### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G4582 (σελήνη, *selḗnē*) directly translates to "moon." Its etymological root is linked to concepts of "brilliancy" or "attractiveness," stemming from the light it provides. While its light is reflected from the sun, selḗnē is understood as a distinct celestial luminary, particularly associated with providing illumination during the night. Its primary semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring almost exclusively to the physical celestial body. However, its significance in ancient cosmology and its role in marking time (lunar cycles) or influencing tides would have been implicitly understood, even if not explicitly highlighted in every biblical context. It stands in contrast to the sun (`{{G2246}}`, ἥλιος) which provides daylight, underscoring its function in the nocturnal sphere.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term selḗnē appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in eschatological and apocalyptic contexts, highlighting its role as a sign of divine intervention and judgment.
1. **Eschatological Signs:** In the Olivet Discourse, both [[Matthew 24:29]] and [[Mark 13:24]] describe the moon's darkening as a sign of the end times, immediately following the tribulation. [[Luke 21:25]] similarly speaks of "signs in sun and moon and stars," indicating cosmic disturbances. These passages portray the disruption of the natural order as a prelude to the coming of the Son of Man.
2. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** [[Acts 2:20]] quotes the prophet Joel ([[Joel 2:31]]), stating that "the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord." Here, the moon's transformation serves as a dramatic, blood-red sign of divine judgment and the impending Day of the Lord.
3. **Illustrative of Glory:** [[1 Corinthians 15:41]] uses the moon as an illustration of varying glories in creation: "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory." This verse emphasizes God's diverse creative power and the distinct radiance of each celestial body, drawing a parallel to the different glories of resurrected bodies.
4. **Apocalyptic Imagery in Revelation:**
* [[Revelation 6:12]] again depicts the moon becoming "like blood" during the breaking of the sixth seal, a vivid image of cosmic collapse accompanying divine wrath.
* [[Revelation 8:12]] describes a third of the moon being struck, along with the sun and stars, resulting in a dimming of light, signifying partial judgments upon the earth.
* [[Revelation 12:1]] presents the symbolic image of a "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." Here, the moon contributes to a grand cosmic and symbolic portrayal, often interpreted as representing Israel or the Church, positioned above earthly or cosmic powers.
* [[Revelation 21:23]] offers a profound theological statement about the New Jerusalem: "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb." This verse signifies the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan, where created sources of light, including the moon, become obsolete in the direct, unmediated presence of God's own glory.
Across these contexts, selḗnē functions primarily as a celestial body whose behavior (darkening, turning to blood, being struck) signals profound divine action, whether in judgment or in the inauguration of a new, glorified reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of selḗnē is inextricably linked to other celestial bodies and the broader themes of light and darkness.
* **Sun (`{{G2246}}`, ἥλιος):** Often paired with the moon in discussions of cosmic order or disruption (e.g., [[Matthew 24:29]], [[Revelation 21:23]]). The sun is the primary source of light, while the moon reflects it.
* **Stars (`{{G792}}`, ἀστήρ; `{{G798}}`, ἄστρον):** Frequently mentioned alongside the moon and sun as part of the heavenly host, also subject to God's control and cosmic changes (e.g., [[Luke 21:25]], [[1 Corinthians 15:41]]).
* **Light (`{{G5457}}`, φῶς):** The moon is a source of light, albeit reflected. Its role contrasts with the ultimate light of God's glory ([[Revelation 21:23]]), which is uncreated and self-sufficient.
* **Darkness (`{{G4655}}`, σκότος):** The moon provides light *in* darkness, and its darkening signifies an increase in darkness, often associated with judgment.
* **Heavenly Host:** In the Old Testament, the moon (`{{H3394}}`, יָרֵחַ, *yareach*) is part of the "heavenly host" created by God for signs, seasons, days, and years ([[Genesis 1:14-16]]). This foundational understanding informs the New Testament's view of the moon as a divinely ordained celestial body.
* **Cosmic Order and Disorder:** The moon's normal function is part of God's established creation. Its disruption signifies a profound disorder, often preceding a new divine order.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of selḗnē in the New Testament is multi-faceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** The moon, like all celestial bodies, is a created entity entirely subject to God's will. Its darkening, turning to blood, or being struck demonstrates God's absolute power to disrupt and reorder the cosmos according to His purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most stable elements of creation are contingent upon the Creator.
2. **Prophetic Sign of Judgment and the Day of the Lord:** The most prominent theological use of selḗnē is its role as a sign of impending divine judgment and the climactic "Day of the Lord." The dramatic alterations to its appearance (darkening, blood-red hue) symbolize the collapse of the present world order and the terrifying manifestation of God's wrath, preparing the way for His righteous intervention.
3. **Symbol of Created Light versus Uncreated Divine Light:** Perhaps the deepest theological insight comes from [[Revelation 21:23]]. Here, the moon, a source of reflected light for the present age, is rendered unnecessary in the New Jerusalem. This signifies that in the perfected, redeemed creation, God's own glory will be the direct, unmediated, and all-sufficient source of light. This highlights the transience and inadequacy of all created light in comparison to the eternal, self-existent light of God and the Lamb. It speaks to the ultimate consummation of salvation where God's presence is full and unhindered.
4. **Illustration of Diverse Glories:** [[1 Corinthians 15:41]] uses the moon's distinct glory to illustrate the varied glories within God's creation, particularly in the context of resurrection bodies. This points to God's wisdom in creating diversity and beauty, even among celestial bodies, and applies this principle to the glorification of believers.
### Summary
The Greek word G4582 (σελήνη, *selḗnē*) refers to the moon. While literally denoting a celestial body, its New Testament usage carries profound theological weight. Primarily, it functions as a powerful prophetic sign, indicating cosmic upheaval and divine judgment preceding the Day of the Lord. Its darkening or turning to blood signifies the collapse of the established order under God's sovereign hand. Furthermore, selḗnē serves to illustrate the diverse glories within God's creation. Most significantly, in the vision of the New Jerusalem, the moon's obsolescence points to the ultimate reality where God's own uncreated glory provides perfect, eternal light, rendering all created luminaries unnecessary. Thus, selḗnē underscores both God's absolute sovereignty over His creation and the surpassing, all-sufficient nature of His divine presence as the source of all light and life.
TRV