heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly

Definition

The term that is translated as “heaven” usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean “sky,” depending on the context.

• The term “heavens” refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars. It also includes the heavenly bodies, such as far-off planets, that we cannot directly see from the earth.
• The term “sky” refers to the blue expanse above the earth that has clouds and the air we breathe. Often the sun and moon are also said to be “up in the sky.”
• In some contexts in the Bible, the word “heaven” could refer to either the sky or the place where God lives.

Translation Suggestions

• For “kingdom of heaven” in the book of Matthew, it is best to keep the word “heaven” since this is distinctive to Matthew’s gospel.
• The terms “heavens” or “heavenly bodies” could also be translated as “sun, moon, and stars” or “all the stars in the universe.”
• The phrase, “stars of heaven” could be translated as “stars in the sky” or “stars in the galaxy” or “stars in the universe.”

(See also: kingdom of God)

Bible References

• 1 Kings 8:22-24
• 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17
• Deuteronomy 9:1
• Ephesians 6:9
• Genesis 1:1
• Genesis 7:11
• John 3:12
• John 3:27
• Matthew 5:18
• Matthew 5:46-48

Examples from the Bible stories

• __4:2 They even began building a tall tower to reach heaven__.
• __14:11 He (God) gave them bread from heaven__, called “manna.”
• __23:7 Suddenly, the skies were filled with angels praising God, saying, “Glory to God in heaven__ and peace on earth to the people he favors!”
• __29:9 Then Jesus said, “This is what my heavenly__ Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
• __37:9 Then Jesus looked up to heaven__ and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me.”
• __42:11 Then Jesus went up to heaven__, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1534, H6160, H6183, H7834, H8064, H8065, G09320, G20320, G33210, G37700, G37710, G37720