Does the Bible Reveal the Fall of Satan in Isaiah 14? Lucifer Does the Bible Reveal the Fall of Satan in Isaiah 14?

Lucifer The association of Satan with “Lucifer” comes from Jerome’s Latin translation of Isaiah 14:12. Hebrew = helel, “shining one, i.e., Venus” Latin = lucifer, “light-bringer, morning star, Venus”

Lucifer The association of Satan with “Lucifer” comes from Jerome’s Latin translation of Isaiah 14:12. Hebrew = helel, “shining one, i.e., Venus” Latin = lucifer, “light-bringer, morning star, Venus” Many connect the fall of Venus in Isaiah with Satan’s fall (see Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9). Jesus was not, however, discussing the original fall of Satan in Luke 10:18 or Revelation 12:9. What about Isaiah 14, then? Does it describe the initial fall of Satan?

Lucifer The context of Isaiah 14 specifies who “Lucifer” is—the coming Babylonian king. The first twelve chapters of Isaiah describe God’s judgment of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah 13-23 are oracles of judgments against the nations, beginning with Babylon (see 13:1-14:23). The message of Isaiah 14:12 is directed at the king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar?, see 14:4, 16). The use of stellar (“relating to stars”) imagery is found throughout the oracle (see 13:10; 14:13-14). Satan, though likely encouraging the pride of Babylon, is not himself “Lucifer” in Isaiah 14.

Lucifer Isaiah 14:12-15 uses graphic language to describe the power of God and pride of man. What can we learn from this study? We should recognize that God is sovereign over every person and nation and that pride always leads to destruction (see Obadiah 2-4; Proverbs 16:18). While Satan may well be a fallen angel (archangel?), we must not interpret Scripture apart from its context—even if it makes a good point! No translation of the Bible is perfect (e.g., Isaiah 14:12 KJV). We need, therefore, to compare translations (or learn the original languages).