30 Bible Verses About the Sun

Introduction to 30 Bible Verses About the Sun

The sun, a celestial body of immense power and beauty, has captivated human imagination since time immemorial. In the biblical narrative, this fascination finds profound expression, transforming the sun from a mere element of the natural world into a powerful symbol woven intricately into the fabric of spiritual and theological discourse. The collection of bible verses about the sun in Scripture is not only a reflection of the sun’s physical prominence but also an exploration of its deeper, metaphorical meanings across various contexts—from creation and prophecy to daily life and divine symbolism. 

In the Book of Genesis, the sun is introduced as a cornerstone of God’s creation: “God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars” (Genesis 1:16). This foundational depiction sets the stage for the subsequent appearances of the sun throughout the Bible. Here, the sun is not just a physical entity providing light and warmth but also a testament to the order, precision, and intentionality of divine design, underscoring the meticulousness and power of the Creator. 

As we journey through bible verses about the sun, its role expands to encompass themes of divine judgment, hope, and ultimate redemption. The prophetic books, in particular, cast the sun in a dramatic light. Verses like Matthew 24:29, with its vivid imagery of a darkened sun, speak to moments of cosmic upheaval and transformative change: “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'” Such depictions are stark reminders of the sun’s role in eschatological narratives, serving as a sign of God’s intervention in human history and the unfolding of end-time events. 

In contrast to these ominous portrayals, the sun is also imbued with positive symbolism, reflecting God’s unceasing faithfulness and benevolence. The “sun of righteousness” in Malachi 4:2 is emblematic of hope and healing, a stark contrast to the sun’s role in prophecies of judgment: “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” This dual symbolism of the sun—as an omen and a beacon of hope—captures the breadth of its theological significance in Scripture. 

Moreover, bible verses about the sun often mirror the realities of daily life in ancient times. The sun’s cycle, its impact on agriculture, timekeeping, and its influence on social and cultural practices are all reflected in verses like Ecclesiastes 1:5: “The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.” Such verses connect the celestial with the terrestrial, reminding readers of the sun’s pervasive presence in human life and its role as a constant, life-sustaining force. 

In exploring these 30 bible verses about the sun, we are invited to delve into a rich and multi-layered aspect of biblical literature. These verses offer a window into how the ancients understood and interacted with the world around them, how they perceived the divine, and how they integrated their observations of the natural world into their spiritual beliefs and practices. The sun, in its majestic journey across the sky, serves as a unifying thread through these themes, illuminating the pages of the Bible with its radiance and guiding us through the complex interplay of the natural and the supernatural in the biblical worldview. 

Creation and the Sun’s Role

The verses in this selection delve into the creation narrative, where the sun is highlighted as a central element of God’s creative work. These scriptures not only acknowledge the physical presence of the sun but also its deeper significance in marking time, providing light and warmth, and sustaining life on Earth. The portrayal of the sun in these verses is reflective of a grand design, where the sun’s consistent cycle from dawn to dusk symbolizes order, stability, and the unfailing nature of God’s provisions. This category invites reflection on the beauty and precision of the natural world, encouraging an appreciation of the sun as a testament to God’s craftsmanship and attention to detail in the universe. 

Genesis 1:16

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. NIV

In Other Words: God created two major lights—the larger one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the night, along with the stars. 

One-Line Summary: God created the greater light (sun) for the day and the lesser light (moon) for the night, along with stars. 

Psalm 19:4-6

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. 

In Other Words: In the sky, God has set a dwelling for the sun. It emerges like a bridegroom leaving his room, rejoicing like a hero to run its course. It begins at one end of the heavens and circles to the other end; nothing is hidden from its heat. 

One-Line Summary: The sun moves across the sky, warming everything, signifying God’s creation. 

Psalm 74:16

The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. 

In Other Words: You own the day and also the night; you have established the sun and the moon. 

One-Line Summary: Day and night, including the sun and moon, are God’s creations. 

Ecclesiastes 1:5

The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. 

In Other Words: The sun arises and the sun sets, then hastens to the place where it will rise again. 

