What Is The Morning Star?

We have heard stories about angels and stars in the Bible but there is something curious about the morning star. The Book of Revelation mentions stars a few times. Let us dissect the scriptures about these stars to see what they really mean. One may actually think they are the beautiful stars we see shining bright at night. But let us look at the meaning of them through the context of the scriptures. 

* Seven Stars *

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. Revelation 1:16 KJV

In this first scripture we read someone had seven stars in his right hand. This certain someone is revealed as the Lord Jesus. He holds seven stars in his hand. We are blessed to be given the meaning of these stars in a scripture further down.

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 KJV

These seven stars are seven angels of the seven churches. Further insight lets us know these are not actual angels in the church but is referred to as the pastors of the seven churches in Asia. When the apostle John set up churches in seven cities he left a person in charge of those churches and Jesus is orally narrating a letter for John to write them this message. So these stars are “pastors”.

* Twelve Stars *

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: Revelation 12:1 KJV

In this passage a woman had on her head a crown of twelve stars. If we really focus in we can understand this woman is Mary the mother of Jesus. So what is the crown of twelve stars? We can deduct it is the twelve disciples of Jesus. People have also believed this woman represents the church which is also possible because through Jesus the church began. So these twelve stars represent “the twelve disciples” of Jesus. 

* Stars of Heaven *

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Revelation 12:4 KJV

This scripture follows a description of a dragon. The devil is known as the dragon and he enticed a 1/3 of the angels of heaven to follow him. He influenced these angels to turn against God and they were cast down to earth. These stars of heaven are the “angels” that rebelled against God.

* The Morning Star *

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

In this scripture we find the mention of the morning star as a reward for the one who overcomes in the church, and keeps the works until the end. We discover what this means in the last chapter of Revelation. I have heard teachings and people say the morning star is satan. Is this true? Let us see what the Bible says in this next scripture.

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. Revelation 22:16 KJV

Jesus is speaking in this scripture and he tells us what the morning star is. The morning star is none other than “our Lord Jesus.” He will give himself as a reward to those who overcome until the end. 

Can you see that throughout the scriptures “the stars” have different meanings? Paul taught Timothy to rightly divide the word of God in his studies and we are no different. 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

When we study the Bible we know you may have experienced times when one does not understand the meaning of the scriptures. Thank God we have been sent the Holy Spirit to help us all. He will guide us into all truth. We do not known everything but we share what we learn from the Word to help equip the saints. We pray these studies help you and others to know Jesus more intimately as well as understand the spiritual aspects of the images presented to John for us. God bless you!