Acts 2:20

KJV

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sun {G2246} shall be turned {G3344} into {G1519} darkness {G4655}, and {G2532} the moon {G4582} into {G1519} blood {G129}, before {G2228}{G4250} that great {G3173} and {G2532} notable {G2016} day {G2250} of the Lord {G2962} come {G2064}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sun will become dark
and the moon blood
before the great and fearful Day of Adonai comes.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:20, a direct quotation from the prophet Joel, serves as a pivotal prophetic declaration within Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. It vividly describes dramatic cosmic disturbances—the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood—that are divinely ordained to precede "that great and notable day of the Lord," signifying a climactic period of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:20 is embedded within Peter's powerful sermon delivered on the Day of Pentecost, immediately following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After the crowds are astonished and some mock the Spirit-filled disciples, Peter stands to explain that these events are not drunkenness but the fulfillment of prophecy. He quotes extensively from [Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel's Prophecy of the Spirit and the Day of the Lord"), with Acts 2:20 being a direct line from [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun and Moon Signs"). This verse functions as a crucial bridge, connecting the immediate spiritual manifestations of the Spirit's anointing to the broader eschatological expectations of Israel regarding the ultimate "Day of the Lord." It sets the stage for Peter's urgent call to repentance and salvation in [Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Call to Call on the Name of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), a major Jewish pilgrimage festival that brought devout Jews from across the Roman world (as noted in [Acts 2:5-11](/acts/2-5-11 "Acts 2:5-11 - Diverse Crowds Hear the Gospel")). This audience would have been steeped in Old Testament prophecy and familiar with the concept of the "Day of the Lord" (Hebrew: _Yom Yahweh_), a recurring theme in prophetic books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon") and [Zephaniah](/zephaniah/1 "Zephaniah 1 - The Great Day of the Lord"). This day was understood as a time of God's decisive intervention in history, bringing judgment upon His enemies and deliverance to His people. The cosmic signs described in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun and Moon Signs") and quoted in Acts 2:20 were common prophetic imagery, signaling profound divine disruption and the overturning of the natural order.
* **Key Themes:** The verse underscores God's absolute faithfulness in bringing His prophetic words to pass. While the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost was a significant, initial fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, the cosmic signs described in [Acts 2:20](/acts/2-20 "Acts 2:20 - Cosmic Signs Before the Day of the Lord") point to a future, ultimate consummation of Joel's prophecy, leading to the climactic "Day of the Lord." This demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His divine plan. The imagery of the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood is vivid, apocalyptic language. These are not merely natural phenomena but powerful, symbolic indicators of profound disruption and direct divine intervention. Such signs consistently signal a time of severe judgment, upheaval, and the manifestation of God's wrath against sin, as seen in other prophetic passages like [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - Day of the Lord Signs") and [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances"). This phrase, _hēmera Kyriou_ in Greek (from Joel's _Yom Yahweh_), refers to a specific, divinely appointed time when God decisively intervenes in human history. It is often depicted as a day of judgment for the wicked and salvation for the righteous. Peter uses this prophecy to impress upon his listeners the urgency of repentance and the availability of salvation for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord" ([Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Call to Call on the Name of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Greek, _metastréphō'_):** This word signifies a radical transformation or transmutation, not merely a change in appearance but a fundamental alteration of nature or purpose. In the context of Acts 2:20, it implies a profound, divinely orchestrated reversal of the sun's and moon's natural functions, indicating a supernatural event that transcends normal cosmic processes.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** While literally referring to the vital fluid, in this apocalyptic context, "blood" is highly symbolic. It evokes images of violence, death, judgment, and divine wrath. A moon appearing as "blood" would be an ominous sign, signaling a time of great distress and the pouring out of divine displeasure.
* **notable (Greek, _epiphanḗs'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to appear" or "to shine forth," this word implies something conspicuous, manifest, splendid, or memorable. It emphasizes that the coming "Day of the Lord" will not be subtle or hidden but a profoundly significant, unmistakable, and undeniable display of God's power and presence, evident to all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun shall be turned into darkness,"**: This clause describes a complete and unnatural cessation of the sun's light. It signifies a profound cosmic disruption, symbolizing the end of an era, divine judgment, and the removal of normal order and comfort. Darkness in biblical prophecy often represents divine wrath, chaos, and the absence of God's favor.
* **"and the moon into blood,"**: This phrase depicts the moon taking on an ominous, reddish hue, akin to blood. It reinforces the theme of impending judgment and distress. This imagery is often associated with bloodshed, war, and the terrifying manifestation of God's anger, creating an atmosphere of dread and foreboding.
* **"before that great and notable day of the Lord come:"**: This concluding clause establishes a clear temporal relationship: the cosmic signs are precursors to a specific, future event. The "Day of the Lord" is designated as "great" (emphasizing its immense significance and power) and "notable" (underscoring its unmistakable and manifest nature). The verb "come" (érchomai) highlights the certainty and active arrival of this divinely appointed day, which will be a climactic moment of God's decisive intervention in human history.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:20 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, employing vivid, symbolic language to describe cataclysmic events that signify divine judgment and cosmic upheaval. The transformation of the sun and moon are not merely literal predictions but powerful symbols of the overturning of established order. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the dramatic descriptions, emphasizing the extreme and unprecedented nature of the coming events, designed to evoke awe and fear. Furthermore, the verse employs profound **Symbolism**: the sun and moon, fundamental elements of creation and order, become symbols of the entire created order being shaken by God's power. Darkness and blood symbolize judgment, distress, and divine wrath. This verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the climactic "Day of the Lord" and its associated events, which will bring both judgment and ultimate salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:20 powerfully connects the immediate outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost to the broader eschatological trajectory of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the "Day of the Lord." It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate both spiritual renewal and cosmic signs to fulfill His prophetic word. The passage highlights the continuity of divine revelation from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, affirming that God's purposes are unfolding according to His predetermined timeline. The "Day of the Lord" is presented as a definitive moment when God's justice will be fully revealed, bringing judgment upon the unrepentant and salvation to those who call upon His name. This dual aspect of judgment and salvation is a consistent theme throughout biblical prophecy, urging humanity to respond with repentance and faith.

* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Original Prophecy of Sun and Moon Signs")
* [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus' Prophecy of Cosmic Signs")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:20 serves as a profound reminder of the certainty of God's prophetic word and the ultimate culmination of history in the "Day of the Lord." For believers, this verse calls for a sober recognition of future judgment and a living hope in God's salvation. It encourages spiritual readiness, urging us to live lives of holiness and purpose, knowing that the Lord's return is appointed and will be preceded by clear, divine indicators. Understanding these signs should not lead to fear for those in Christ, but to a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan and an increased urgency to share the good news of salvation. It compels us to consider how we are stewarding our time and resources in light of eternity, ensuring our lives reflect the values of God's coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of "that great and notable day of the Lord" impact your daily life and priorities?**
* **What does it mean to live in spiritual readiness for the Lord's return, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate this readiness?**
* **How might understanding these prophetic signs motivate you to share the hope of Christ with others who are not yet prepared for His coming?**

### FAQ
**Are the cosmic signs in Acts 2:20 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The cosmic signs—the sun turning into darkness and the moon into blood—are primarily apocalyptic imagery, which often employs vivid, symbolic language to convey profound spiritual realities and divine interventions. While the language is highly metaphorical, it points to literal, dramatic, and observable events that will precede the "Day of the Lord." These are not merely natural phenomena but divinely orchestrated disruptions of the cosmic order, signaling God's direct and powerful involvement in human history. Throughout biblical prophecy, such imagery is used to describe times of intense judgment and the manifestation of God's awesome power, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - Day of the Lord Signs") and [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances"). Therefore, they are both symbolic in their rich meaning and indicative of future, literal, and unmistakable events.

**Has the "Day of the Lord" already happened, or is it still future?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" is a multifaceted concept in biblical prophecy, often having multiple layers of fulfillment. In Peter's sermon, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")) is presented as an initial fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, inaugurating the "last days" ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - God Pours Out His Spirit")). However, the cosmic signs described in [Acts 2:20](/acts/2-20 "Acts 2:20 - Cosmic Signs Before the Day of the Lord") clearly point to a future, ultimate consummation of the "Day of the Lord" that has not yet occurred. This final "Day of the Lord" will be characterized by the visible return of Jesus Christ, global judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. While there have been historical instances of God's judgment that could be seen as partial fulfillments of the "Day of the Lord," the full, climactic, and universal manifestation of this day remains a future event, as described in passages like [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:20, with its dramatic cosmic signs preceding "that great and notable day of the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets foretold a "Day of the Lord" as a time of divine judgment and salvation, it is Christ who is the central figure of this day. He is the one through whom God will execute judgment, as all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). The cosmic disturbances foreshadow the awesome power and majesty of Christ's second coming, when He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")). For those who have placed their faith in Him, the "Day of the Lord" is not a day of terror but a day of vindication, resurrection, and eternal salvation, secured by His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Justified by His Blood")). Thus, the prophetic imagery of Acts 2:20 ultimately points to the sovereign Lordship of Jesus, who is both the righteous Judge and the gracious Savior, offering hope and refuge to all who call on His name before that great and notable day arrives ([Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Call to Call on the Name of the Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Malachi 4:5

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Joel 2:1

¶ Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;

Joel 3:14

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.