[Greek] ἀστήρ (astēr), [Latin] stella, [Latin] sidus: star, morning star, celestial body, supernatural being, supernatural light; Act.27:20, 1Cor.15:41, Jude 13, Rev.1:16. Mt. 2:2, Mt. 24:29, Mk.13:25. Rev. 6:13, Rev.8:11
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: According to the Greeks, the stars were beings (deities). It was believed that the stars influenced earthly activity. The stars ruled their fates. This term means star, flame, light, fire, illustrious person, birthmark, ornament, and starfish.
Homer’s Iliad 22.317: “As a star goeth forth amid stars in the darkness of night, the star of evening, that is in heaven as the fairest of all.”
Homer’s Iliad 5.5: “She kindled from his helm and shield, flame unwavering, like the star of harvest time, that shineth bright above all other we hath bathed him in the stream of Ocean.”
Euripides’ Hippolytus 1122: “We have seen Greece’s fairest star, have seen him go forth sped by his father’s wrath to another land.”
Aristophanes’ Peace 838: “And those stars like sparks that plough up the air as they dart across the sky.”
Old Testament: This term means star, light of the star, king, heavenly power, and very high place. In the Old Testament and Rabbinic Judaism, the stars receive and execute the divine commands of God. Stars become a manifestation of God. A star can represent a king as a figurative extension of a lofty heavenly body.
New Testament: This term means star, planet, supernatural light, and supernatural being. The magi were guided by the stars in seeking the infant Jesus. Herod, who had evil intentions, seeks the magi’s help in finding the infant Jesus. At the coming of the Son of Man, the stars will fall from the sky. Jesus is the Morning Star in Revelations. After the Tribulation the stars will fall, further indicating that heavenly powers control the stars.
Etymology: In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is perhaps not surprising that the stars were perceived as gods (deities). The stars guided the fates of man. The Latin fatum (fate) refers to what is ordained, destiny, or a “thing spoken by the gods”. This comes from the Latin verb fari, meaning to speak. Interestingly, the Latin infantem (infant), meaning not able to speak, also comes from the same Latin verb fari. A disaster is essentially an “ill-starred” event, potentially leading to terrible results. The Latin sidus means star. The Latin verb sidere means to settle, to sink, to sit down, and to consider. The Latin verb disiderare literally means to gaze at the star. The Latin considerare means to look at closely or to literally observe the stars. The expression de sidere can mean “from the stars.”
Scripture:
“And the stars will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Mk. 13:25
The stars represent the heavenly beings and angels who will fall upon the coming of the Son of Man. The Son of Man is also seen a heavenly being who will come in power and glory.
“Where is this newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage.” Mt.2:2
It was a common ancient belief that a new star appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth. The Magi were coming to give homage to the infant Jesus. This also make reference to Num.24:17. The star provides the location for the infant Jesus.
Conclusion:
Astronomy, asteroid, stellar, infant, disaster, desire, consider,
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is perhaps not surprising that stars were perceived as gods (deities). The stars guided the fates of man. Even today, although to a lesser extent, some use astrology as a guide in their lives. Even today, some people (actors) feel like that they are destined to be stars (with fame and fortune).☺
In the Old Testament, it then follows that the stars become a manifestation of God’s providence. As with many other ancient cultures, special heavenly manifestations herald the birth of great rulers. From this we get the magi being guided by a star.
I think it is very important to note that wise men were in fact astrologers. I think it is fascinating that stars, fate, disasters, and infants are all linked together. (Perhaps this was all already written in the stars by God’s providence.) Like the magi, we are now in the season looking and waiting for the Bethlehem star. (All this is for your consideration.)