The concept of a flat Earth is often associated with ancient cosmologies, but the idea has also been debated in modern times, particularly in the context of the Bible. While mainstream science universally recognizes the Earth as a sphere, there are those who believe that the Bible refers to a flat Earth. This belief stems from interpretations of certain verses in Scripture that seem to describe a flat and stationary Earth, with a solid dome or firmament above it.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses that are commonly cited by those who believe the Bible describes the Earth as flat. While these interpretations are debated, examining these verses offers an opportunity to reflect on how different people approach the text and understand its meaning. Some of these verses speak of the shape of the Earth, the movement of celestial bodies, and the construction of the cosmos, which all contribute to the discussion.
Before diving into the verses themselves, it is important to note that different Christian traditions and scholars interpret the Bible in diverse ways. While some see these verses as evidence of a flat Earth, others interpret them symbolically or as descriptions of the world as understood by ancient people.
Let’s take a closer look at the key Bible verses that are commonly referenced in discussions of the flat Earth.
1. Genesis 1:1-2 (KJV)
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
In the beginning, the Earth is described as being formless and void. While this passage doesn’t explicitly describe the Earth’s shape, some flat Earth proponents argue that the use of “the face of the waters” suggests a flat, featureless surface. The emphasis here is on the earth’s initial condition, which can be interpreted in various ways.
2. Genesis 1:6-8 (KJV)
“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.”
The “firmament” mentioned here is a key concept in flat Earth cosmology. Some believe the firmament refers to a solid dome over the Earth, separating the “waters above” from the Earth below. In this view, the Earth is flat, and the firmament serves as a boundary to the waters above the Earth.
3. Isaiah 40:22 (KJV)
“It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.”
This verse is often cited in flat Earth discussions due to the use of the word “circle.” Some interpret “circle” as a flat, disc-shaped Earth. Others argue that “circle” could simply refer to the appearance of the Earth from the perspective of someone standing on it, not necessarily its actual shape.
4. Job 38:4-6 (KJV)
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?”
The reference to “foundations” and “corner stone” of the Earth has been interpreted by some as indicating a flat, stationary Earth with a solid foundation. In this interpretation, the Earth is seen as being supported by something beneath it, reinforcing the flat Earth belief.
5. Psalm 104:5 (KJV)
“The earth is established that it cannot be moved.”
Flat Earth proponents may argue that this verse suggests a stationary, immovable Earth, which aligns with the belief that the Earth does not rotate or orbit the sun, as is taught in modern astronomy. Some flat Earth theorists interpret this verse to mean that the Earth is fixed in place, rather than spinning.
6. Matthew 4:8 (KJV)
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.”
Flat Earth theorists often cite this verse as evidence that the Earth is flat. They argue that in order to see “all the kingdoms of the world” from a mountain, the Earth must be flat, as a spherical Earth would curve, preventing such a view.
7. Revelation 7:1 (KJV)
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”
The mention of “four corners of the Earth” is sometimes used to support the idea of a flat Earth. Flat Earth proponents believe that the “four corners” indicate a flat, square Earth with defined edges, rather than a round globe.
8. Isaiah 11:12 (KJV)
“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage’s mention of the “four corners of the earth” is interpreted by some flat Earth believers as evidence of a flat world. Again, the idea of corners suggests a shape that is not spherical.
9. Luke 17:34-36 (KJV)
“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
This passage refers to the end times and is sometimes cited by flat Earth theorists. They argue that the idea of people being in different locations simultaneously suggests that the Earth is flat, as the concept of different “zones” or “places” on a spherical Earth wouldn’t necessarily support such a straightforward division.
10. Psalm 19:4-6 (KJV)
“Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.”
This verse is often interpreted by flat Earth theorists as describing a flat Earth, as the sun is depicted as moving in a circuit over the Earth. Some believe that the sun does not orbit the Earth, but rather moves across a flat surface, with the “ends of the earth” referring to the flat world’s outer boundaries.
11. Jeremiah 31:37 (KJV)
“Thus saith the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord.”
Flat Earth believers may view this verse as suggesting that the Earth is something that can be measured or understood in a tangible way. The idea of “foundations” and “beneath” supports the belief that the Earth is fixed and has a solid base, rather than being suspended in space.
12. Matthew 24:31 (KJV)
“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
This verse refers to the gathering of the elect, with the “four winds” representing the four corners of the Earth. Flat Earth proponents use this language to argue that the Earth must be flat, as spherical models would not have clearly defined “ends” to gather from.
13. Deuteronomy 32:8 (KJV)
“When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people, according to the number of the children of Israel.”
This verse talks about boundaries and divisions, and some interpret it as referencing a flat Earth with established boundaries. Flat Earth believers may see this as supporting their view of a finite, bordered world.
14. Mark 16:15 (KJV)
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Flat Earth theorists may interpret this as suggesting that “all the world” is a unified, flat space, which is accessible to all people. In contrast to a globe, where there are various physical divisions, a flat Earth could theoretically make this task easier.
15. Isaiah 40:5 (KJV)
“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
Some view this verse as indicating a visible, global event that would be seen by all people on a flat Earth. The idea is that such an event could be witnessed across a flat world rather than a spherical Earth.
16. Zechariah 14:4 (KJV)
“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”
The idea of mountains splitting and moving is sometimes interpreted as supporting a stationary Earth with solid physical features that change in dramatic ways, suggesting a flat and immovable world.
17. Luke 4:5 (KJV)
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world.”
Similar to other verses, this passage discusses seeing “all the kingdoms of the world.” The belief is that such a view would be possible only on a flat Earth, as a spherical Earth would curve and prevent a full view from a single point.
18. Psalm 75:3 (KJV)
“The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.”
Flat Earth believers often refer to the “pillars of the earth” as evidence of a stable, fixed structure. This concept can be interpreted as supporting a flat, stationary Earth with structural supports beneath it.
19. Isaiah 24:18 (KJV)
“And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.”
The “windows from on high” are sometimes cited as evidence of the firmament, and the “foundations of the earth” support the idea of a fixed, flat Earth, with no movement or rotation.
20. Jeremiah 10:13 (KJV)
“When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.”
The “ends of the earth” are often cited as evidence of a flat Earth, as such terminology implies a bounded and finite world.
Conclusion
The Bible contains numerous verses that have been interpreted in various ways throughout history. While some verses are used by flat Earth proponents to argue for a stationary, flat Earth model, others offer more symbolic or metaphorical interpretations. Understanding these passages requires careful study and awareness of the context, as well as an understanding of how ancient peoples viewed the cosmos.
For many believers, the Bible is not a scientific textbook, but rather a guide to faith, moral teachings, and spiritual understanding. However, the use of these verses in flat Earth discussions provides an intriguing window into the ongoing dialogue between faith and science. As always, the ultimate goal is to seek truth, whether through scripture, science, or personal reflection.
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