One-Line Summary: The sun’s daily cycle is constant and unchanging. 

Jeremiah 31:35

This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name. 

In Other Words: Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and orders the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs the sea so its waves roar— the Almighty Lord is His name. 

One-Line Summary: God is the creator of the celestial bodies, including the sun. 

The Sun in God’s Sovereignty

In these verses, the sun becomes a canvas on which God’s sovereignty and control over the universe are vividly painted. The miraculous events involving the sun—such as standing still, darkening during the day, or failing to shine—serve as powerful demonstrations of God’s ability to govern not just earthly affairs but also celestial bodies. These instances underscore the message that God’s authority transcends human understanding and natural laws. The sun, typically a symbol of unwavering constancy, becomes a tool in the hands of the Almighty, used to signal significant moments, divine interventions, or to manifest His glory. This listing  emphasizes the awe-inspiring power of God and His supremacy over all creation. 

Joshua 10:12-13

On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’ And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged itself on its enemies. NIV

In Other Words: On the day the Lord handed the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua spoke to the Lord before Israel: ‘O sun, halt over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’ So the sun stopped, and the moon stood still, until the nation had taken vengeance on its enemies. 

One-Line Summary: Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still, demonstrating God’s power. 

Isaiah 60:20

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. 

In Other Words: Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon wane; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning will be over. 

One-Line Summary: The future glory of Zion will be eternal, without the need for the sun. 

Job 9:7

He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. 

In Other Words: He commands the sun, and it does not shine; he seals the stars’ light. 

One-Line Summary: God’s power is so great, He can command the sun and stars. 

Psalm 104:19

He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. 

In Other Words: He appointed the moon for seasons, and the sun knows its time for setting. 

One-Line Summary: The sun’s setting and the moon’s phases are part of God’s creation. 

Amos 8:9

In that day,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.’ 

In Other Words: In that day,’ says the Sovereign Lord, ‘I will cause the sun to set at midday and will darken the earth on a clear day.’ 

One-Line Summary: God has the power to darken the day as a sign of judgment. 

The Sun in Prophecy and End Times

Here, the focus shifts to the eschatological role of the sun in biblical prophecy. The verses depict the sun as an element in apocalyptic visions and scenarios, often associated with the times leading to or during the final days. The darkening or alteration of the sun serves as a metaphor for upheaval, divine judgment, or the end of an era. These scriptures invite contemplation on the transient nature of the current world order and the inevitability of change, as ordained by God. The imagery of the sun in these contexts is compelling and serves to underscore the seriousness and grandeur of prophetic events, reminding believers of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for the world. 

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 

In Other Words: Right after those days of trouble, ‘the sun will be obscured, and the moon won’t give its light; stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 

One-Line Summary: Cosmic disturbances, including the darkening of the sun, will occur before the end times. 

Revelation 6:12

I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red. 

In Other Words: I observed as he opened the sixth seal. A great earthquake occurred. The sun became black as sackcloth of goat hair, and the entire moon turned like blood. 

One-Line Summary: The sun turning black signifies apocalyptic events. 

Isaiah 13:10

The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. 

In Other Words: The stars and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shine its light. 

One-Line Summary: Cosmic disturbances, including a darkened sun, will accompany God’s judgment. 

Joel 2:31

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 

In Other Words: The sun will turn dark and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 

One-Line Summary: The sun turning to darkness is a sign of the Day of the Lord. 

Ezekiel 32:7

When I snuff you out, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. 

In Other Words: When I extinguish you, I will cover the skies and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with clouds, and the moon will not emit its light. 

One-Line Summary: God’s judgment on nations will be accompanied by cosmic signs, including a darkened sun. 

Sun as a Symbol of God’s Blessing and Presence

In this collection of verses, the sun is a rich metaphor for God’s benevolence, enlightenment, and guidance. The verses use the imagery of the sun to communicate the warmth of God’s love, the light of His wisdom, and the brightness of His presence. Just as the sun nurtures life and dispels darkness, God’s blessings bring growth, prosperity, and clarity to the lives of believers. The symbolism extends to encompass protection, as the sun can also be a shield, guarding and guiding the faithful. These verses encourage an understanding of God as a source of life, a beacon in times of darkness, and a constant provider of grace and favor. 

Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 

In Other Words: But for those who respect my name, the sun of justice will arise with healing in its rays. And you will leap like well-nourished calves. 

One-Line Summary: The righteous will experience healing and joy, symbolized by the sun. 

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 

In Other Words: For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord gives grace and honor; He does not withhold good from those who live with integrity. 

One-Line Summary: God is a protective and enlightening presence, like the sun. 

Psalm 113:3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. 

In Other Words: From the rise of the sun to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised. 

One-Line Summary: God deserves continuous praise, as constant as the sun’s path. 

Numbers 6:25

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. 

In Other Words: May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be merciful to you. 

One-Line Summary: God’s favor is likened to a shining face, similar to the sun. 

Isaiah 30:26

The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. 

In Other Words: The moon will glow like the sun, and the sun’s light will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, when the Lord binds up the injuries of His people and heals the wounds He inflicted. 

One-Line Summary: God’s healing will be powerful and bright like an intensified sun. 

Sun in Daily Life and Nature

Verses in this listing bring the sun into the realm of daily life and the natural world, emphasizing its integral role in human experience and the environment. They reflect on the sun’s influence on agriculture, seasons, timekeeping, and its impact on physical and emotional well-being. The sun here is a reminder of the rhythm of life, the passage of time, and the simple joys of existence. By highlighting the sun’s role in everyday occurrences, these scriptures connect the divine with the mundane, suggesting that God’s presence and providence can be found in the ordinary and the routine. This perspective invites believers to find spiritual meaning in their daily interactions with the natural world. 

Ecclesiastes 11:7

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. 

In Other Words: Light is delightful, and it is good for the eyes to behold the sun. 

One-Line Summary: The sun’s light is enjoyable and beneficial. 

Psalm 136:8

The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 

In Other Words: The sun to rule over the day, for His steadfast love endures forever. 

One-Line Summary: The sun is a testament to God’s enduring love. 

Song of Songs 1:6

Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. 

In Other Words: Do not gaze at me because I am darkened, because the sun has tanned me. 

One-Line Summary: Exposure to the sun can change one’s appearance. 

Ecclesiastes 7:11

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. 

In Other Words: Wisdom, like a heritage, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. 

One-Line Summary: Wisdom is valuable and beneficial, like the sun. 

1 Samuel 11:9

They told the messengers who had come, ‘Say to the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘By the time the sun is hot tomorrow, you will be rescued.’ 

In Other Words: They said to the messengers who came, ‘Tell the men of Jabesh Gilead that by the time the sun is hot tomorrow, they will be delivered.’ 

One-Line Summary: The sun’s position is used to indicate time for action. 

The Sun in Miracles and Signs

The verses in this final selection showcase the sun as a key element in divine miracles and signs. These events are not just demonstrations of God’s power but are also laden with symbolic meaning, often serving as responses to prayer, signs of divine approval or disapproval, or as markers of significant spiritual moments. The alteration or unusual behavior of the sun in these scriptures is a dramatic indication that God is actively involved in human affairs, responding to faith, and directing the course of history. This category underscores the belief in a God who is not distant or detached but is intimately engaged in the world, willing to use even the sun to communicate His will and His care for His people. 

Isaiah 38:8

I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’ So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down. 

In Other Words: I will cause the sun’s shadow to retreat the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz.’ And the sunlight returned the ten steps by which it had descended. 

One-Line Summary: God’s miraculous power is shown by reversing the sun’s shadow. 

2 Kings 20:11

Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz. 

In Other Words: Then the prophet Isaiah called upon the Lord, and He made the shadow cast by the sun go back up the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz. 

One-Line Summary: A miraculous sign from God involving the sun’s shadow. 

Luke 23:45

For the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 

In Other Words: The sun was eclipsed. And the temple’s veil was split in half. 

One-Line Summary: Nature, including the sun, responds to the crucifixion of Jesus. 

