Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky. These celestial formations have been observed and named by various cultures throughout history, including those in the ancient Near East. The Bible makes several references to constellations, often highlighting God's sovereignty and creative power over the heavens.Biblical References: 1. Job 9:9 : "He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south." This verse acknowledges God's creation of specific constellations, emphasizing His authority over the universe. The "Bear" likely refers to the constellation Ursa Major, while "Orion" and "Pleiades" are well-known constellations visible in the night sky. 2. Job 38:31-32 : "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?" Here, God challenges Job, illustrating His unmatched power and wisdom in controlling the cosmos. The rhetorical questions underscore human limitations compared to divine omnipotence. 3. Isaiah 13:10 : "For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light." This prophetic imagery describes a time of divine judgment, where celestial bodies, including constellations, are affected. It serves as a metaphor for the disruption of the natural order during significant eschatological events. Cultural and Theological Significance: In ancient times, constellations were often associated with mythological accounts and were used for navigation and timekeeping. The biblical references to constellations, however, focus on their role in demonstrating God's grandeur and meticulous design of the universe. The constellations serve as a testament to His creative work and are used in Scripture to remind humanity of God's eternal power and divine nature. The mention of constellations in the Bible also reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern context, where celestial phenomena were often linked to divine activity. However, the biblical narrative consistently attributes the creation and control of these celestial bodies to the one true God, distinguishing the Hebrew understanding from surrounding polytheistic beliefs. Interpretation and Application: From a theological perspective, the biblical references to constellations invite believers to recognize the majesty and authority of God as the Creator. They encourage a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, prompting reflection on the order and beauty inherent in creation. These passages also serve as a reminder of God's intimate involvement in the universe, reinforcing the belief in His providential care and governance over all things. In summary, constellations in the Bible are not merely astronomical phenomena but are imbued with spiritual significance, pointing to the glory and sovereignty of God. Through these celestial patterns, Scripture communicates profound truths about the Creator's relationship with His creation. Easton's Bible Dictionary A cluster of stars, or stars which appear to be near each other in the heavens, and which astronomers have reduced to certain figures (as the "Great Bear, " the "Bull, " etc.) for the sake of classification and of memory. In Isaiah 13:10, where this word only occurs, it is the rendering of the Hebrew kesil, i.e., "fool." This was the Hebrew name of the constellation Orion (Job 9:9; 38:31), a constellation which represented Nimrod, the symbol of folly and impiety. The word some interpret by "the giant" in this place, "some heaven-daring rebel who was chained to the sky for his impiety." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A cluster or group of fixed stars, usually designated by the name of some animal or mythological personage, within whose imaginary outline, as traced upon the heavens, the group is included.2. (n.) An assemblage of splendors or excellences. 3. (n.) Fortune; fate; destiny. Greek 798. astron -- a star ... star. Neuter from aster; properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial) -- star. see GREEK aster. (astra) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/798.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 4216. mazzaroth -- perhaps a constellation... 4215, 4216. mazzaroth. 4217 . perhaps a constellation. Transliteration: mazzaroth Phonetic Spelling: (maz-zaw-raw') Short Definition: constellation. ... /hebrew/4216.htm - 6k 3685. Kesil -- a heavenly constellation 5906. Ayish -- (a constellation) perhaps Great Bear 4208. mazzaloth -- constellations, perhaps signs of the zodiac 3882. Livyathan -- "serpent," a sea monster or dragon 1281. bariach -- fleeing Library Invention of the Lyre; Allegorizing the Appearance and Position of ... The Sun Stayed The Constellations. The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt Faustus Claims to Believe the Gospel, yet Refuses to Accept the ... Search the Scriptures Chronology of the Life of Christ. The Fourth vision "In Heaven" The Gods of Egypt What is Meant by "Altogether Lovely" Thesaurus Constellation (1 Occurrence)... In Isaiah 13:10, where this word only occurs, it is the rendering of the Hebrew kesil, ie, "fool." This was the Hebrew name of the constellation Orion (Job 9:9 ... /c/constellation.htm - 7k Orion (3 Occurrences) Arcturus (2 Occurrences) Pleiades (3 Occurrences) Dioscuri (1 Occurrence) Diotrephes (1 Occurrence) Pollux (1 Occurrence) Castor (1 Occurrence) Star (16 Occurrences) Astrology Resources What does the Bible say about astrology and the zodiac? Is astrology something a Christian should study? | GotQuestions.orgConstellation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Constellation (1 Occurrence)Job 38:32 Subtopics Related Terms |
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