Satan Was Never Named Lucifer

Most Christians think Satan was once called Lucifer — a dazzling angel who rebelled and fell. But that’s a theological myth, not a biblical fact.

“Lucifer” appears only once in the Bible — Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) — in a taunt against the king of Babylon, not Satan. The Hebrew word is heylel, meaning shining one or morning star. It’s a poetic insult, not a proper name.

To be clear: Isaiah 14, like Ezekiel 28, uses symbolic language directed at human kings. But the scope and imagery clearly point to a supernatural being behind the throne — one who had once been glorious, then fell through pride. That being was never named Lucifer. But he became Satan (adversary). So where did the name Lucifer come from?

Jerome’s Latin Vulgate translated heylel as Lucifer — Latin for “light-bringer.” Earlier theologians like Tertullian and Origen had already linked Isaiah 14 with Ezekiel 28 (the “anointed cherub”) and Luke 10:18 (“I saw Satan fall like lightning”), giving rise to the idea that this passage described Satan’s fall. When Jerome later used the Latin word Lucifer in his translation, this reinforced the existing interpretation and eventually led to the idea that Lucifer was Satan's original name. Milton’s Paradise Lost later made it famous.

But the Bible never reveals the name of the being who became Satan — only his roles: accuser, adversary, dragon, deceiver (Revelation 12:9). Perhaps God withheld it — “The name of the wicked shall rot” (Proverbs 10:7). He lost even his identity.

Yet Satan still masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), twisting Scripture, distorting doctrine, and infiltrating churches with half-truths.

But his false light is fading fast.

Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) is the true Light-bringer.

He is the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16), the true Light that shines in darkness (John 1:9), the Day Star who rises in the hearts of those who believe (2 Peter 1:19).

He is returning — to establish the Kingdom of God. A real government, not just a feeling (Mark 1:14–15). He will crush deception, bind Satan (Revelation 20:1–3), and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16)!

Until then, never confuse a flicker for the flame.

Lucifer was never his name. But deception has always been his game.

For more information on who is behind it all, please read our article on Biblical Truths: Why Is There So Much Confusion and Division in Politics and Religion?