Isaiah 14:12
New International Version
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

New Living Translation
“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.

English Standard Version
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!

Berean Standard Bible
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.

King James Bible
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

New King James Version
“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!

New American Standard Bible
“How you have fallen from heaven, You star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who defeated the nations!

NASB 1995
“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!

NASB 1977
“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!

Legacy Standard Bible
How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!

Amplified Bible
“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning [light-bringer], son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, You who have weakened the nations [king of Babylon]!

Christian Standard Bible
Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground.

American Standard Version
How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!

Contemporary English Version
You, the bright morning star, have fallen from the sky! You brought down other nations; now you are brought down.

English Revised Version
How art thou fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst lay low the nations!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
How you have fallen from heaven, you morning star, son of the dawn! How you have been cut down to the ground, you conqueror of nations!

Good News Translation
King of Babylon, bright morning star, you have fallen from heaven! In the past you conquered nations, but now you have been thrown to the ground.

International Standard Version
"How you have fallen from heaven, Day Star, son of the Dawn! How you have been thrown down to earth, you who laid low the nation!

Majority Standard Bible
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.

NET Bible
Look how you have fallen from the sky, O shining one, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O conqueror of the nations!

New Heart English Bible
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn. How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low.

Webster's Bible Translation
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

World English Bible
How you have fallen from heaven, shining one, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
How you have fallen from the heavens, "" O shining one, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to earth, "" O weakener of nations.

Young's Literal Translation
How hast thou fallen from the heavens, O shining one, son of the dawn! Thou hast been cut down to earth, O weakener of nations.

Smith's Literal Translation
How thou fallest from the heavens, brilliant star, son of the morning! thou wert cut off to the earth, overthrowing upon the nations!
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, who didst rise in the morning? how art thou fallen to the earth, that didst wound the nations?

Catholic Public Domain Version
How is it that you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, who used to rise like the sun? How is it that you have fallen to the earth, you who wounded the peoples?

New American Bible
How you have fallen from the heavens, O Morning Star, son of the dawn! How you have been cut down to the earth, you who conquered nations!

New Revised Standard Version
How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
How are you fallen from heaven! howl in the morning! for you have fallen down to the ground, O reviler of the nations.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
How you have fallen from Heaven! Wail at dawn! You are fallen into the ground, Infamous One of the nations!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, That didst cast lots over the nations!

Brenton Septuagint Translation
How has Lucifer, that rose in the morning, fallen from heaven! He that sent orders to all the nations is crushed to the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Downfall of the King of Babylon
11Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket. 12How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. 13You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 28:12-17
“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ...

Revelation 12:7-9
Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. / But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. / And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Luke 10:18
So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

2 Peter 2:4
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

Jude 1:6
And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day.

Job 38:4-7
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? / On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, ...

Revelation 9:1
Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth, and it was given the key to the pit of the Abyss.

Matthew 11:23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Revelation 8:10
Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

Daniel 8:10
It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth and trampled them.

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

Job 1:6-7
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

Revelation 20:1-3
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. / He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.

Psalm 82:6-7
I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ / But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.”


Treasury of Scripture

How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!

how art thou fallen

Isaiah 13:10
For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Isaiah 34:4
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.

Ezekiel 28:13-17
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created…

Lucifer.

2 Peter 1:19
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Revelation 2:28
And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 22:16
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

weaken

Isaiah 14:4-6
That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! …

Jeremiah 50:23
How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

Jeremiah 51:20-24
Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; …

Jump to Previous
Bodies Cast Cut Dawn Day-Star Dead Earth Fall Fallen Great Ground Heaven Heavens Laid Lots Morning Nations Once Prostrate Shining Star Weaken Weakened
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Bodies Cast Cut Dawn Day-Star Dead Earth Fall Fallen Great Ground Heaven Heavens Laid Lots Morning Nations Once Prostrate Shining Star Weaken Weakened
Isaiah 14
1. God's merciful restoration of Israel
3. Their triumphant exultation over Babel
24. God's purpose against Assyria
29. Philistia is threatened














How you have fallen from heaven
This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to the fall of a powerful being from a high position. In the immediate context, it refers to the king of Babylon, symbolizing his downfall from a position of great power and influence. The imagery of falling from heaven suggests a dramatic and humbling descent. In a broader theological context, this phrase has been traditionally associated with the fall of Lucifer, an angelic being who rebelled against God, as described in passages like Ezekiel 28:12-17 and Revelation 12:7-9. The concept of falling from heaven underscores themes of pride, rebellion, and divine judgment.

