What is Nibiru?

TL;DR:

Nibiru is a mythical planetary object, not mentioned in the Bible nor supported by science, that some say will cause cataclysmic destruction in Earth's future.

Nibiru is a hypothetical planet, often associated with doomsday theories and ancient Sumerian mythology, believed by some to be on a collision course with Earth, although it has no scientific basis. Nibiru isn’t a topic of teaching found anywhere in the Bible. Instead, Scripture speaks of God's sovereignty over creation (Colossians 1:16–17) and His plans for the future of the earth (Revelation 21–22). The Bible does describe various judgments and celestial events during the end times, but it doesn't predict planet-wide destruction by a large celestial object. Instead, it teaches that God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's plan and timing, rather than fear speculative doomsday scenarios (Matthew 24:36).

from the old testament

Isaiah 45:18: "For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the LORD, and there is no other.'" This verse emphasizes God's purposeful creation and sovereignty over the earth.
Daniel 2:21: "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." This passage highlights God's control over earthly and cosmic events.

from the new testament

Revelation 8:10–11: "The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood." While some connect this star to Nibiru, the context suggests a limited judgment, not global destruction.
Second Peter 3:10: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." This is a description of future cosmic events, but in the context of God's judgment, not a random celestial collision.
Revelation 21:1: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This describes God's plan for cosmic renewal, not destruction.

implications for today

The Bible calls believers to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). This means critically evaluating claims about future events, especially those not grounded in Scripture or scientific evidence. We should also focus on God's sovereignty, rather than the fear of unknown cosmic threats. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of the universe He created and that His plans for the future are for our good (Jeremiah 29:11). While theories like Nibiru may capture public imagination, they shouldn't capture the hearts of believers.

understand

Nibiru is a mythical planet linked to doomsday theories, with no scientific or biblical basis.
The Bible emphasizes God's sovereignty and promises a new heaven and earth instead of destruction by celestial objects.
Believers should trust in God's plan and critically evaluate claims about future events, rather than fearing speculative threats.

reflect

How does understanding God's sovereignty shape your perspective on speculative theories like Nibiru?
In what ways can you discern between genuine concerns about the future and unfounded doomsday predictions?
How does trusting in God’s plans for the future affect your daily life and decision-making?

engage

Belief in Nibiru is mainly found among conspiracy theorists and some fringe groups who interpret ancient texts or astronomical anomalies as evidence of its existence. Despite its lack of scientific credibility, discussions about Nibiru often circulate in online communities and social media, particularly during times of heightened interest in apocalyptic predictions.
How can believers critically evaluate claims about future events, such as those surrounding Nibiru, in light of Scripture?
How can biblical teachings about God's creation, sovereignty, and the end times provide comfort amidst the chaos of speculative theories?