Does the Sun Orbit the Earth? Judaism, Science, and the Torah Explained

Efi asks: “According to the scientific model we know, the sun is the central star of the solar system, and all the planets (including Earth) orbit around it. Yet, in the Bible, it seems that Earth is central. For example, when Yehoshua (Joshua) said: ‘Sun, stand still over Giveon, and moon, over the Valley of Ayalon’ (Yehoshua 10:12), it sounds as if the sun stopped. Similarly, Kohelet says: ‘The sun rises and the sun sets’ (Kohelet 1:5). I also saw that Maimonides wrote in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (ch. 3): ‘All the spheres that surround the world are circular like a ball, and the earth is suspended at the center.’ How can this contradiction be resolved?”

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1. The Earthly Explanation

Even in modern times, educated people and scientists still say phrases such as “the sun sets” and “the sun rises,” even though we know it is Earth that rotates on its axis, creating day and night. From the perspective of someone standing on Earth, such expressions are correct.

Yehoshua spoke in that way as he expressed his request to God in human terms, asking that the day be lengthened for the battle.

As it says in the Book of Yehoshua: “Then Yehoshua spoke to the Lord… and he said before the eyes of Israel: Sun, stand still over Giveon, and moon, in the Valley of Ayalon” (Yehoshua 10:12). As this was said from the vantage point of a person on Earth, this was the accurate expression. We, as humans, experience the sun as rising and setting, not as motion in outer space.

Rabbi Menashe Yisrael of Hidabroot explains: In Yehoshua 10:12, the phrase “before the eyes of Israel” teaches that it was from their perspective that the sun was stopped, while physically, it was Earth that ceased rotating on its axis.

The Sages taught us an important principle: “The Torah speaks in the language of man” (Nedarim 3a). Thus, the Torah describes the universe as it appears to human observers.

2. The Scientific Explanation

According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, when two bodies revolve relative to each other in empty space, it is impossible to determine absolutely which one revolves around the other. From this standpoint, Earth can indeed be considered the center of the solar system as it is the reference point of the observer, and it is from here that the universe is studied.

Therefore, when Scripture says “the sun rises and the sun sets” (Kohelet 1:5), it is correct both linguistically and scientifically, because it describes reality as observed from Earth.

Another scientific principle supporting this is the “observer effect” in quantum mechanics. The famous double-slit experiment led physicists to propose that the universe is shaped according to the observer — meaning that the world exists in relation to the one perceiving it. This reinforces the geocentric viewpoint, where Earth, as the home of the observer, can be described as the center.

(Photo: shutterstock)

3. The Divine Explanation

Judaism teaches that God created the entire universe for the sake of humanity. Without humans, the universe would not have been created. As it says: “If not for My covenant day and night, I would not have established the laws of heaven and earth” (Yirmiyahu 33:25).

The Sages also said: “Each person must say: the world was created for me” (Mishnah, Sanhedrin 4:5).

Human beings are the only creatures able to study the cosmos, deduce the existence of a Creator, believe in Him, and serve Him with truth. This makes humans unique among all living beings. Judaism therefore views man’s place as central, and all the heavenly bodies are to be understood in relation to him.

This is not simply a poetic statement, but a spiritual truth. The universe continues to exist only because of humanity’s divine purpose.

The verses you mentioned are not in conflict with science. They are accurate both:

1. From a human perspective (the language of appearance, as we see from Earth).

2. From a scientific perspective (relativity and the observer principle).

3. From a theological perspective (the universe was created for mankind).

Science deals with the question of “how”, while Judaism focuses on the question of “why.” The Torah guides us to see the divine purpose behind the physical order of the universe. From this higher viewpoint, the place of humanity is always at the center.