O day star, son of the dawn!
The term "day star" or "morning star" is translated from the Hebrew word "helel," which means "shining one" or "light-bringer." This title was likely used to describe the king of Babylon's former glory and splendor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the morning star (Venus) was often associated with deities and kingship, symbolizing beauty and power. The phrase "son of the dawn" further emphasizes the idea of brightness and prominence. In Christian tradition, this title has been linked to Lucifer, whose name means "light-bearer" in Latin, reflecting his original state before his fall. This connection is made in part due to the Vulgate's translation and later theological interpretations.

You have been cut down to the ground
This phrase signifies a complete and utter defeat, reducing the once-mighty figure to a state of humiliation and powerlessness. In the historical context, it reflects the downfall of the Babylonian empire, which was known for its military conquests and oppression of other nations. The imagery of being "cut down" suggests a violent and decisive action, often used in the Bible to describe God's judgment against the proud and wicked (e.g., Isaiah 2:12-17). This serves as a warning against hubris and a reminder of God's sovereignty over earthly powers.

O destroyer of nations
The king of Babylon is depicted as a "destroyer of nations," highlighting his role in conquering and subjugating various peoples. This title underscores the historical reality of Babylon's expansionist policies and military campaigns, which brought devastation to many regions. The phrase also serves as a critique of imperial aggression and the moral consequences of such actions. In a prophetic sense, it foreshadows the ultimate defeat of all oppressive powers by God's righteous judgment, as seen in the eschatological visions of Revelation, where Babylon symbolizes the forces opposed to God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Morning Star (Lucifer)
The term "morning star" is often interpreted as referring to Lucifer, a name traditionally associated with Satan before his fall. The Hebrew word used here is "helel," which means "shining one" or "light-bearer."

2. Heaven
The realm from which the "morning star" has fallen, symbolizing a place of high status or divine presence.

3. Son of the Dawn
This phrase emphasizes the former glory and brightness of the "morning star," indicating a position of prominence.

4. Destroyer of Nations
This title reflects the destructive influence and power that the "morning star" wielded before being cast down.

5. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered this message, addressing the pride and downfall of Babylon, which is often seen as a parallel to the fall of Satan.
Teaching Points
Pride Leads to Downfall
The passage serves as a warning against pride. Just as the "morning star" fell due to pride, individuals and nations can fall when they exalt themselves above God.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The fall of the "morning star" reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle. Believers must remain vigilant and rely on God's strength to resist the enemy.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The title "destroyer of nations" highlights that no power, however great, can stand against God's ultimate authority. Trust in God's sovereignty should be our foundation.

Hope in Redemption
While the passage speaks of a fall, it also points to the hope of redemption through Christ, the true "Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16), who brings light and life.(12) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!--The word for Lucifer is, literally, the shining one, the planet Venus, the morning star, the son of the dawn, as the symbol of the Babylonian power, which was so closely identified with astrolatry. "Lucifer" etymologically gives the same meaning, and is used by Latin poets (Tibull. i., 10, 62) for Venus, as an equivalent for the phosphoros of the Greeks. The use of the word, however, in mediaeval Latin as a name of Satan, whose fall was supposed to be shadowed forth in this and the following verse, makes its selection here singularly unfortunate. Few English readers realise the fact that it is the king of Babylon, and not the devil, who is addressed as Lucifer. While this has been the history of the Latin word, its Greek and English equivalents have risen to a higher place, and the "morning star" has become a name of the Christ (Revelation 22:16).

Verse 12. - How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer! Babylon's sudden fall is compared, with great force and beauty, to the (seeming) fall of a star from heaven. The word translated "Lucifer" means properly "shining one," and no doubt here designates a star; but whether any particular star or no is uncertain. The LXX. translated by ἑωσφόρος, whence our "Lucifer." The subjoined epithet, "son of the morning" or "of the dawn," accords well with this rendering. How art thou cut down to the ground! One of Isaiah's favorite changes of metaphor. It is a favorite metaphor also to which he reverts - that of representing the destruction of a nation by the felling of a tree or of a forest (comp. Isaiah 2:12, 13; Isaiah 10:33, 34, etc.). Which didst weaken the nations; rather, which didst prostrate the nations. The word used is one of great force (comp. Exodus 17:13; Job 14:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
How
אֵ֛יךְ (’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

you have fallen
נָפַ֥לְתָּ (nā·p̄al·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

from heaven,
מִשָּׁמַ֖יִם (miš·šā·ma·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

O Morning Star,
הֵילֵ֣ל (hê·lêl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1966: The morning-star

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of the dawn!
שָׁ֑חַר (šā·ḥar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7837: Dawn

You have been cut down
נִגְדַּ֣עְתָּ (niḡ·da‘·tā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1438: To fell a, tree, to destroy anything

to the ground,
לָאָ֔רֶץ (lā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

O destroyer
חוֹלֵ֖שׁ (ḥō·w·lêš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2522: To prostrate, to overthrow, decay

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

nations.
גּוֹיִֽם׃ (gō·w·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven morning (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 14:11
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