The Bible existed even before the advent of science and technology. Surprisingly, some of its contents reveal information that aligns with modern scientific discoveries. Here, we are going to explore 18 fascinating facts and principles that the Bible seemed to know before science did. Prepare to be amazed by the profound foresight within this timeless book’s pages.
The Earth is Suspended in Space
“He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; He suspends the earth over nothing.” – Job 26:7 NIV
The phrases in this verse, “over empty space” and “over nothing,” suggest the idea that the Earth is floating in space and the concept of gravity. This contradicts ancient notions that the Earth is resting on a pillar underneath.
The Water Cycle
“He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.” – Job 36:27-28 NIV
This verse provides interesting imagery that depicts what we know now as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water.
You Can’t Count the Stars
“I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” – Jeremiah 33:22 NIV
Astronomy is a common concept in the Bible, earning its title as The World’s Greatest Book on Astronomy (Eames, 2023). This verse mentions the countless stars, which aligns with the scientific fact that a vast number of stars exist in the universe.
The Law of Conservation of Mass and Energy
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.” – Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 NIV
The law of conservation of mass states that. “The mass in an isolated system can neither be created nor be destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another.” These Biblical and scientific concepts align with each other, both sharing the idea that underlying reality stays the same even though appearances may change.
The Importance of Blood in Life Processes
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” – Leviticus 17:11 NIV
The concept of blood circulation was only discovered in the 17th century. However, the Bible already articulated the importance of blood in life long before this discovery.
How the Moon Affects Tides
“This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name” – Jeremiah 31:35 NIV
This interesting verse depicts that the moon can influence the ocean tides, foreshadowing the phenomena that will be discovered thousands of years later.
The Ocean Floor
“To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.” – Jonah 2:6
Jonah’s story tells about the mountains in the sea, suggesting the physical realities of oceanography.
Atmospheric Circulation
“The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.” – Ecclesiastes 1:6
This verse describes the nature of wind patterns, which is a basis for scientists today to predict weather systems and climate.
Sanitation and Hygiene
“Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.” – Deuteronomy 23:12-13
The principles of proper sanitation and hygiene detailed in this verse align very well with our modern hygiene standards.
The Expansion of the Universe
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” – Isaiah 40:22 NIV
The imagery in this verse which mentions God stretching out the heavens can be interpreted as a metaphor for universal expansion or growth of the universe. Although the principles of universal expansion were not understood during ancient times, they reflect a profound awareness of the universe’s vastness and God’s role as its creator.
Ocean Currents
“The birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.” – Psalm 8:8 NIV
This particular verse is what inspired Matthew Maury to study naval meteorology and his significant exploration of oceanography.
Existence of Black Holes
“He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, At the boundary of light and darkness.” – Job 26:10 NKJV
The “circular horizon” mentioned in the verse can be interpreted as a reference to black holes. While the verse does not explicitly mention black holes, it reflects a deep insight into different universal phenomena that resonate with modern scientific concepts.
Genetics and Heredity
“Then he placed these peeled branches in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, for that was where they mated.” – Genesis 30:37-39
It’s interesting how Jacob’s selective breeding practices, as described in Genesis 30:37-39, give insight into what would later be formalized in the study of genetics and heredity.
Importance of Rest
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” – Exodus 20:9-10 NIV
Work-life balance has already been given priority during ancient times as described in this verse. It explains that regular rest is essential for physical and mental health.
Embryonic Development
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13-16 NIV
The complex process of embryonic development is uniquely described in this verse. It also alludes to life beginning at conception, a much debated subject in this day and age.
Biogenesis
“The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:12 NIV
It is interesting that the very first chapter in the Bible (Genesis 1) already talks about an important concept in science known as biogenesis. The phrase “according to their kinds” aligns with the concept of biogenesis which means living organisms originate only from other living organisms closely similar to themselves.
Quarantine Practices
“As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.” – Leviticus 13:46 NIV
The practice of isolating individuals with communicable diseases is very similar to today’s quarantine procedure, especially during the time of pandemic.
Health Benefits of Joy and Gratitude
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Perhaps the saying “laughter is the best medicine” originated from this principle. This verse suggests that a positive mindset can serve as “good medicine,” which is congruent with modern scientific research about the correlation of joy and gratitude in improving a person’s mental and physical health.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.