The topic of the shape of the earth is not a major focus in the Bible. However, there are some passages that indicate the earth is round, while others may seem to suggest it is flat. Understanding the context and genre of these passages is important when evaluating what the Bible teaches about this topic.
Passages suggesting a round earth
Several verses point to the earth being round or spherical in shape:
- “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in” (Isaiah 40:22). The Hebrew word translated “circle” can also mean “sphere.”
- “When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep” (Proverbs 8:27). The Hebrew word for “circle” is the same as in Isaiah 40:22.
- “He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness” (Job 26:10). Again, the Hebrew word implies sphericity.
- Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats judgment refers to people “gathered before him from all nations” (Matthew 25:32). This implies people coming from all directions to one central point, suggesting a spherical earth.
These verses use language and imagery consistent with a spherical earth concept. Some scholars believe the ancient Hebrews conceived of the universe as a globe surrounded by water.
Passages suggesting a flat earth
Some verses seem to present the earth as flat or having corners:
- “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree” (Revelation 7:1).
- “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read” (Luke 4:13-16).
- “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).
These references to “corners” of the earth and seeing all the kingdoms from a high place may reflect ancient perspectives of the earth as a flat disc. However, they are likely figurative rather than literal descriptions. For example, “four corners” represents the extent of the earth, similar to “the four winds.” Seeing all kingdoms from a mountain reflects the common hyperbole of Satan’s offer, not a statement of geography.
Factors to consider
When evaluating these passages, several contextual factors are important:
- Ancient cosmology: Many ancient cultures depicted the earth as flat, though some like Pythagoras proposed it was spherical. The ancient Hebrews likely held varying perspectives, but a flat earth was a common ancient view. Biblical authors sometimes reflected their ancient outlook, but may also go beyond it.
- Purpose: The Bible authors’ purpose is revealing God and His plan, not teaching science or geography. Descriptions reflect their perceptions, not authoritative pronouncements on technical details.
- Genre: Passages using figurative language, prophetic visions, and hyperbole do not intend literal geographic statements.
- Phenomenological language: Descriptions of appearances from an earth-bound perspective, like the rising and setting sun, are common phenomenological expressions, not scientific assertions.
- Accommodation: God sometimes accommodated revelatory language to the limited perspectives of the original audience. We should focus on the transcendent spiritual truths being conveyed.
Considering these factors prevents misinterpreting figurative or phenomenological statements as teaching a flat earth. Similar language patterns exist in our modern speech despite knowing the earth is spherical.
A limited teaching
While some passages may seem to reflect a flat earth concept, other verses employ language consistent with a spherical earth. On the whole, the shape of the earth does not feature prominently in biblical cosmology.
The limited teaching suggests biblical authors held varying perspectives, with indications of both flat and round earth views. God apparently did not reveal advanced scientific details to them, as His purpose was conveying theological and moral truth about His nature, human nature, and His redemptive plan.
We must avoid imposing modern scientific perspectives on ancient texts. But neither should we extract more than the original intent from passages using figurative language. The overall message of Scripture does not depend on incidental cosmological details.
In conclusion, the Bible does not definitively teach the earth is flat. Apparent flat earth passages reflect ancient outlooks and use figurative language. Other verses suggest a spherical concept consistent with modern science. Since the shape of the earth is not a core teaching, we should focus on the Bible’s spiritual message while acknowledging the ancient context.
Additional biblical support
Here are some additional verses that provide biblical support for the perspectives discussed above:
Bible not intended as scientific treatise
- “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
These verses explain the spiritual purpose of Scripture, not providing technical knowledge.
Accommodation to limited human perspective
- “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
- ” ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
These verses acknowledge God’s wisdom and ways far exceed human understanding. Revelation is framed to fit human finitude.
Focus on spiritual meaning, not technical details
- “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,” (1 Corinthians 3:2)
- “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2:23)
Controversies over insignificant details like earth’s shape distract from spiritual nourishment that Scripture intends to provide.
