Why are the devil and Christ both called the Morning Star in Scripture?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Holy Scriptures, the term "Morning Star" is used for both Christ and the fallen archangel (Lucifer), but it is essential to understand that it is applied in fundamentally different ways. One refers to an essential nature and divine glory, while the other refers to a lost status and a prideful imitation.

1. The Lord Jesus Christ: The True Morning Star

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as the "True Light." In the Book of Revelation, our Lord explicitly claims this title for Himself:

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." (Revelation 22:16)

• The Symbolism of the Dawn: Just as the morning star (the planet Venus) appears in the darkness just before the sun rises, Christ appeared in the darkness of the world to announce the dawn of the New Covenant and the Sun of Righteousness.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: This fulfills the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17: "A Star shall come out of Jacob."
• The Light of Truth: As the True Light, Christ dispels the darkness of sin, death, and heresy. He is the Morning Star because He brings the "Day" of salvation that has no end.

2. The Devil: The Fallen Morning Star

The reference to the devil as the morning star comes from Isaiah 14:12:

"How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!"

• The Name "Lucifer": The name Lucifer (in Latin) or Helel (in Hebrew) translates to "Shining One" or "Day Star."
• Original State vs. Fall: In Coptic theology, we teach that the devil was created as a high-ranking, glorious angel of light. He was a "morning star" by position and gift from God. However, through pride (thinking he could be like the Most High), he fell from that glory.
• The False Light: The devil often tries to masquerade as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) to deceive the faithful and lead them into heresy. While he was a morning star in his original creation, he is now the prince of darkness.

3. The Distinction between the Two

It is vital to distinguish between the two applications of the term to avoid confusion:

• Source of Light: Christ is the Light by His very nature. The devil was merely a reflection of light who lost his brightness when he turned away from God.
• Authority: Christ is the Bright and Morning Star who reigns forever. The devil is the Fallen Morning Star whose power is broken and who is destined for judgment.
• Context of Usage: When the term is used for Christ, it is a title of victory and hope. When used for the devil, it is a lamentation of his fall and a warning against the pride that caused his ruin.

The Holy Fathers of the Church, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria and Didymus the Blind, emphasize that the titles of Christ represent His divinity and His role as the "Sun of Justice". While the devil sought to usurp the glory of God, Christ is the One who possesses it eternally. We must always be vigilant against the "Black One" (the devil) who seeks to mimic the Light to lead the children of God astray.