[Greek] φωσφόρος (phōsphoros), [Latin] lucifer: light bringer, the morning star, day star, giving light, lighter bearer, 2 Pet. 1:19
Venus, the Morning Star
Background Information:
Cosmology: This term was used to identify the planet Venus in its morning appearance. This planet lies in its orbit between Earth and the Sun. Depending on Venus’s position, it can be seen in the eastern morning sky before the Sun rises or as the evening star in the western even sky before the Sun sets. Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. Venus never rises.
Greek Mythology: Phosphorus (Light-Bearer) was the name of the morning star Venus. Eosphoros (Dawn-Bearer) was the name of the same evening star. Art has portrayed this god as a youthful rider bearing a torch. This god was called upon by those who needed guidance (illumination) in their paths
Old Testament: In the Old Testament and Rabbinic Judaism, the stars receive and execute the divine commands of God. Stars become an aspect or manifestation of God. A star can represent a king as a figurative extension of a lofty body. In Hellenism, light signifies what is grasped philosophically and speculatively. However, in the sphere of faith, light signifies saving power. Oftentimes, these belief systems may intersect.
Scripture:
“How you have fallen from the heavens, O Morning Star, son of the dawn!” Isa.12:14
This refers to the king of Babylon who fell from grace. There is no mention of this king’s prior rise to grace. As a general rule, this rise couldn’t have occurred without God blessing. Then Babylon fell due to its desire for wealth and power. The word Lucifer was the common Latin word in the Vulgate (4th century) for the Greek phosphoros. This is the only scripture passage that in which Lucifer could be perceived as a personal name. In other places in scripture, lucifer refers to the dawn and the constellation. Interestingly, Peter also refers to Rome as Babylon.
New Testament: 2 Peter reminds its readers of the divine authenticity of Christ’s teachings. Scripture makes mention of a shining star (Jesus) who will finally emerge after a long period of darkness. The following scripture passages (2 Pet. 1:20-21) indicates an assurance of this prophecy. A prophecy will come not through a matter of personal interpretation, but through human beings moved by the Holy Spirit.
Scripture:
“Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Pet.1:19
Jesus will be that morning star provide light in this darkness. Scripture assures that this will come to pass.
Conclusion:
Phosphorous, phosphorescent, phosphorescence
It is not surprising that Greek mythology comes from cosmology. With this comes the human desire to seek help from the gods. Man sought illumination and guidance from Phosphoros, the Light Bearer.
The Old Testament culture continues to see these lights as a manifestation of God. It is interesting to see how the name Lucifer becomes identified with Satan. Although Lucifer is not directly tied to Isa.12:14, there are still elements of Lucifer being a fallen angel.
The term Lucifer comes from the Latin lux (meaning light) and -ferre (meaning to carry). This essentially means “light bringing”. Paul mentions that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Jesus mentions that Satan falls like lightning from the sky (Lk.10:18). Lucifer becomes a fallen angel. Dante’s Inferno and Milton’s Paradise Lost make mention of Lucifer.
One more piece of light trivia: Phosphorus glows in the dark. It has phosphorescent properties.
