Lexical Summary astron: Star Original Word: ἄστρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance star. Neuter from aster; properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial) -- star. see GREEK aster HELPS Word-studies 798 ástron – a single star, or a constellation of stars viewed as one entity. [798 (ástron) is used for the image of Saturn, the ancient, pagan star-god referred to in Ac 7:43.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom astér Definition a star NASB Translation star (1), stars (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 798: ἄστρονἄστρον, ἀστρου, τό ((see ἀστήρ at the beginning), from Homer down); 1. a group of stars, a constellation; but not infrequent also 2. equivalent to ἀστήρ a star: Luke 21:25; Acts 27:20; Hebrews 11:12; the image of a star, Acts 7:43. ἄστρον (astron) appears four times in the Greek New Testament and always in the plural or collective sense, “stars.” In each setting the word functions theologically rather than merely astronomically, directing attention to God’s sovereignty, the reliability of His promises, the folly of idolatry, the certainty of judgment, and the believer’s dependence on divine rather than natural guidance. Occurrences • Hebrews 11:12 God the Creator and Sustainer of the Stars From the opening chapter of Genesis the stars testify to the ordered handiwork of God (Genesis 1:14–19). Isaiah calls believers to “Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things” (Isaiah 40:26). The New Testament references to ἄστρον assume this foundational doctrine: the stars exist by divine fiat, maintain their courses by His power, and therefore serve as appropriate emblems in revelation. Stars as a Measure of Divine Promise (Hebrews 11:12) Hebrews 11:12 recalls Genesis 15:5 and 22:17, where Abram was invited to number the stars as a pledge of countless descendants: “And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore”. Here ἄστρον underlines the certainty and magnitude of God’s covenant faithfulness. Though Abraham’s circumstances were hopeless, the visible heavens became a continual reminder that what God promises He performs (Romans 4:18–21). For ministry the verse encourages proclamation that the apparent impossibilities of life are no barrier to the fulfillment of God’s word. Stars and Idolatry (Acts 7:43) Stephen cites Amos 5:26: “You took the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan”. The same celestial bodies that display God’s glory became objects of worship when Israel’s heart strayed. The text condemns every form of astrology and astral devotion (cf. Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 23:5). The church must therefore expose contemporary fascination with horoscopes and New Age cosmology, affirming that creation points to the Creator, never to other gods. Stars Withdrawn: Human Helplessness and Divine Deliverance (Acts 27:20) During Paul’s storm-tossed voyage, “neither sun nor stars” appeared for many days: “…we finally abandoned all hope of being saved”. In antiquity sailors relied on stars for navigation; their disappearance signifies the collapse of human resourcefulness. Yet the narrative continues with a heavenly messenger assuring safety (Acts 27:23–25). The episode illustrates pastoral truth: God occasionally removes familiar lights so that His people rest solely on His word. Cosmic Portents of the End (Luke 21:25) “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars”. Jesus places ἄστρον within an eschatological framework. Stellar disturbances will herald the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:10; Revelation 6:13). These phenomena will unsettle the nations, yet believers are told to “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). The passage calls the church to sober watchfulness, evangelistic urgency, and confident hope. Theological Synthesis 1. Revelation: Stars communicate the glory and governance of God. Practical Ministry Applications • Preach creation without compromise, using the heavens to awaken awe and repentance (Psalm 19:1). Conclusion In its four New Testament occurrences, ἄστρον serves as more than a poetic flourish; it is a multifaceted witness to the character of God, the reliability of His covenant, the peril of misplaced worship, the necessity of faith, and the certainty of future glory. Englishman's Concordance Luke 21:25 N-DNPGRK: σελήνῃ καὶ ἄστροις καὶ ἐπὶ NAS: and moon and stars, and on the earth KJV: and in the stars; and INT: moon and stars and upon Acts 7:43 N-ANS Acts 27:20 N-GNP Hebrews 11:12 N-NNP Strong's Greek 798 |
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