The idea of a flat earth has been debated for centuries.
Some people believe that the Bible supports the idea of a flat earth, while others argue that Scripture does not make scientific claims about the shape of the planet.
Understanding what the Bible says about the earth requires looking at different passages in their historical and literary context.
Does the Bible describe the earth as flat, or is this a misunderstanding of ancient language?
By examining Scripture closely, we can see what the Bible truly teaches about the nature of the world.
The Language of the Bible and Ancient Understanding
The Bible was written in a time when scientific understanding was very different from today.
People in ancient times described the world in ways that reflected their observations.
The Bible often uses poetic and figurative language to describe creation.
For example, Psalm 104:5 says, “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.”
Some take this to mean the earth is fixed in place, but this verse is part of a poetic passage praising God’s power.
It is not meant to be a scientific statement.
In the same way, when the Bible speaks of “the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 40:28, Job 37:3), it is using common expressions to describe great distances.
It does not mean the earth has literal edges.
Just as today people say, “the sun rises and sets,” even though we know the earth rotates, the Bible sometimes describes things as they appear rather than how they scientifically function.
Does the Bible Say the Earth Has a Dome?
One of the main arguments for a flat earth in the Bible comes from verses that mention the “firmament” or “vault” of the sky.
Genesis 1:6-8 states, “And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’”
Some believe this means a solid dome covers the earth, holding back waters above.
However, the Hebrew word for firmament, raqia, can also mean “expanse” or “sky.”
It does not necessarily mean a hard, solid dome.
The description in Genesis is poetic and focuses on the order of creation, not the physical structure of the sky.
Other verses, like Job 37:18, mention the heavens being “hard as a mirror of cast bronze.”
Again, this is poetic language, not a literal scientific description.
Ancient people often described the sky in ways that made sense to them, but this does not mean the Bible teaches a flat earth.
The Circle of the Earth in Isaiah
One of the most commonly referenced Bible verses in the flat earth debate is Isaiah 40:22, which says, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth.”
Some argue that “circle” does not mean a sphere but a flat, circular shape like a coin.
However, the Hebrew word used, chuwg, can mean a sphere or a general circular shape.
It does not provide enough detail to confirm either a flat or spherical earth.
At the same time, the verse does not support a flat earth either.
It simply describes the earth’s shape from God’s perspective, emphasizing His authority over creation.
The Four Corners of the Earth
Another verse often used to argue for a flat earth is Revelation 7:1, which says, “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth.”
Some take this literally, believing it describes a square or flat earth with four corners.
However, this phrase is commonly understood as a figure of speech, referring to the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west.
Even today, people use expressions like “the four corners of the world” to mean the entire globe, not to suggest the earth is actually a flat square.
The Bible’s Focus Is Not on Earth’s Shape
The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal God’s plan for salvation, not to explain scientific details about the universe.
When Scripture speaks about the earth, it does so in a way that ancient people could understand.
God inspired the writers to communicate truths about His power and authority, not to provide scientific descriptions of planetary physics.
Some verses, like Job 26:7, state, “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.”
This description aligns with modern understanding, as the earth is indeed suspended in space.
However, the Bible does not focus on explaining astronomy—it focuses on God’s relationship with humanity.
Science and Faith: Can They Coexist?
Some people believe that accepting a spherical earth means rejecting the Bible.
However, faith and science do not have to be in conflict.
The Bible was not written as a science textbook, but it does reveal truth about God’s creation.
Scientific discoveries about the earth’s shape, gravity, and orbit do not contradict the Bible’s message of salvation, grace, and divine authority.
The Bible and science both seek truth, though they approach it in different ways.
God created the universe with order and purpose, and discovering more about His creation should strengthen faith rather than weaken it.
The Earth’s Shape and the Great Commission
Regardless of the shape of the earth, Jesus gave believers a mission to reach every nation.
Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
This command applies whether the earth is round, flat, or any other shape.
What matters most is spreading God’s love and truth.
The focus should not be on debating the earth’s shape but on living out God’s calling.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not explicitly describe the earth as flat or spherical.
It uses poetic and observational language to describe creation in ways that ancient readers could understand.
While some verses may seem to suggest a flat earth, they are often figurative rather than literal.
The Bible’s primary focus is not on the physical shape of the earth but on God’s power, authority, and salvation plan.
Faith and science do not have to be at odds.
Instead of debating the shape of the earth, believers should focus on knowing God, following Jesus, and sharing His love with the world.