Does the Bible Say the Earth Is Round?

Feb 13,2025 00:00

Does the Bible Say the Earth Is Round?

The Bible does not explicitly state that the Earth is round in the modern scientific sense, but certain passages align with the concept of a spherical Earth when viewed through a figurative lens. These descriptions reflect God’s sovereignty over creation rather than a direct scientific assertion.

Passages Related to the Earth’s Shape

  • The Circle of the Earth: Isaiah 40:22 says, "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," which some interpret as referencing the Earth’s spherical shape. However, "circle" more likely refers to the horizon or the entirety of the Earth.
  • Foundations and Stability: Job 26:7 states, "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing," which aligns with a modern understanding of Earth suspended in space.
  • Symbolic Language: Biblical descriptions of the Earth often use symbolic or observational language rather than scientific terminology.

Conclusion

The Bible does not explicitly describe the Earth as round but includes imagery that aligns with God’s sovereignty over the Earth in its entirety, reflecting ancient perspectives rather than scientific detail.

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