Avoid imposing external meaning
- “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
- “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Human interpretation and natural understanding apart from the Spirit’s illumination will misconstrue Scripture’s meaning.
These additional verses substantiate principles to apply in interpreting biblical passages about the earth in light of ancient context and divine inspiration. This supports a limited biblical teaching on earth’s shape.
Addressing potential counterarguments
Some may argue that the Bible clearly teaches the earth is flat based on certain passages like those mentioned earlier. Here are some responses:
- We must consider genre – highly symbolic and figurative visions or hyperbolic statements cannot be taken as literal scientific descriptions.
- The ancient Hebrews used “corners” and “ends” of the earth idiomatically to refer to distant extremes, not literal corners or edges.
- Saying all the kingdoms were seen from a mountain is an intentional exaggeration to magnify the temptation’s offer. It does not imply actual earth geography.
- Other passages use language and imagery inconsistent with a flat earth, suggesting diversity of perspectives among biblical authors.
- God accommodated human finitude in revelation. Limited ancient outlooks may be reflected, but not scientifically endorsed.
- Scripture’s inerrancy applies to spiritual truths, not incidental cosmological assumptions. We must distinguish form and genre from didactic content.
Considering these factors provides a nuanced understanding, recognizing flat earth language but not equating it with an authoritative biblical cosmology. The Bible’s focus is humanity’s relation to God, not detailed physical geography.
Practical application
When questions arise about the Bible and science, several principles can guide our response:
- Acknowledge the ancient context of Scripture and God’s accommodation to human limits.
- Avoid imposing external scientific meaning upon biblical texts.
- Interpret passages based on genre and purpose.
- Focus on the spiritual truths being conveyed rather than precise technical details.
- Remember that biblical inerrancy concerns God’s message of salvation, not incidental historical or scientific assumptions.
- Handle apparent conflicts with humility, recognizing our own limited perspectives.
- Center the unity of Scripture rather than risking division over minor issues.
Applying these principles allows us to appreciate both God’s authoritative Word and His wondrous natural revelation without contradicting either. It provides perspective when passages seem to express outdated scientific views – we can still affirm the Bible’s spiritual trustworthiness and value for faith and practice rather than getting distracted in peripheral controversies.
Additional Observations and Discussion
Here are some additional insights about this topic worth considering:
- Modern science has established the earth is spherical based on observable evidence. We do not honor God by denying this for a misplaced commitment to ancient assumptions.
- At the same time, science itself is not immune to limitations, biases, and misinterpretations. Healthy humility values its insights while recognizing its provisionality.
- While a round earth may align better with scientific observation today, we should avoid the arrogance of assuming ancient people were simpleminded. Apparent limitations may have more to do with primary purposes and genres of communication.
- This discussion illustrates the importance of interpreting Scripture in its historical and literary context. Language is situated, and meaning is shaped by surrounding culture, purposes, and conventions.
- Sincere Christians have disagreed on this issue. We can have charity towards those with different views, though still advocating our perspective. Unity around the gospel takes priority.
Wisdom and integrity call us to integrate faith with an accurate understanding of God’s general and special revelation. As our knowledge grows, interpretations may need updating. But Scripture endures as an authoritative source of spiritual truth and divine revelation, regardless of changing historical-scientific assumptions. Our task is discerning timeless messages rather than forcing rigid uniformity on all details.
Conclusion
In summary, though some passages may seem to present a flat earth, consideration of genre, ancient context, and divine accommodation suggests the Bible does not definitively teach this. Some verses use imagery consistent with a spherical earth. The focus is conveying theological truth, not scientific cosmology. Apparent flat earth references likely reflect common ancient assumptions, but do not obligate Christians to reject the earth’s sphericity confirmed by modern science. Wise interpretation honors Scripture’s inspiration while appreciating its situational framing. The richness of God’s Word is unlocked when we consider authorial intent and purposes without imposing rigid uniformity on incidental details.