Is the Phrase "The Sun Has Gone Down" or "The Sun Has Set" Contrary to Science?

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Understanding the Language of Genesis

Genesis 15:17 states, “When the sun had gone down and it was dark, look, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.” Similarly, Genesis 19:23 says, “The sun had risen over the earth when Lot came to Zoar.” Some critics argue that these statements reflect an unscientific view of the cosmos, as they imply a geocentric perspective—that is, the idea that the sun moves around the earth rather than the earth rotating on its axis. Given that conservative Christianity maintains the inerrancy of Scripture in all matters, including history, geography, and science, how should these statements be understood?

To claim that such phrases are “unscientific” is to misunderstand both the intent of biblical language and the nature of everyday communication. The Bible, like all human literature, often uses phenomenological (observable) language—descriptions based on what is seen rather than technical scientific explanations. This approach is neither inaccurate nor unscientific, but rather a normal and necessary way of conveying reality as it appears to human observers.

The Use of Phenomenological Language in Scripture

Phenomenological language describes events as they appear from the perspective of an observer. This is not unique to the Bible but is a common feature of human speech. In modern times, we continue to speak of “sunrise” and “sunset,” even though we understand that the earth rotates on its axis. Meteorologists, astronomers, and news broadcasters regularly use such terms without implying any belief in an outdated cosmology.

For example, in Joshua 10:13, the text states, “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.” This is clearly written from the perspective of an earth-based observer. Similarly, Psalm 19:6 says of the sun, “Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end, and nothing is hidden from its heat.” This is not an attempt to make a cosmological claim but a poetic description of the sun’s apparent movement across the sky.

Genesis 15:17 and Genesis 19:23 use the same form of language. The phrases “the sun had gone down” and “the sun had risen” are simply references to the observable progression of day and night. There is no indication that Moses intended to provide a scientific explanation of the mechanics of planetary motion.

Similar Usage in Secular Contexts

Even in a scientifically advanced society, we regularly use observational language without concern. News reports, calendars, and weather forecasts commonly refer to “sunrise” and “sunset” even though we understand that these are relative terms based on the earth’s rotation. If critics were consistent in their argument, they would have to claim that all meteorologists, almanacs, and science textbooks using these terms are also “unscientific.”

For example, if a modern scientist states, “The sun set at 7:30 PM,” no one would accuse him of believing in an outdated cosmology. The term is a convenient and practical way to describe observable phenomena, just as it was in biblical times.

The Purpose of Biblical Language

The Bible’s primary purpose is to convey theological truths, not to provide a technical manual of astronomy. The biblical writers, under divine inspiration, used ordinary human language to communicate with their audience. They described events in a way that was both accurate and understandable to the people of their time and to all future generations.

Additionally, Jehovah is the author of both Scripture and the natural order. The Bible does not conflict with science but rather speaks within the framework of human experience. Since all human languages are observational, it is only logical that the Bible, written for people of all ages, would use such terms as well.

Conclusion

The claim that Genesis 15:17 and Genesis 19:23 are “unscientific” reflects a misunderstanding of how language functions. The use of terms like “sunrise” and “sunset” is not an error but a natural way to describe the observable world. The same language continues to be used today in both scientific and common speech.

The Bible remains fully accurate in all that it records, including its descriptions of nature. The phrases in Genesis do not contradict science but simply reflect the way humans naturally describe their environment. Attempts to criticize such statements reveal an unfounded bias against Scripture rather than a genuine concern for scientific accuracy.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).