בּוּל

Bul, the eighth Hebrew month

Definition

Bul is the name of the eighth month in the ancient Hebrew calendar, corresponding roughly to October-November in the modern Gregorian calendar. It is mentioned only once in the Bible, in 1 Kings 6:38, which records that Solomon completed the construction of the temple in the month of Bul. This month marked the end of the agricultural season of ingathering and the beginning of the rainy season in Israel. In the post-exilic period, this month's name was changed to Marcheshvan (or Heshvan), but the earlier name Bul is preserved in this single historical reference.

Biblical Usage

The word בּוּל (Bûwl) is used only once in the Old Testament, exclusively as a proper noun for a month. It appears in the historical narrative of 1 Kings 6:38, which states, 'And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its specifications.' Its usage is strictly chronological, providing a specific time marker for the completion of Solomon's temple.

Etymology

The name Bul is derived from the Hebrew root בּוּל (H944), which carries the sense of 'rain' or 'produce.' This etymology is fitting, as the month of Bul coincides with the beginning of the early rains (yoreh) in the land of Israel, which were crucial for softening the ground for plowing and sowing after the dry summer. The name thus reflects the agricultural and climatic reality of the season.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a chronological marker, its single biblical occurrence in 1 Kings 6:38 holds theological significance by pinpointing the completion of God's temple. This event fulfilled God's promise to David (2 Samuel 7:13) and established a central place for worship and God's presence among His people. Understanding this timing enriches the reading by connecting the temple's dedication to the seasonal cycle of God's provision (rain) and the culmination of a major covenantal project.

In its original cultural setting, Bul was an agricultural month name from the pre-exilic Canaanite/Hebrew calendar. It signified the time of year when the early rains began and the final autumn harvests (like olives) were gathered. This contrasts with the later, Babylonian-influenced name Marcheshvan used after the exile. The name Bul directly tied the calendar to the land's natural rhythm and God's provision of rain, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite covenant life (see Deuteronomy 11:14).

Marcheshvan (transliteration varies, no direct Strong's) — The post-exilic Babylonian name for the same eighth month, used in later Jewish tradition. Heshvan (חֶשְׁוָן, no direct Strong's) — A shortened, common form of Marcheshvan.

Word Details

Scripture References