Astrology has fascinated humanity for centuries, but what does the Bible say about it? This blog post explores the intriguing topic of astrology in light of biblical passages. We will examine the Bible verses related to astrology and consider their implications for those interested in this ancient practice.
What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?
As Christians, the Bible teaches us that astrology, the belief in the alignment of celestial bodies influencing human events and personality, is not aligned with God’s will for us. In the book of Deuteronomy, it is made clear that seeking guidance from the stars or any astrological practices is considered detestable to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
Furthermore, in the book of Isaiah, God condemns those who consult and rely on astrologers, linking it to lack of knowledge and understanding of Him and His ways (Isaiah 47:13-14). Throughout the Bible, it is evident that we are called to place our trust and seek guidance from God alone, through prayer, reading His word, and seeking counsel from wise and faithful believers (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The danger with astrology lies in placing the trust and hope that should be in God onto created things, as well as in the potential for it to lead to idolatry. As Christians, our focus should be to seek God’s will and plan for our lives rather than seeking guidance from the stars or any other created entity.
The Bible is clear that astrology is not in line with God’s teachings for us. As faithful followers of Christ, our trust and hope must be placed in Him alone, seeking His guidance and wisdom for our lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Staying Strong And Not Giving Up
Bible Verses About Astrology
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.
This verse clearly states that practicing astrology or any form of divination is detestable to the Lord. It warns against seeking guidance or deriving meaning from celestial bodies and omens, instead emphasizing the importance of relying on God for guidance.
Isaiah 47:13-14
You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you. Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame.
In this verse, Isaiah mocks astrologers and their inability to genuinely guide or rescue. It suggests that relying on astrology is futile and that only God has the power to deliver and save.
Jeremiah 10:2
Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them.
Here, Jeremiah warns against following the practices of other nations, specifically referring to the signs of the heavens. The verse highlights the need to focus on God’s ways and not be influenced or intimidated by the superstitious beliefs of the surrounding cultures.
Daniel 2:27-28
It is not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living that I have made known to you the interpretation of the king’s dream, but because you are able, for the Spirit of the holy gods is in you.
In this story, Daniel is called upon to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Instead of relying on astrology or divination, Daniel gives credit to God for revealing the interpretation to him. This verse highlights the power of God’s divine revelation over any human attempts at deciphering meaning from celestial signs.
Matthew 2:2
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
In this verse, the wise men from the East followed a special star that guided them to Jesus. While not explicitly endorsing astrology, this story suggests that God can use celestial phenomena to communicate or guide His people.
Acts 16:16-18
As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
In this passage, Paul encounters a girl who practiced divination. Even though she initially spoke true words about Paul and his companions, Paul recognizes the spirit behind her divination and casts it out in the name of Jesus Christ. This verse showcases the authority of Christ over any form of divination or fortune-telling.
Romans 1:25
Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
In this verse, Paul highlights the danger of idolatry and the worship of created things rather than the Creator. Astrology, being the worship or dependence on the positions of celestial bodies, can fall into the category of idolatry if it replaces or distracts from true worship of God.
Galatians 5:20
Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions.
Here, Paul includes sorcery in a list of sinful behaviors. While the direct reference to astrology is not made, it can be inferred that sorcery includes divination and fortune-telling practices, which astrology falls under.
Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
This verse teaches that believers should not be judged for observing or not observing certain ceremonial practices, including those related to celestial events. It assures that the ultimate fulfillment and significance lie in Christ rather than in any symbolic representation.
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
This verse warns about deceitful spirits and teachings that can lead people astray from the faith. Astrology, often associated with supernatural or divinatory powers, can be seen as one of those deceptive teachings that draw people away from the truth of the Gospel.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Paul warns Timothy about a time when people will prefer teachings that align with their desires rather than sound doctrine. Astrology and other divinatory practices can easily cater to personal passions and doubts rather than grounding believers in the truth of God’s Word.
Hebrews 1:1-2
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Throughout history, God has used various ways to communicate with His people, including through the prophets. However, the ultimate and final revelation came through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s message and the unnecessary reliance on other forms of divination.
James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
This verse admonishes believers not to conform to the patterns or beliefs of the world. Astrology, being a popular aspect of worldly culture, can be seen as a form of entanglement with the world and a distraction from wholehearted devotion to God.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
This verse urges believers to be alert and vigilant, as the devil seeks to deceive and lead people astray. Astrology can present itself as a harmless or curious interest while subtly steering individuals away from seeking God’s guidance and relying on His wisdom.
2 Peter 1:20-21
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
In this passage, Peter emphasizes that Scripture is not the result of human interpretation or personal ideas but rather the inspired Word of God. Astrology, on the other hand, relies heavily on human interpretation and subjective opinions, making it fallible and potentially misleading.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
John urges believers to exercise discernment and test the spirits to discern if they are genuinely from God. Astrologers claiming to possess spiritual insight or predicting the future can be considered false prophets, as their guidance often contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture.
Revelation 22:8-9
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
In this passage, John falls down to worship an angel but is sternly rebuked and instructed to worship God alone. This serves as a reminder that seeking guidance or wisdom from celestial beings or signs, such as in astrology, is idolatry and detracts from worshiping the One who deserves all honor and glory.
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
This verse acknowledges that the heavens and celestial bodies indeed reflect the creative power and glory of God. However, it does not endorse seeking meaning or guidance from them but instead invites praise and awe for the Creator Himself.
Genesis 1:14
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.”
In this verse, God assigns a purpose to the lights in the sky, specifically to mark time and seasons. While this verse acknowledges the usefulness of celestial bodies for calendrical purposes, it does not endorse their use for divination or seeking signs.
Job 38:32
Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?
In this verse, God asks Job a rhetorical question to highlight His sovereignty and power over the constellations. It serves as a reminder that God alone has control over the stars and heavenly bodies, diminishing the significance of human attempts to interpret them.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
This well-known verse advises believers to place their complete trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance rather than trying to decipher signs or seek direction from various sources, including astrology. It encourages surrendering our own limited understanding and submitting to God’s wisdom in every aspect of life.
Psalm 147:4
He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
Here, the psalmist recognizes God’s role in creating and naming each star. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and power over the celestial bodies, reminding us that any attempt to derive meaning or guidance from them pales in comparison to the wisdom and knowledge of the Creator Himself.