As an individual with a background of a religious upbringing, Christian to be specific, I was raised with the belief that Lucifer is the epitome of all things evil. Having read the bible, it is well known that its authors included several words that were in Latin. Being a curious learner, one of the things I’ve wanted to know is, What does Lucifer mean in Latin?
Lucifer originates from two Latin words, lux, and fero, meaning the light-bearer. It also refers to the morning star, Venus, a planet. Lucifer was the name used to refer to Satan before he fell from heaven, as suggested in the bible.
In this article, I will look into the topic of Lucifer and answer questions such as the roots of the word Lucifer according to Biblical Scholars and non-biblical scholars in Latin. The term has a broad meaning and history in Latin. It bears different interpretations, which I explain further in the article. Please read on if you’d like to learn about these and more.
Is Lucifer a Latin name?
Although the word “Lucifer” has been around for a while in English, its roots are in Latin. Despite the term having an origin in the Hebrew language, it is indeed a Latin name. It is comprised of two Latin words. The first word is lux, which means light, and Fero, which stands for bear. Initially, the term was used to refer to Venus, a planet that surfaces in the sky before the sun’s rising. With time, the term Lucifer began to be linked with Satan in the Christian denomination. It is seen explicitly in Isaiah 14:12-15 which talks about the fallen angel.
In discussions about the significance of Lucifer, the verse above is frequently used. It describes how Satan fell. The passage has used the terms “Morning star” and “Son of dawn .”However, it is essential to note that various interpretations from different scholars might not agree that the terms used in the passage referred to Satan.
The term Lucifer is written as “Lucifer” in Latin. It comprises two Latin words fused to develop the word Lucifer. Lux and fero are the Latin words used. Lucifer is mentioned in the bible in Isaiah 14:12-15. Some biblical scholars have interpreted it as the fall of Satan, while others as a reference to a King in Babylon.
How do you write Lucifer in Latin?
It is written as one word even though it comprises two terms. The use of the term Lucifer has evolved both in literature and the Christian denomination. In early Christianity, Lucifer was linked with fallen angels who revolted against God. In earlier Christian scriptures, Jesus Christ, who also went by the morning star, was called Lucifer. This is seen in 2 Peter 1:19, which says, “ We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
How did “Lucifer,” which means “light bringer” in Latin, become one of the names associated with Satan?
It is implied that Lucifer became one of the terms associated with Satan while translating the Vulgate, a Hebrew Bible. Isaiah 4:12 still mentions the word morning star, written as “heylel” in the Vulgate and translated to Lucifer. The scripture refers to the Babylonian king, who is charged with trying to be like God by attempting to ascend to heaven. Not all Christian philosophers connected Lucifer to Satan. Lucifer became firmly associated with Satan in the middle ages. This was mainly influenced by a poem known as “Divine Comedy.”
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
