Question:
Does the NIV equate Jesus with Lucifer by translating the phrase 'bright and morning star'?
Answer:
This argument is presented from a position of ignorance (or lack of
knowledge). If we
take the time to examine the Hebrew word used in Isaiah 14:12, it is the word 'heylel'
which means: light-bearer, shining one, morning star.
Lucifer is the word English translators used. It comes from the word 'lucent' or
to give off light. Whether the KJV critics like it or not, the name the Bible
gives to Satan in this particular passage means 'light bearer' or 'morning star'. It is God who chose this
name and it is foolish to rebuke it.
The irony of the argument is that God is describing Satan's fall. God created
Satan in perfection, filled with brilliance, beauty and established on the Holy
mountain of God (Ezekiel 28:12-19). God is describing the beauty of Satan before
his fall and then states, "How you are cut down to the ground". Jesus assumed
authority over all things and He truly is the bright and morning star. This
glory belongs to God and He is able to give it to whomever He chooses. In
Revelation 2:28, we are promised the bright and morning star to those who
overcome. Satan once possessed this, in the future we will possess this roll if
we are faithful.
Whether we translate this passage in Isaiah as 'morning star' or Lucifer is
purely an issue of preference. Both words mean the same thing. Lucifer is only
mentioned once in the Bible and it is this passage. This word is not the name of
Satan as we have equated today, but a descriptive word God used to describe the
glory Satan was given by the authority of God before he fell. In Ezekiel, God uses the King of Tyre to refer
to Satan but Satan's name is not the King of Tyre. This is a metaphor used to
paint a picture that we can use to understand what God is saying. The utter
wickedness of Tyre was masked by the splendor of their wealth and beauty just as
Satan's splendor masked the wickedness and violence he thought was hidden in his
heart.
Eddie Snipes
Exchanged Life Outreach
http://www.exchangedlife.com
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