September isn’t just another page on the calendar. In the Bible, this month holds deep spiritual meaning. It represents a period of turning back to God, of personal reflection, and preparing for new beginnings. Biblically, September aligns with the Hebrew month of Elul and the start of Tishrei, which includes major biblical feasts like Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
These biblical festivals are not only rich in tradition but also powerful in spiritual symbolism. For the believer today, September is a call to renew your faith, realign your heart, and expect God’s move in your life.
Biblical Meaning of the Month of September
Biblically, September is a time of divine alignment, harvest, and spiritual reflection. It marks a sacred season associated with the Hebrew month of Elul and the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), calling believers to repentance, renewal, and preparation for God’s blessings.
September and the Hebrew Calendar
To understand September biblically, we must first look at the Hebrew calendar, which the Bible follows instead of the Gregorian calendar most of us use today.
- September usually overlaps with Elul (the 6th month) and Tishrei (the 7th month) in the Hebrew calendar.
- These months are significant because they lead up to and begin the High Holy Days, which include:
- Elul – A month of repentance and self-examination.
- Tishrei – The start of the new biblical year and feasts like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
These are not random dates. God Himself appointed these times in Leviticus 23 for sacred purposes.
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.’” (Leviticus 23:24, NKJV)
Significance of Elul: A Month of Repentance and Return
The month of Elul corresponds with most of September. In Jewish tradition and biblical rhythm, Elul is known as a time of teshuvah, or repentance.
What Happens Spiritually During Elul?
- Believers take this time to examine their hearts.
- It’s a season to repair broken relationships—with God and with others.
- Psalm 27 is traditionally read daily during this month: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
Elul is often described as a time when “the King is in the field,” meaning God draws near to His people. It’s an invitation to seek Him closely and personally.
Why Repentance Matters Now
Biblically, God often moved during seasons of repentance:
- Jonah warned Nineveh for 40 days, and they repented (Jonah 3).
- Jesus Himself began His ministry by preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
September, through the lens of Elul, becomes a window for spiritual return.
Tishrei and the Biblical Feasts
The month of Tishrei, which begins around mid-to-late September, marks the start of the biblical civil year.
1. Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets)
- Celebrated on the 1st day of Tishrei.
- It is a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:23-25).
- The shofar (ram’s horn) is blown as a call to awaken the soul.
Spiritual meaning: A divine wake-up call. A time to renew your spiritual commitment and remember God’s faithfulness.
2. Ten Days of Awe
- The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- A time of deep reflection and repentance.
These ten days are often called a “spiritual detox”—a time to align your actions with God’s Word.
3. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
- Occurs on the 10th of Tishrei.
- It’s the holiest day of the year in the Bible (Leviticus 23:27-28).
- A day of fasting, prayer, and forgiveness.
“For on that day he shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:30)
For the modern Christian, this reflects the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice. While we’re not bound by Old Testament law, these appointed times still carry valuable lessons.
September as a Season of Harvest
Another major theme for September in Scripture is harvest. In biblical culture, this time of year was the fall harvest—particularly of grapes and olives.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)
What Harvest Represents Spiritually
- Fruitfulness – A time to see the results of what you’ve sown in previous seasons.
- Judgment – In prophetic texts, harvest can also represent God’s judgment or reaping what’s been sown (Galatians 6:7).
- Reward – God promises blessing to those who remain faithful.
September reminds us to evaluate the spiritual seeds we’ve planted—in our relationships, ministries, and walk with God.
Themes and Symbols of September in the Bible
Here are some core biblical themes tied to the month of September:
1. Awakening (The Sound of the Trumpet)
- The trumpet (shofar) blown during Rosh Hashanah is a symbol of spiritual awakening.
- It’s God’s way of saying: “Wake up, my people!”
2. Repentance and Mercy
- The mercy of God is central in Elul and Tishrei.
- It’s a time when God’s chesed (loving-kindness) is emphasized.
3. Harvest and Fruitfulness
- September often corresponds to the final harvests in Israel.
- Spiritually, it’s a time to bear fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8).
4. Preparation for a New Year
- Biblically, Tishrei is the start of a new year.
- This means September becomes a spiritual reset for believers.
What Christians Should Do in September
Here are practical ways Christians can respond to the biblical meaning of September:
1. Reflect and Repent
- Take time to pray, confess sins, and ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart (Psalm 139:23-24).
2. Fast and Pray
- Consider a day or more of fasting leading up to or during Yom Kippur to draw closer to God.
3. Blow the Trumpet in Your Life
- This doesn’t have to be literal. Speak truth, share the gospel, and call others to God.
4. Forgive Others
- September is a powerful time to let go of past offenses. Walk into the new season with peace.
5. Plan Spiritually for the Year Ahead
- Set spiritual goals.
- Ask God for vision and clarity.
- Begin the year with renewed passion.
FAQs About the Biblical Meaning of September
What is the spiritual meaning of the month of September?
The spiritual meaning of September is a time of repentance, renewal, and preparation for what God wants to do in your life. It’s a biblical season of reflection, often connected to the Hebrew months of Elul and Tishrei, which include Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Is September the start of the biblical year?
Yes, Tishrei, which begins in mid-to-late September, marks the start of the civil biblical year. However, Nisan (around March/April) is considered the spiritual new year according to Exodus 12:2.
What does Rosh Hashanah mean for Christians?
Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, points to Jesus’ return and the call to spiritual awakening. Christians see it as a reminder to be ready for His coming and to live with purpose.
Why is the shofar important in September?
The shofar, blown during Rosh Hashanah, is a biblical symbol of God’s voice, warning, and awakening. It was used in battle, in celebration, and to call the people together (Numbers 10:9-10).
Should Christians celebrate the biblical feasts in September?
While not a requirement for salvation, many Christians choose to honor the biblical feasts to better understand God’s timing and deepen their spiritual lives.
Final Thoughts
September in the Bible is not just a month. It’s a divine season—a holy invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with God’s purposes. Through the lens of Elul and Tishrei, September teaches us about repentance, renewal, harvest, and hope.
If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, this is your wake-up call. If you’ve been distant from God, now is the time to return. If you’ve been faithful, prepare for your harvest. Let the trumpet of God sound in your life and stir your spirit again.
This September, don’t just flip the calendar—respond to the call. God is near, and He’s ready to do a new thing in you.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:7)
