Did Lucifer really take a third of the angels with him?

[Khaz]

I hear some christians claim that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him. Is this teaching Biblical or an unbiblical myth? Can anyone reference and show me where the bible says that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him?

[missmuffet]

Did one third of the angels fall with Lucifer?

https://www.gotquestions.org

ANSWER

There is no verse in the Bible that says, “A third of the angels fell from heaven.” The idea that, when Satan rebelled against God, one third of the angels went with him comes from certain other verses that, when put together, suggest that’s what happened.
 

On the sixth day of creation, God declared everything to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). We assume the “everything” includes angels. Sometime after that, Satan rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. Jesus witnessed the event: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18)—an event that the Lord uses to explain the exorcisms performed by the 72 (verse 17).

Another passage that also seems to describe the fall of Satan from heaven is Isaiah 14:12–15. The context is primarily about a human king, as judgment is pronounced against Babylon. The poetic language used by Isaiah is so grand, however, that many scholars have concluded that there is more to the passage. References to “the whole earth” (Isaiah 14:7), the king’s “fall from heaven” (verse 12), his desire to exalt himself “above the stars” (verse 13), and the symbolic name Lucifer or Light-bringer (verse 12) are all expressions of hyperbolic greatness. If the intended subject is only the human king of Babylon, then everything is figurative (and greatly exaggerated); however, if there is a secondary spiritual character in view, then the descriptions could be quite literal. God is pronouncing judgment on both “kings of Babylon”—the human king and the spiritual potentate who empowers him (Babylon being a symbol of rebellion from Genesis to Revelation). The wonderment of Isaiah 14:12 (“How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”) could indeed have a dual interpretation.

 

Further, the book of the Revelation describes “a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth” (Revelation 9:1). This “star” is given a key to the bottomless pit and proceeds to release a horde of tormenting “locusts” (Revelation 9:2–11). While Revelation 9:1 is not a clear reference to Satan, it could be: the fact that the “star” that fell from heaven has a key (authority) is no problem, especially since he uses the key to unleash terror upon the earth.

So, the Bible explicitly and implicitly teaches that Satan fell from his position in heaven. But how do we know that one third of the angels also fell with him?

 

The passage that best supports the idea that Satan took one third of the angels with him in rebellion is Revelation 12:3–4. John sees a sign in heaven: “An enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.” John then relates that the dragon was hurled down to the earth and positively identifies it as “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9). The dragon is not thrown to earth alone, however: “His angels were cast out with him” (verse 9). The angels that are ejected from heaven with Satan we associate with the “third of the stars” that the dragon’s tail swept from heaven to earth in verse 4.

If the “stars” of Revelation 12:4 are indeed a symbolic reference to Satan’s “angels” in verse 9, then what we have is a reference to the fall of a portion of the angels (the heavenly hosts) who followed Satan in his rebellion. Two thirds of the angels remained loyal to God and are called the “holy angels” in Scripture (e.g., Mark 8:38); one third of the original angels joined Satan and are called “unclean spirits” or “demons” today (e.g., Mark 9:25).

Edited October 20, 2022 by missmuffet

[other one]

3 hours ago, Khaz said:

I hear some christians claim that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him. Is this teaching Biblical or an unbiblical myth? Can anyone reference and show me where the bible says that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him?

that's my understanding.    and that would mean that there are at least 30 million of them, and that doesn't count the spirits of the dead Nephilim we refer to as Demons

[Khaz]

23 minutes ago, other one said:

that's my understanding.    and that would mean that there are at least 30 million of them, and that doesn't count the spirits of the dead Nephilim we refer to as Demons

And they are all doing nothing but spreading evil on our planet? 

[Michael37]

On 10/21/2022 at 6:13 AM, Khaz said:

I hear some christians claim that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him. Is this teaching Biblical or an unbiblical myth? Can anyone reference and show me where the bible says that Lucifer took a third of the angels with him?

Hi Khaz,

I believe it's important to have a good knowledge of what the Bible says, what it means, and how it applies. There are some conventions that are not based on Scripture but on opinions about interpretations of Scripture.

When Lucifer allowed himself to be guided by his pride he transitioned to Satan, the opposer or adversary of God. This was prior to tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he spoke through the serpent and became forever after depicted in the reptilian terms dragon and serpent, as in the Book of Revelation.

As for whether the stars of heaven represent angels in the vision given to John, there is no clear proof they were. One third of the stars of heaven being thrown down to earth by the dragon's tail cannot be interpreted as a literal event, given an individual star alone far exceeds the earth's size and mass, but rather this is symbolic of the limited power of Satan the Dragon to exercise displacing power over a portion of established entities, whether they be angels, or prominent people as some commentators suggest. 

Rev 12:1-4  Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  (2)  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.  (3)  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.  (4)  His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Scripture reveals that Satan and his angels are actually cast down by Michael and his angels following the war between these two opposing forces in the celestial heaven.

Rev 12:7-8  And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,  (8)  but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

Rev 12:9  So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Blessings from Michael37.

[Hobie_]

14 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Hi Khaz,

I believe it's important to have a good knowledge of what the Bible says, what it means, and how it applies. There are some conventions that are not based on Scripture but on opinions about interpretations of Scripture.

When Lucifer allowed himself to be guided by his pride he transitioned to Satan, the opposer or adversary of God. This was prior to tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he spoke through the serpent and became forever after depicted in the reptilian terms dragon and serpent, as in the Book of Revelation.

