When is the Biblical New Year? Understanding Nisan as the First Month in God’s Calendar
When most people think of a New Year, they picture January 1st—fireworks, resolutions, and the flipping of a calendar page. But did you know that in the Bible, the year begins in the spring, not in the middle of winter?
According to Exodus 12:2, God established the first month of the Biblical year, now known as Nisan (also called Aviv), which falls around March-April on the modern calendar. This wasn’t just a random choice—it was a declaration of freedom, renewal, and new beginnings.
So, what does this mean for Christians today? And how can we align our families with God’s time instead of the world’s calendar? Let’s dive into the Biblical New Year, its significance, and how it impacts us today.
The Biblical New Year Begins in Nisan
Note: God did not give the name Nisan, the months of the year were changed during the Babylonian exile. Read this post here to learn more. For the sake of explaining month #1, I’m going to refer to it as Nisan in this post.
The first mention of a New Year in the Bible happens in Exodus 12:2, when God is preparing to deliver Israel from Egypt:
📖 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.” (Exodus 12:2)
This statement was given right before the first Passover—the night when God led His people out of slavery and into a new season of redemption.
Unlike the modern New Year in January, which is based on the solar calendar, the Biblical New Year follows God’s time—a lunar-solar system where months begin with the sighting of the new moon.
Why is Nisan the First Month?
1️⃣ It Marks Redemption & Deliverance – Nisan is the month of Passover, the foundational story of God saving His people from bondage.
2️⃣ It Aligns with Creation’s Rhythms – Spring is when new life emerges, a reflection of new beginnings in God’s order.
3️⃣ It Sets God’s Time in Motion – The Biblical calendar begins with God’s appointed times (moadim), establishing a rhythm of worship.
But What About Rosh Hashanah?
Many people associate the Jewish New Year with Rosh Hashanah, which falls in the fall (Tishrei 1). While Rosh Hashanah marks the civil New Year in Jewish tradition, the Biblical New Year established by God starts in Nisan.
Think of it like this:
📅 Nisan is the "spiritual" New Year – The start of God’s redemptive cycle.
📅 Tishrei is the "civil" New Year – When kings were crowned and debts were counted.
Just as there are different New Years in modern culture (school years, tax years, etc.), the Bible also recognizes different markers of time.
What the Biblical New Year Means for Christian Families
For Christian families, understanding God’s timing brings clarity to how He works in the world and in our lives. The Biblical calendar isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint for aligning our homes with God’s rhythms.
1. The Biblical New Year is About Freedom
Just as God freed Israel from Egypt, He also frees us from sin through Yeshua (Jesus).
📖 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Nisan reminds us that God is a redeemer and wants to lead our families into a season of renewal.
🎯 Family Activity: Take time as a family to reflect on what God has freed you from in the past year. Write it down and thank Him for new beginnings!
2. It Teaches Us to Follow God’s Time, Not the World’s
Most of us are conditioned to follow the world’s calendar without questioning it. But God’s time is different.
By recognizing Nisan as the first month, we shift our focus to what God is doing, not just what society celebrates.
📖 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
🎯 Practical Step: Start tracking the Biblical months alongside the modern calendar and see how it changes your perspective!
3. It Helps Us Understand the Feasts of the Lord
The entire Biblical calendar is built around appointed times (moadim), starting with Passover in Nisan.
Passover isn’t just an ancient Jewish holiday—it points to Yeshua as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Understanding God’s timing deepens our faith, making Jesus' fulfillment of the Feasts even more powerful.
📖 “These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them.” (Leviticus 23:4)
🎯 Family Activity: Read Exodus 12 as a family and talk about how Passover connects to Yeshua’s sacrifice.
4. It Brings Structure & Order to Our Homes
If we’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of sync, God’s time is the solution.
The Biblical calendar gives us a built-in rhythm of rest, reflection, and celebration that modern life lacks.
📖 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
🎯 Practical Step: Start by observing the new moon (Rosh Chodesh) and using it as a reset for your family each month.
How to Start Aligning Your Family with God’s Timing
Now that you know why Nisan is the first month, how can you begin living in Biblical time?
✅ Mark the start of Nisan on your calendar. Recognizing God’s time is the first step.
✅ Read Exodus 12 together as a family. Teach your children how God reset time for Israel.
✅ Celebrate the Biblical New Year as a fresh start. Use this time to set spiritual goals for your home.
✅ Start tracking the Biblical months. Use a wall calendar or Bible app to keep up with God’s appointed times.
Final Thoughts: Stepping Into a New Season with God
The Biblical New Year in Nisan isn’t just an ancient tradition—it’s a key to understanding God’s timing and His plans for redemption.
By aligning our families with His time, we step into the order, peace, and blessings He has designed for us.
🌿 Are you ready to bring Biblical rhythms into your home?
📅 Book a 1:1 call with me today! I’ll help you:
✅ Understand how to track Biblical time in daily life
✅ Implement God’s rhythms to bring peace to your home
✅ Raise kids who know and follow the Biblical calendar
💬 What’s one way you can begin aligning your home with God’s time? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
