Long before modern astronomy explained the movements of the planets and stars, people were observing the heavens and trying to understand their place in the universe. The Bible contains numerous references to the Sun, Moon, stars, and constellations, reflecting both the natural phenomena familiar to ancient observers and the religious beliefs through which they interpreted them.
Note: This collection includes passages from Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, which appear in the Catholic and Orthodox biblical traditions but are not included in most Protestant Bibles.
The Sun, Moon, and Passage of Time
“God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to mark seasons, days, and years.’” Genesis 1:14 (WEB)
“The sun, when it appears, bringing tidings as it rises, is a marvelous instrument, the work of the Most High. At noon, it dries up the land. Who can stand against its burning heat? A man tending a furnace is in burning heat, but the sun three times more, burning up the mountains, breathing out fiery vapors, and sending out bright beams, it blinds the eyes. Great is the Lord who made it…” Sirach 43:2–5 (WEB)
“The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises.” Ecclesiastes 1:5 (WEB)
“The moon marks the changing seasons, declares times, and is a sign for the world. From the moon is the sign of feast days, a light that wanes when it completes its course. The month is called after its name, increasing wonderfully in its changing—an instrument of the army on high, shining in the structure of heaven.” Sirach 43:6–8 (WEB)
“Yahweh, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar—Yahweh of Armies is his name, says:” Jeremiah 31:35 (WEB)
Stars and Constellations in the Bible
“There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.” 1 Corinthians 15:40–41 (WEB)
“The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord. At the word of the Holy One, they will stand in due order. They won’t faint in their watches.” Sirach 43:9–10 (WEB)
“He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the rooms of the south.” Job 9:9 (WEB)
“Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loosen the cords of Orion? Can you lead the constellations out in their season? Or can you guide the Bear with her cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?” Job 38:31–33 (WEB)
“Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Genesis 15:5 (WEB)
Ancient Ideas About the Heavens and the Universe
“I have made the earth, and created man on it. I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens. I have commanded all their army.” Isaiah 45:12 (WEB)
“By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:3 (WEB)
“He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.” Job 26:7 (WEB)
“Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?” Job 37:18 (WEB)
“For he himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are, to know the structure of the universe and the operation of the elements; the beginning, end, and middle of times; the alternations of the solstices and the changes of seasons; the circuits of years and the positions of stars.” Wisdom of Solomon 7:17–19 (WEB)
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