As for whether the stars of heaven represent angels in the vision given to John, there is no clear proof they were. One third of the stars of heaven being thrown down to earth by the dragons tail cannot be interpreted as a literal event, given an individual star alone far exceeds the earth's size and mass, but rather this is symbolic of the limited power of Satan the Dragon to exercise displacing power over a portion of established entities, whether they be angels, or prominent people as some commentators suggest. 

Rev 12:1-4  Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  (2)  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.  (3)  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.  (4)  His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Scripture reveals that Satan and his angels are actually cast down by Michael and his angels following the war between these two opposing forces in the celestial heaven.

Rev 12:7-8  And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,  (8)  but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

Rev 12:9  So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Blessings from Michael37.

You are right on point Michael, as verse 9 shows it was angels who followed Satan. Now the question that this lends itself to, is why they turned from God..

[Khaz]

15 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Hi Khaz,

I believe it's important to have a good knowledge of what the Bible says, what it means, and how it applies. There are some conventions that are not based on Scripture but on opinions about interpretations of Scripture.

When Lucifer allowed himself to be guided by his pride he transitioned to Satan, the opposer or adversary of God. This was prior to tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he spoke through the serpent and became forever after depicted in the reptilian terms dragon and serpent, as in the Book of Revelation.

As for whether the stars of heaven represent angels in the vision given to John, there is no clear proof they were. One third of the stars of heaven being thrown down to earth by the dragons tail cannot be interpreted as a literal event, given an individual star alone far exceeds the earth's size and mass, but rather this is symbolic of the limited power of Satan the Dragon to exercise displacing power over a portion of established entities, whether they be angels, or prominent people as some commentators suggest. 

Rev 12:1-4  Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  (2)  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.  (3)  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.  (4)  His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Scripture reveals that Satan and his angels are actually cast down by Michael and his angels following the war between these two opposing forces in the celestial heaven.

Rev 12:7-8  And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,  (8)  but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

Rev 12:9  So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Blessings from Michael37.

Thank you for a detailed and good explanation. I just need one clarification. 

You wrote ''his was prior to tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he spoke through the serpent and became forever after depicted in the reptilian terms dragon and serpent, as in the Book of Revelation.''

What was Satan doing in Gods garden? Does God got opposers in his/her presence/garden? 

 

Edited October 21, 2022 by Khaz

[Michael37]

5 hours ago, Khaz said:

Thank you for a detailed and good explanation. I just need one clarification. 

You wrote ''his was prior to tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he spoke through the serpent and became forever after depicted in the reptilian terms dragon and serpent, as in the Book of Revelation.''

What was Satan doing in Gods garden? Does God got opposers in his/her presence/garden? 

 

From my saved notes:

I believe Scripture teaches Lucifer was perfect in all his ways and did not act in opposition to God until he allowed pride of place to make him jealous of Adam and Eve due to their relationship with the Lord. Having decided to contradict God and deceive Adam and Eve he become Satan the adversary, a beginning that was motivated to cause the spiritual and physical death of previously perfect mankind.  

Satan means Adversary, namely to God, so it was Lucifer who was created perfect and he was not Satan until he opposed God in Eden, linked with the serpent ever since, both serpent and dragon elsewhere in Scripture depicted in representations of him, not forgetting that he is also capable of appearing as an angel of light (see 2 Cor 11:14). 

These two analogies with the king of Tyre and king of Babylon give us a timeline of Lucifer being found with iniquity in him and subsequent casting out of the highest heaven which he inhabited as well as Eden [ see this article What Are the Three Heavens? (blueletterbible.org)].

Eze 28:12-15  "Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  (13)  You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created.  (14)  "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.  (15)  You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

Isa 14:12-14  "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!  (13)  For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;  (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'

[Alive]

12 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

From my saved notes:

I believe Scripture teaches Lucifer was perfect in all his ways and did not act in opposition to God until he allowed pride of place to make him jealous of Adam and Eve due to their relationship with the Lord. Having decided to contradict God and deceive Adam and Eve he become Satan the adversary, a beginning that was motivated to cause the spiritual and physical death of previously perfect mankind.  

Satan means Adversary, namely to God, so it was Lucifer who was created perfect and he was not Satan until he opposed God in Eden, linked with the serpent ever since, both serpent and dragon elsewhere in Scripture depicted in representations of him, not forgetting that he is also capable of appearing as an angel of light (see 2 Cor 11:14). 

These two analogies with the king of Tyre and king of Babylon give us a timeline of Lucifer being found with iniquity in him and subsequent casting out of the highest heaven which he inhabited as well as Eden [ see this article What Are the Three Heavens? (blueletterbible.org)].

Eze 28:12-15  "Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  (13)  You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created.  (14)  "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.  (15)  You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

Isa 14:12-14  "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!  (13)  For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;  (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'

Again--this is one that cannot be proved, but I also suspect that Lucifer got wind of God's Plan for humanity and it drove him insane. His pride rose to the fore and his insanity has made him move toward an imagined place that he knows full well is impossible---insanity explains this.

[Michael37]

7 hours ago, Hobie_ said:

You are right on point Michael, as verse 9 shows it was angels who followed Satan. Now the question that this lends itself to, is why they turned from God..

Yes, the point is that Satan's angels were not actually cast out of heaven by the dragon's tail, but by Michael and his angels, although some see the dragon as forcing the stars/angels to fall to earth, but while that doesn't synchronise with the ensuing angelic war of the dragon and his angels with Michael and his angels, it may be a sort of flash forward symbolic visionary thing. 

As for why some angels sided with Satan it is possible they were complicit with him in his pride of place and resentment of God for putting Adam and Eve in Eden to have close fellowship with them, but that is just something I have gleaned from various sources of study.

Jud 1:6  And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;