Acts 2:20

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 

In Other Words: The sun will become dark and the moon will turn to blood before the arrival of the Lord’s great and magnificent day. 

One-Line Summary: Signs in the sun and moon will precede the Day of the Lord. 

Exodus 10:23

No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived. 

In Other Words: No one could see anyone else or move around for three days. However, all the Israelites had light where they lived. 

One-Line Summary: God provides light to His people in the midst of darkness. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of bible verses about the sun in the Bible reveals a rich tapestry of meanings, symbolism, and teachings that are as diverse as they are profound. These scriptures not only depict the sun’s physical presence but also delve into its deeper spiritual and metaphorical significance. As seen in Psalm 84:11, the sun is portrayed as a symbol of God’s protection and favor: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” This verse encapsulates the nurturing and guiding aspects of the sun, mirroring the benevolent characteristics of God. 

In the realm of miracles and signs, bible verses about the sun demonstrate God’s power and His direct intervention in the world. The account in Joshua 10:12-13, where Joshua commands the sun to stand still, is a vivid example: “On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.'” Such occurrences highlight the sun’s role in God’s extraordinary acts and His ability to alter the natural order for His purposes. 

Through these 30 bible verses about the sun, we gain insight into the multifaceted ways the sun is integrated into the biblical narrative. From a symbol of God’s creative power to a sign of His unending faithfulness, from a harbinger of prophetic events to a part of daily life, the sun’s presence in the Bible is a testament to its enduring significance in both the physical and spiritual realms. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world and the divine, guiding believers in their understanding of God’s character and His interaction with the world. 

The journey through these scriptures is more than an academic or theological exercise; it is an invitation to contemplate the marvels of creation, the mysteries of prophecy, and the depth of God’s involvement in the world. As we reflect on these bible verses about the sun, we are encouraged to see beyond the literal to the symbolic, and to find in the sun a source of inspiration, guidance, and hope in our spiritual walk. 

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Sun Bible Verses

A Prayer Inspired by the Sun Bible Verses

In the light of the diverse and profound messages conveyed through the bible verses about the sun, we find inspiration for our prayer. These scriptures remind us of the sun’s role in creation, its significance in God’s sovereignty, its symbolism in prophecy and end times, as a sign of God’s blessing and presence, its impact on daily life and nature, and its part in miracles and divine signs. Drawing from these rich themes, let us now turn our hearts and minds in prayer, seeking to connect with the divine through the powerful imagery of the sun.

Our Prayer Inspired by Our Selection of Bible Verses About the Sun

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in awe of Your magnificent creation, grateful for the sun that You have set in the sky, as recounted in Genesis 1:16. Its rising and setting, a rhythm that governs our days and nights, speaks of Your order and faithfulness. We marvel at how it signifies Your creative power and reflects Your glory.

Lord, in the vastness of Your sovereignty, as shown in Joshua 10:12-13, You command even the sun and the moon. This reminds us of Your control over all things, and we find comfort in knowing that nothing escapes Your dominion. May we trust in Your supreme authority, finding peace in the certainty of Your rule.

As we ponder the prophetic significance of the sun, as described in Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12, we are reminded of Your promise of renewal and restoration. Help us to look forward with hope to the fulfillment of Your plans, trusting that, even in times of darkness, Your light will prevail.

In Your graciousness, You have made the sun a symbol of Your presence and blessing. Like the “sun of righteousness” with healing in its rays (Malachi 4:2), may Your love and grace shine upon us, guiding our paths and nurturing our spirits. May we walk in the light of Your presence, basking in the warmth of Your unfailing love.

We thank You for the sun’s role in our daily lives, a constant reminder of Your provision and care. Just as the sun nourishes the earth and sustains life, may Your wisdom and guidance sustain us in all our endeavors, as we navigate the complexities of life under Your watchful eye.

Lord, we are humbled by the miracles and signs You have shown involving the sun, as in the days of Isaiah and King Hezekiah. These acts of power remind us of Your willingness to intervene in our lives, offering hope and reassurance. May we always look to You for the miraculous, finding in You a source of endless wonder and possibility.

In Your Holy Name, we pray,

Amen.