Old Testament
Isaiah 13:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The stars and constellations in the heavens will stop shining. The sun will be dark when it rises, and the moon will give no light.
Compare translations
For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.
What Isaiah 13:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 13:10, the imagery of celestial bodies losing their light symbolizes a time of great upheaval and judgment. The stars, sun, and moon represent stability and order in the universe, and their darkening indicates a significant disruption. This passage is often interpreted as a prophetic warning about the impending destruction of Babylon, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and the consequences of their actions. The loss of light from these heavenly bodies suggests a deep spiritual darkness and chaos that accompanies divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human power and the ultimate authority of God over creation. The vivid imagery evokes a sense of fear and awe, emphasizing that when God acts in judgment, even the most reliable elements of the cosmos are affected. This verse encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the importance of aligning with God's will to avoid the consequences of rebellion against Him.
How to apply Isaiah 13:10 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of living in alignment with God's will. It encourages self-reflection on our actions and their consequences. By seeking God's guidance and living righteously, we can avoid the chaos and darkness that comes from straying from His path.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 13:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 13:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 13:10 mean?
Isaiah 13:10 uses the imagery of darkened stars, sun, and moon to symbolize a time of upheaval and divine judgment, particularly regarding the fall of Babylon. It signifies the disruption of order and stability in the universe as a consequence of human actions against God.
What is the significance of the sun being darkened in Isaiah 13:10?
The darkening of the sun in Isaiah 13:10 represents a profound loss of light and guidance, indicating a time of chaos and judgment. It emphasizes the seriousness of God's impending actions against nations that oppose Him.
What does the phrase 'the stars and constellations will stop shining' mean in Isaiah 13:10?
This phrase symbolizes a complete disruption of the natural order, reflecting the severity of God's judgment. It conveys the idea that even the most reliable elements of creation will be affected by divine intervention.
How does Isaiah 13:10 relate to the themes of divine judgment?
Isaiah 13:10 encapsulates the theme of divine judgment by illustrating how God can disrupt the natural order as a response to human sin. The imagery of darkened celestial bodies highlights the seriousness of God's authority and the consequences of defiance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.