Lexical Summary Elul: Elul Original Word: אֱלוּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elul Probably of foreign derivation; Elul, the sixth Jewish month -- Elul. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition the sixth Jewish month NASB Translation Elul (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. אֱלוּל proper name of 6th month, Aug.—Sept. Nehemiah 6:15 (Mishna id., Palestinian אלול, Vog79, Assyrian Ululu COT Nehemiah 1:1, Arabic  , Aramaic  ). Topical Lexicon Overview Elul is the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year and the twelfth month of the civil year in the biblical calendar, corresponding to late August–September in the modern Gregorian reckoning. Although it is mentioned only once in Scripture, the setting in which it appears—Nehemiah 6:15—connects Elul with themes of completion, vigilance, and preparation that echo through redemptive history. Biblical Occurrence Nehemiah 6:15: “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.” The single reference situates Elul at the climax of Jerusalem’s wall-rebuilding project. Spiritual and physical restoration converge in this verse, conveying that what God begins He also brings to completion (Philippians 1:6). Placement within the Sacred Calendar 1. Sixth month of the religious cycle that begins with Nisan (Exodus 12:2). Because Elul borders these weighty convocations, it became a natural season for soul-searching and renewed dedication. Historical Significance in Nehemiah’s Day • The wall’s completion in Elul secured Jerusalem against hostile neighbors (Nehemiah 4:7-8) and reestablished the city as the center of covenant worship. Spiritual Themes 1. Repentance and Readiness – Elul precedes the trumpet blast of Tishri 1. In later Jewish practice, Psalm 27 is recited daily throughout Elul, its opening cry, “The LORD is my light and my salvation,” summarizing an attitude of humble trust. Later Liturgical Remembrance • Shofar blasts throughout Elul in rabbinic tradition summon hearts to awaken. Ministry Applications • Personal Devotion – Churches and families may adopt an “Elul rhythm,” setting aside time near the close of summer for inventory of faith, relationships, and service. Key Related Passages Nehemiah 4:6; 4:17-18; 6:16 – Tenacity in the face of opposition Psalm 27 – Confidence in the LORD during a season of self-examination Leviticus 23:23-32 – Feasts that follow Elul and highlight atonement Philippians 1:6 – Assurance of divine completion Revelation 21:2 – Ultimate restoration foreshadowed by Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls Conclusion Though Elul appears but once by name, its placement and context imbue the month with enduring biblical resonance. It calls God’s people to finish well, to stand watchfully, and to prepare expectantly for the greater works the Lord will unveil in the seasons that follow. Forms and Transliterations לֶאֱל֑וּל לאלול le’ĕlūl le·’ĕ·lūl leeLulLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 6:15 HEB: בְּעֶשְׂרִ֥ים וַחֲמִשָּׁ֖ה לֶאֱל֑וּל לַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּשְׁנַ֖יִם NAS: on the twenty-fifth of [the month] Elul, in fifty-two KJV: and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty INT: the twenty and fifth Elul fifty-two and two 1 Occurrence |
    |