Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, an astrologer is an individual who studies the stars and celestial bodies to predict future events or gain insight into human affairs. The practice of astrology is often associated with divination and is generally viewed negatively in the biblical texts.Old Testament References Astrologers are mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, often in connection with other forms of divination and sorcery. In the Book of Daniel, astrologers are part of the group of wise men in Babylon who are called upon by King Nebuchadnezzar to interpret his dreams. Daniel 2:2 states, "So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came and stood before the king..." The inability of the astrologers to interpret the king's dream highlights the limitations of their practices compared to the wisdom granted by God to Daniel. Daniel 2:27-28 records Daniel's response: "Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.'" The Book of Isaiah also addresses the futility of relying on astrologers. Isaiah 47:13-14 warns Babylon, "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame." Prohibition Against Astrology The practice of astrology is implicitly condemned in the broader biblical prohibition against divination and seeking omens. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD..." This passage underscores the biblical view that seeking guidance or knowledge through astrology is contrary to the will of God, who desires His people to rely on Him alone for wisdom and direction. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention astrologers, it does address the broader theme of seeking guidance from sources other than God. The Magi, often referred to as "wise men from the East," are sometimes thought to have been astrologers due to their interpretation of the star that led them to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2). However, their journey is portrayed positively, as they ultimately seek and worship Christ, recognizing His divine kingship. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the Bible consistently emphasizes the sovereignty of God over creation, including the stars and celestial bodies. The Psalms declare, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). This acknowledgment of God's creative power serves as a reminder that the stars are not to be worshiped or used for divination, but rather to point to the Creator Himself. In summary, while astrologers appear in the biblical narrative, their practices are generally depicted as ineffective and contrary to the faith and reliance on God that Scripture advocates. The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, rejecting the practices of astrology and other forms of divination. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Dan. 1:20; 2:2, 10, 27, etc.) Hebrews `ashshaph', an enchanter, one who professes to divine future events by the appearance of the stars. This science flourished among the Chaldeans. It was positively forbidden to the Jews (Deuteronomy 4:19; 18:10; Isaiah 47:13). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who studies the stars; an astronomer.2. (n.) One who practices astrology; one who professes to foretell events by the aspects and situation of the stars. Greek 3097. magos -- a Magian, ie an (Oriental) astrologer, by impl. a ... ... 3096, 3097. magos. 3098 . a Magian, ie an (Oriental) astrologer, by impl. ... origin, cf. Rab-mag Definition a Magian, ie an (Oriental) astrologer, by impl. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3097.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 8064. shamayim -- heaven, sky... air, astrologer, heavens. Dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft ... /hebrew/8064.htm - 6k 826. ashaph -- a conjurer, enchanter 825. ashshaph -- a conjurer, necromancer 3778. Kasdi -- a region of S. Bab. and its inhab. 1895. habar -- probably divide 3779. Kasday -- inhab. of Chaldea 148. adargazar -- a counselor Library The Horoscope the Foundation of Astrology; Indiscoverability of ... Professions of Some Kinds Allied to Idolatry. Of Astrology in ... Psalm LVIII. John Chapter ii. 21-Dec Paracelsus {13} Further Distinctions, and Crowning Glory, of the Pallium. Other Sins Forbidden. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache Nebuchadnezzar's Dream A Table of the Chief Things. Thesaurus Astrologer (1 Occurrence)... the stars. Multi-Version Concordance Astrologer (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There ... /a/astrologer.htm - 7k Astrologers (9 Occurrences) Babylonian (10 Occurrences) Chaldean (4 Occurrences) Canaan (102 Occurrences) Canaanites (63 Occurrences) Astray (116 Occurrences) Divination (25 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about enchantment? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2? | GotQuestions.org What is the occult? | GotQuestions.org Astrologer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Astrologer (1 Occurrence)Daniel 2:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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