Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance: In biblical terms, luminaries refer to the celestial bodies created by God to give light upon the earth. These include the sun, moon, and stars, which serve not only as sources of light but also as signs to mark sacred times, days, and years. The concept of luminaries is deeply rooted in the creation narrative and is significant in understanding the order and structure of the universe as ordained by God. Biblical References: 1. Creation of Luminaries: The creation of luminaries is described in Genesis 1:14-19. On the fourth day of creation, God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth." (Genesis 1:14-15). God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. These luminaries were set in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. 2. Purpose and Function: The primary purpose of the luminaries is to provide light and to govern the cycles of time. They are also intended to serve as signs. Psalm 104:19 states, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." . The regularity and predictability of the luminaries underscore God's sovereignty and the orderliness of His creation. 3. Symbolism and Imagery: Throughout the Bible, luminaries are often used symbolically. The sun, moon, and stars are sometimes depicted as witnesses to God's covenant and faithfulness. For example, in Jeremiah 31:35-36, God declares, "Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel's descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me." . The enduring nature of the luminaries is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises. 4. Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts: In prophetic literature, changes in the behavior of luminaries often signify divine intervention or judgment. For instance, in Joel 2:31, it is prophesied, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." . Such imagery is used to convey the magnitude and seriousness of God's actions in history and the end times. 5. New Testament References: The New Testament also references luminaries, particularly in the context of the end times. In Matthew 24:29, Jesus speaks of the signs of His coming, saying, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: 'The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.'" . This apocalyptic imagery underscores the cosmic scale of the events surrounding the return of Christ. Theological Implications: The creation and function of luminaries reflect God's power, wisdom, and intentionality in the design of the universe. They serve as a constant reminder of His provision and the order He established. The luminaries also play a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, marking significant events and pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Luminary.Greek 4756. stratia -- an army ... of stratos (an army; from the base of stronnumi, as encamped); camp-likeness, ie An army, ie (figuratively) the angels, the celestial luminaries -- host. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4756.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3368. yaqar -- precious, rare, splendid, weighty... Word Origin from yaqar Definition precious, rare, splendid, weighty NASB Word Usage costly (6), glory (1), luminaries (1), noble (1), precious (23), rare (1 ... /hebrew/3368.htm - 6k Library Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. Whether the Lights Ought to have Been Produced on the Fourth Day? This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin Whether These Days are Sufficiently Enumerated? The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ... All Association with Idols is to be Avoided. Holds Also that God Has no Part with the World Itself... Of the Fourth Day. Glory to Him who came and Restored It! Doctrines of Various Other Gnostic Sects, and Especially of the ... Thesaurus Luminaries (7 Occurrences)...Luminaries (7 Occurrences). ... Genesis 1:15 and they have been for luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth:' and it is so. (YLT). ... /l/luminaries.htm - 8k Luminary (2 Occurrences) Unblemished (11 Occurrences) Lumberjack (1 Occurrence) Darken (3 Occurrences) Sun (1708 Occurrences) Separation (50 Occurrences) Maketh (399 Occurrences) Apocalyptic Literature (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the Day-Age Theory? | GotQuestions.orgLuminaries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Luminaries (7 Occurrences)Philippians 2:15 Genesis 1:14 Genesis 1:15 Genesis 1:16 Psalms 74:16 Ezekiel 32:8 Zechariah 14:6 Subtopics Related Terms |