Luke 10:18
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἐθεώρουν
I beheld
G2334
Ἐθεώρουν
I beheld
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
4 of 12
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
7 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 14:12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!Revelation 9:1And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.John 16:11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.John 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;1 John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.Revelation 20:2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature extensively discussed Satan's fall, particularly referencing Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. The name "Satan" (Hebrew: שָׂטָן, adversary/accuser) appears in Job 1-2 as the accuser before God's throne. By Jesus' time, Jewish theology had developed detailed angelology and demonology, understanding Satan as the chief fallen angel who leads demonic rebellion. Jesus' statement would have resonated with His disciples' understanding of cosmic spiritual warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' vision of Satan's fall as lightning reframe our understanding of spiritual warfare—fighting from victory rather than for victory?
- What does the certainty of Satan's defeat mean for believers currently experiencing spiritual attack or oppression?
- How should knowing that our ministry participation hastens Satan's fall affect our boldness in evangelism and spiritual battle?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. The verb etheōroun (ἐθεώρουν, "I beheld") is imperfect tense—Jesus was continually watching Satan's fall, suggesting ongoing vision rather than single past event. The comparison hōs astrapēn (ὡς ἀστραπὴν, "as lightning") emphasizes suddenness, brightness, and irreversible descent. Satan fell from exalted position to judgment with the speed and finality of a lightning strike.
This verse's timing is debated: Does Jesus refer to
The connection to verse 17 is crucial: when disciples exercise Jesus' authority over demons, they participate in Satan's ongoing defeat.
Each exorcism, each person freed from spiritual bondage, is another flash of lightning announcing the enemy's fall. The kingdom of God has invaded Satan's kingdom, and his expulsion from heaven to earth (Revelation 12:9-12) signals his time is short.