׁ׃ לַחֹדֶשׁ֒ לַחֹדֶשׁ֩ לָֽחֳדָשָׁיו֙ לחדש לחדש׃ לחדשי לחדשיו לחדשים ba·ḥō·ḏeš ḇa·ḥō·ḏeš baChodesh baḥōḏeš ḇaḥōḏeš bə·ḥā·ḏə·šāh bə·ḥā·ḏə·šōw bə·ḥō·ḏeš ḇə·ḥō·ḏeš- bechadeShah bechadeSho beChodesh bəḥāḏəšāh bəḥāḏəšōw bəḥōḏeš ḇəḥōḏeš- chadeShah chadeShei chadesheiChem chadeSho chodaShav chodaShim Chodesh ḥā·ḏə·šāh ḥā·ḏə·šê ḥā·ḏə·šê·ḵem ḥā·ḏə·šōw ha·ḥō·ḏeš haChodesh ḥāḏəšāh ḥāḏəšê ḥāḏəšêḵem ḥāḏəšōw haḥōḏeš he·ḥo·ḏā·šîm hechodaShim heḥoḏāšîm ḥo·ḏā·šāw ḥo·ḏā·šîm ḥō·ḏeš ḥoḏāšāw ḥoḏāšîm ḥōḏeš lā·ḥo·ḏā·šāw la·ḥō·ḏeš laChodesh lāḥoḏāšāw laḥōḏeš lə·ḥā·ḏə·šê le·ḥo·ḏā·šîm lə·ḥō·ḏeš lechadeShei lechodaShim leChodesh ləḥāḏəšê leḥoḏāšîm ləḥōḏeš lochodaShav ū·ḇa·ḥō·ḏeš ū·ḇe·ḥo·ḏā·šîm ū·mê·ḥō·ḏeš ūḇaḥōḏeš ūḇeḥoḏāšîm umeChodesh ūmêḥōḏeš uvaChodesh uvechodaShim vaChodesh vechodesh vehaChodesh veLechodaShim wə·ha·ḥō·ḏeš wə·le·ḥo·ḏā·šîm wəhaḥōḏeš wəleḥoḏāšîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts