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The word "Lucifer" in the A.V. of Isaiah 14:12,


is derived from Jerome's Latin translation of the Old Testament, known as the Latin Vulgate.


How many times does the Latin word lucifer or an associated declension occur in the Latin Vulgate?

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I have searched my electronic copy of Biblia Sacr JUXTA Vulgatam Clementinam and it seems in all three cases I could find, lucifer means the morning star (the planet Venus) or possibly just the day in one instance. It seems to be used as an image which suits both the Devil and Christ. It is only Capitalized as a personification in Isaiah where it seems to be describing the Devil.

“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! (Isaiah 14:12, ESV)

12 Quomodo cecidisti de cælo, Lucifer, qui mane oriebaris ? corruisti in terram, qui vulnerabas gentes ? (Isaiah 14:12)

'lucifer' is used for the word 'morning' in Job:

And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. (Job 11:17, ESV)

17 Et quasi meridianus fulgor consurget tibi ad vesperam ; et cum te consumptum putaveris, orieris ut lucifer. (Job 11:17)

'lucifer' is also used for the 'morning star' (Venus) in 2Peter:


19 Et habemus firmiorem propheticum sermonem : cui benefacitis attendentes quasi lucernæ lucenti in caliginoso donec dies elucescat, et lucifer oriatur in cordibus vestris : (2Peter 1:19)

'luciferum' is also used for the 'morning star' (Venus) in Psalms 110 and Job 38:

Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power,in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. (Psalms 110:3, ESV)

3 Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ in splendoribus sanctorum : ex utero, ante luciferum, genui te. (Psalms 110:3)

Note: The ESV translates the 'morning star' more generally as the actual constellations (Mazzaroth) and not Venus:

Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,or can you guide the Bear with its children? (Job 38:32, ESV)

32 Numquid producis luciferum in tempore suo, et vesperum super filios terræ consurgere facis ? (Job 38:32)

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Mike: Good catches! I will give you the answer if you edit your answer and incorporate the following occurrences as well. See Ps. 110:3 (luciferum) and Job 38:32 (luciferum). =) –  H3br3wHamm3r81 Dec 21 '12 at 9:00
@H3br3wHamm3r81 - yes it seems I missed the 'erums' Cheers –  Mike Dec 21 '12 at 9:30
Mike, I know this answer is old, but good job on the research! –  The Freemason Oct 25 '13 at 12:47
Indeed, this is an excellent answer. –  Daи Jan 5 at 20:15
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