[Greek] ἄστρον (astron), [Latin] stella, [Latin} sidus: star, group of stars, constellation, planet, luminous body in the sky; Lk.21:25, Act.7:43, Act.27:20, Heb.11:12
Background Information:
Greek Astronomy: Stars were regarded as beings, gods, or deities. Greek (Hellenistic) astronomy was defined by starting to seek a rational and physical explanation of celestial phenomena. Hellenistic values incorporated other intellectual disciplines and philosophy. Greek astronomy was also influenced by scientific contributions from Egyptian and Babylonian astronomy.
Old Testament: This Greek term is related to the Hebrew kokab, which originally took on its spiritual sense of light (the 4th day of Creation). It was centuries later that this Hebrew definition would change during the Hebrews’ captivity under the Babylonians. The Hebrews were influenced by the Babylonian worship of the stars. This would later lead to the Hebrews’ belief that stars have heavenly qualities and characteristics. In Num.24:17 Judaism symbolized its Messianic expectations in a star. A star shall advance from Jacob (Num.24:17). Kaiwan, your star-image, your gods that you have made for yourselves (Amos 5:26). God made the stars (Gen.1:16). How have you fallen from the heavens, morning star (Isa.14:12). When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place (Psa.8:4).
New Testament: This term primarily means star, planet, and constellation. The New Testament culture continues the Old Testament tradition of assigning a heavenly character to the stars. The Star of Bethlehem provides the classic example of this belief system. This Star heralded the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Stars also played an important role in astrology and with the Hellenist gods (deities).
Scripture:
“No, you took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship, So I shall take you into exile beyond Babylon.” Act. 7:43
This makes reference to the Israelites in the wilderness, who worship Moloch and the star of the god Rephan. God punishes them by sending into exile.
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the seas and waves.” Lk. 21:25
This speaks to the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. The powers of the heavens are viewed as heavenly bodies.
“So it was that there came forth from one man himself, as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands of the seashore.” Heb. 11:12
Abraham’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Etymology: The Latin noun sidus means stars, group of stars, and constellation. The related Latin verb considerare means literally to observe the stars. Essentially this verb means to look at clearly. By the 1650’s the adjective means pretty large.
Conclusion:
Astronomy, astronomical, stellar, sidereal, consider, considerable
Greek astronomy and Hellenism plays an important role in the early belief of assigning gods and deities with the stars. Aside from the mythology of the stars, the Greeks made great scientific contributions to astronomy.
It was interesting to discover the original Hebrew meaning referred to light associated with the 4th day of Creation, rather than with the stars. The Babylonian Captivity changes this understanding in referring to a star. Stars become heavenly manifestations of great rulers and the messiah.
The New Testament continues with this Old Testament understanding of stars. Not surprising, the Star in Bethlehem becomes associated with the birth of the infant Jesus. Stars play an important in Revelations and in apocalyptic contexts.
—Useless Word Alert—
Sideral: Pertaining to the stars and diurnal motion of the fixed stars
This post is for your consideration.