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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 14 - Verse 12

14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Meaning

This verse comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible and is directed towards the king of Babylon. It symbolizes the downfall of a powerful ruler who is compared to the once mighty angel Lucifer, who fell from heaven due to his pride and rebellion against God. The phrase "son of the morning" refers to Lucifer's former status as a bright morning star before his fall. By using this imagery, the prophet Isaiah highlights the king of Babylon's arrogance and the inevitable consequences of his actions. The verse serves as a warning against pride and a reminder of the ultimate power and authority of God over all nations and rulers. It ultimately conveys that even the most powerful leaders will be brought down by their own hubris and that only God is truly sovereign over the nations.

Theological Overview

Many theologians interpret the verse "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" as referencing the fall of Satan from heaven. The use of the name Lucifer is believed to refer to the devil before his rebellion against God. The phrase "son of the morning" is often seen as highlighting Lucifer's former position as a bright and powerful being in heaven before his pride led to his downfall. In terms of word studies, the name Lucifer comes from the Latin word "lucem ferre" which means "light-bringer" or "morning star," emphasizing his once glorious state before his rebellion. The concept of Lucifer weakening the nations is often interpreted as his ability to deceive and lead people away from God's truth, causing disruption and chaos. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.

American Standard Version

How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!
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