Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Creation Stars are celestial bodies that are mentioned frequently throughout the Bible, often symbolizing God's creation, His promises, and His sovereignty. In the account of creation, stars are introduced on the fourth day. Genesis 1:16 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars." This passage highlights the stars as part of the divine order established by God, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Symbolism and Significance Stars often symbolize numerous descendants or blessings. In Genesis 15:5 , God promises Abraham, "Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" This imagery of stars is used to convey the vastness and abundance of God's promises. Stars also serve as a metaphor for guidance and divine revelation. The star of Bethlehem, as described in Matthew 2:2 , led the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus: "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." This star signifies divine guidance and the fulfillment of prophecy. Stars in Prophecy and Eschatology Stars are frequently mentioned in prophetic and eschatological contexts. In the book of Daniel, stars are used to symbolize those who lead many to righteousness. Daniel 12:3 states, "Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." In the New Testament, stars are part of apocalyptic imagery. Revelation 6:13 describes a cosmic disturbance: "and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind." This imagery is often interpreted as a sign of the end times, reflecting the upheaval and transformation that will accompany the return of Christ. Stars as Witnesses to God's Majesty The Psalms frequently use stars to declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Stars, as part of the heavens, are a testament to God's creative power and majesty. Similarly, Psalm 147:4 emphasizes God's intimate knowledge and sovereignty: "He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name." Moral and Ethical Lessons Stars also serve as a moral and ethical lesson in the Bible. In Philippians 2:15 , believers are encouraged to live blamelessly: "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." Here, stars are a metaphor for the righteous living and witness of believers in a dark world. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, stars are more than mere celestial objects; they are rich in symbolism and meaning, reflecting God's promises, guidance, and glory. They serve as metaphors for the faithful, as signs of divine intervention, and as witnesses to the majesty of the Creator. Easton's Bible Dictionary The eleven stars (Genesis 37:9); the seven (Amos 5:8); wandering (Jude 1:13); seen in the east at the birth of Christ, probably some luminous meteors miraculously formed for this specific purpose (Matthew 2:2-10); stars worshipped (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16; 21:3; Jeremiah 19:13); spoken of symbolically (Numbers 24:17; Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:1). (see ASTROLOGERS.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELEVEN; STARSe-lev'-'-n. FALLING STARS See ASTRONOMY. SEVEN STARS See ASTRONOMY. STAR; STARS star, starz. STARS, COURSES OF See ASTRONOMY, sec. I, 1. STARS, FALLING; MORNING; WANDERING See ASTRONOMY, sec. I, 8; I, 7; I, 9. STARS, SEVEN See ASTRONOMY. TWELVE STARS See ASTRONOMY, sec. II, 12. WANDERING STARS won'-der-ing. Greek 798. astron -- a star ... 798 -- a single star, or a of stars viewed as one entity. ... Word Origin from aster Definition a star NASB Word Usage star (1), stars (3). star. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/798.htm - 7k 4756. stratia -- an army 792. aster -- a star Strong's Hebrew 3598. Kimah -- a cluster of stars... 3597, 3598. Kimah. 3599 . a cluster of stars. Transliteration: Kimah Phonetic Spelling: (kee-maw') Short Definition: Pleiades. ... Pleiades, seven stars. ... /hebrew/3598.htm - 6k 3556. kokab -- a star 4264. machaneh -- an encampment, camp Library "As the Stars. " Stars of the Morning. Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men. Stars of Glory Of the Septizonium and the Stars. Whether Divination by the Stars is Unlawful? Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes? The Dragon, the Devil; the Stars Struck from Heaven by the Tail of ... To Count the Stars, to Observe their Places or Motions... Of the Lights and Stars of Heaven --Of Day and Night, Ver. 14 Thesaurus Stars (64 Occurrences)... The eleven stars (Genesis 37:9); the seven (Amos 5:8); wandering (Jude 1:13); seen in the east at the birth of Christ, probably some luminous meteors ... /s/stars.htm - 29k Starry (14 Occurrences) Darkened (28 Occurrences) Firmament (17 Occurrences) Lights (71 Occurrences) Numerous (88 Occurrences) Astronomy Lampstands (10 Occurrences) Lamp-stands (5 Occurrences) Lamps (45 Occurrences) Resources What do the seven stars represent in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about astrology and the zodiac? Is astrology something a Christian should study? | GotQuestions.org Stars: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stars (64 Occurrences)Matthew 24:29 Mark 13:25 Luke 21:25 Acts 27:20 1 Corinthians 15:41 Philippians 2:15 Hebrews 11:12 Jude 1:13 Revelation 1:16 Revelation 1:20 Revelation 2:1 Revelation 3:1 Revelation 6:13 Revelation 8:12 Revelation 12:1 Revelation 12:4 Genesis 1:16 Genesis 15:5 Genesis 22:17 Genesis 26:4 Genesis 37:9 Exodus 32:13 Deuteronomy 1:10 Deuteronomy 4:19 Deuteronomy 10:22 Deuteronomy 17:3 Deuteronomy 28:62 Judges 5:20 2 Kings 17:16 2 Kings 21:3 2 Kings 21:5 2 Kings 23:4 2 Kings 23:5 1 Chronicles 27:23 2 Chronicles 33:3 2 Chronicles 33:5 Nehemiah 4:21 Nehemiah 9:23 Job 3:9 Job 9:7 Job 22:12 Job 25:5 Job 38:7 Psalms 8:3 Psalms 136:9 Psalms 147:4 Psalms 148:3 Ecclesiastes 12:2 Song of Songs 6:10 Isaiah 13:10 Isaiah 14:13 Isaiah 40:26 Isaiah 45:12 Isaiah 47:13 Jeremiah 8:2 Jeremiah 31:35 Jeremiah 33:22 Ezekiel 32:7 Daniel 8:10 Daniel 12:3 Joel 2:10 Joel 3:15 Obadiah 1:4 Nahum 3:16 Subtopics Stars: Seven Stars of the Seven Congregations The Stars of Princes and Subordinate Governors The Stars: (Bright and Morning Star) of Christ The Stars: (Morning Star) of Glory to be Given to Faithful Saints The Stars: (Setting the Nest Amongst) Pride and Carnal Security The Stars: (Shining of) the Reward of Faithful Ministers The Stars: (Wandering) False Teachers The Stars: (Withdrawing Their Light) Severe Judgments The Stars: Appear After Sunset The Stars: Appear of Different Magnitudes The Stars: Astrology and Star-Gazing Practised by the Babylonians The Stars: Called: Stars of Heaven The Stars: Called: Stars of Light The Stars: Called: The Host of Heaven The Stars: Exhibit the Greatness of God's Power The Stars: False Gods Frequently Worshipped Under the Representation of The Stars: God: Appointed to Give Light by Night The Stars: God: Established, for Ever The Stars: God: Numbers and Names The Stars: God: Set, in the Firmament of Heaven The Stars: Idolaters Worshipped The Stars: Impure in the Sight of God The Stars: One of Extraordinary Brightness Appeared at Christ's Birth The Stars: Punishment for Worshipping The Stars: Revolve in Fixed Orbits The Stars: Shine in the Firmament of Heaven The Stars: The Israelites Forbidden to Worship The Stars: Use of, in Navigation, Alluded To The Stars: when Grouped Together Called Constellations Related Terms |