What is the meaning of the blood moon in the Bible?

What is the meaning of the blood moon in the Bible?

The "blood moon" is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a total eclipse of the moon. In the Bible, something like a "blood moon" is mentioned as a sign that the end of the world is near. However, this blood moon will be accompanied by other signs. A "blood moon" alone cannot be considered a prophetic sign.

lunar eclipse

The moon reflects the sun's light. When there is a total eclipse of the moon, the sun, earth and moon are aligned, with the earth in the middle. The earth's shadow is projected onto the moon, which takes on a reddish color. That's why it's called a "blood moon."

"Blood moons" don't happen every year, but you'll likely have the opportunity to see a few throughout your lifetime. There is no basis whatsoever to believe that a "blood moon" signals some important event. They are natural phenomena, governed by the laws of movement of the earth and the moon.

The only blood moon mentioned in the Bible is different from the normal moon eclipse.

The blood moon is the earth's shadow cast on the moon in a lunar eclipse.

The blood moon in the Bible

A prophecy about the end of the world, inJoel 2:31, which is also mentioned inActs of the Apostles 2:14-21, talks about the moon turning to blood. This event is mentioned again inRevelation 6:12. However, this blood moon mentioned in the Bible is different from the phenomenon known as a "blood moon" in our days. In these texts, the sun will also be affected.

The description of the sun going dark could suggest an eclipse of the sun as well, where the earth, moon and sun would be aligned, with the moon in the middle.

The problem with this is the impossibility of an eclipse of the moon and the sun happening simultaneously. This is because, in a lunar eclipse, the earth is between the sun and the moon, and in a solar eclipse, the moon is between the earth and the sun. Therefore, there are two possible explanations for this biblical prophecy:

1. If they are eclipses, the two events will not happen simultaneously, but they will be close together.

2. It could be a miraculous event, which is neither a “blood moon” nor a natural eclipse of the sun.

From the Bible's description of this event, we can conclude that this event will not be a normal "blood moon". Therefore, we have no reason to believe that the end of the world will begin when an eclipse of the moon occurs. The Bible says that no one knows the day when the end will come (Matthew 24:36).

Even so, when we observe these phenomena as a "blood moon", we can take the opportunity to remember that one day Jesus will indeed return. We don't know when it will be, but we know that the day is getting closer. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves, so as not to be caught off guard (Matthew 24:44).

Joel's prophecy and Pentecost

The prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 is also mentioned in Acts 2:14-21, where the apostle Peter, in his first sermon, described the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2. That day the moon did not turn to blood nor was the sun darkened. According to Peter, part of this prophecy was fulfilled in that event. The rest of Joel's prophecy will certainly be fulfilled in the last days.

Other signs that will accompany the blood moon

In addition to the moon turning to blood and the sun to darkness, Joel's prophecy also says that there will be “blood, fire and clouds of smoke” (Joel 2:28-30). This will all happen before the end.

The prophecy about the blood moon in Revelation further adds that there will be an earthquake, the stars will fall, the sky will be collapsed, and mountains and islands will be moved (Revelation 6:12-14). The second coming of Jesus will be accompanied by many natural and spiritual signs.

A "blood moon" alone does not characterize the arrival of the end times or the return of Jesus.

Bibliographic references

GUNDRY, Robert Horton. Overview of the New Testament. Religious Society Edições Vida Nova, 1998.

LOPES, Hernandes Dias. Studies in the Book of APOCALYPSE. São Paulo: Hagnos, 2009.

TRAVIS, Stephen. I believe in the second coming of Jesus. Campinas: LPC, 1990.