The Book of Revelation speaks of the morning star , but do you know who it really is? Well, in this enlightening article, you can learn all about it with us.
Who is the Morning Star in the Bible?
Who is the morning star referred to several times in the Book of Revelation? A number of speculations have arisen on this subject, so it is worthwhile to examine it exegetically. Let's begin by analyzing a biblical passage from Revelation along with a verse from the Second Letter of Peter:
Revelation 2:26-29 (DHH) :
26 To those who are victorious and persevere to the end, doing what I want them to do, I will give authority over the nations, 27-28 just as my Father has given me authority. They will rule the nations with an iron scepter and dash them to pieces like clay pots . I will also give them the morning star . 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
2 Peter 1:19 (DHH) :
This makes the message of the prophets more certain , which you rightly take into account. For that message is like a lamp shining in a dark place , until the day dawns and the morning star rises to illuminate your hearts.
While the Greek word used by the apostle, interpreted or translated as star, is φωσφόρος, transliterated as phósphoros . This is composed of two Greek roots, namely:
- Φωσ or φῶς or phós: Which translates into light.
- φόρος or φέρω or phoros: To indicate that he is a carrier
Finally, the compound word φωσφόρος or phósphoros translates as light-bearer. This term is interpreted by some versions of the Bible as a star, since it is a celestial body that carries light.
While, in the biblical passage of the Apocalypse, specifically in verse 28, the original Greek term is used to define a star:
- ἀστήρ, ἀστέρος, ὁ aster, from the original or primary root star or a star
Interpretation or meaning
By examining the Greek terms used and analyzing the context of the passage from Revelation alongside the verse from the letter of the apostle Peter, it can be interpreted that the meaning of the term or expression " Morning Star " is Heavenly Glory, as the Greek version of the Bible in Revelation 2:28 states verbatim:
-δώσω αὐτῷ τόν ἀστέρα τόν πρωινόν-
Here Jesus promises to give those who overcome the morning star , or his heavenly glory. So that this splendor, brilliance, or radiance may be evident in the victors, surpassing those who did not.
The word apocalypse means: to remove the veil from something hidden, to uncover or reveal something. Therefore, the purpose of the book of Revelation is: God's revelation to His church about the end times. Learn even more about this revelatory text by clicking here: Book of Revelation : Main Theme, Message, and More.
Jesus is the morning star
Even beyond the interpretation from the context of both biblical passages, we can see later in chapter 22 of Revelation that Jesus himself defines himself as the bright morning star :
Revelation 22:16 (DHH): – I, Jesus , have sent my angel to declare all this to the churches. I am the branch that descends from David. I am the bright morning star . –
Now, returning to the apocalypse passage cited above and extracting from it the highlighted and underlined expressions, we have from Revelation 2:26-28 (NIV):
- To those who come out victorious
- I will give them authority over the nations,
- They will rule the nations with a scepter of iron, and they will smash them to pieces like clay pots..
- Y I will also give you the morning star.
Jesus promises saying that for all those who are faithful to him until his return, continuing the work begun by him, he will grant them the glory of ruling alongside him, with the same authority that God already gave him.
Jesus Christ recalls in this passage of the apocalypse a verse from one of the prophetic psalms of the ancient scriptures, which says:
Psalms 2:9 (TLA): – 9 You will rule the nations with an iron fist ; you will smash them like clay pots ! –
This Old Testament messianic prophecy confirms that the morning star is Jesus Christ Himself. Other verses from the apocalypse that support this are:
Revelation 12:5 (DHH): And the woman gave birth to a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter . But her child was taken from her and carried to God and to his throne ;
Revelation 19:15 (DHH): Coming out of his mouth was a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter . He will tread the grapes to extract the wine of the wrath of God Almighty.
There are promises for those who receive the morning star
The morning star should therefore be understood as a promise of future glory yet to come. And only those who persevere to the end on the path of Jesus Christ, that is, until his second coming, will receive it.
So whoever perseveres along the way and completes the race being faithful to the Lord, Jesus promises to share with him a glorious future. A glorious future that is manifested in a series of promises, Jesus promises those who overcome:
- Eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God, (Revelation 2:7).
- They will not suffer any harm from the second death, (Revelation 2:11).
- I will give them to eat of the manna that is hidden; also a white stone and on it written a new name known only to the one who receives it, (Revelation 2:17).
- I will give them authority over the nations, (Revelation 2:26).
- White garments, your name engraved in the book of life, will be recognized before my Father and before his angels, (Revelation 3:5).
- They will be pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never come out of there again (Revelation 3:12).
- The name of my God and the name of his city, the new Jerusalem which comes from heaven, will be written on them, and I will also write my new name on them (Revelation 3:12).
- I will give you a place with me on my throne, just as I have overcome and sat down with my Father on his throne, (Revelation 3:21).
To continue reflecting on the revelations of the end times, we invite you to read with us the article: Apocalypse, the End of the World in the Bible: Is It Near? You can also learn about the Horsemen of the Apocalypse and their names by clicking here: Horsemen of the Apocalypse: What Do They Represent?
The mere mention of these apocalyptic horsemen causes terror in more than one person, because the Bible says that their arrival will bring terrible things to humanity. Enter this article where you will know the names of each one and their stories.
The meaning of the morning star can be related to various aspects, including the symbolism of light in the darkness, which you can explore further in our article on fallen angels and their symbolism.
In the context of studying the morning star in the Bible , it is interesting to observe how the types of demons can influence the spiritual perception of this concept.
The morning star can be seen as a symbol of light that contrasts with the darkness represented by those who stray from the faith. To delve deeper into the subject of these beings, we invite you to explore more about fallen angels and their meaning.
In closing our reflection on the morning star , it is essential to remember the importance of steadfastness on the path of faith, avoiding false teachings that can divert our attention from divine truth. May this concept of light shine in our hearts and guide us toward the fulfillment of the Lord's promises.
The message of the morning star invites us to remain steadfast in our faith and to remember that heavenly glory is a promise for those who persevere. This is a light that brings hope and renewal in difficult times.
