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The latin Vulgate uses lucifer to translate the Hebrew word for Venus. Isaiah compares the hubris and fall of a Babylonian king to the morning star, which appears to ascend to the heavens only to fall out of sight. Several myths from the Near East note the phenomenon and explain it as a god or hero who attempts to usurp the supreme deity only to fall into the underworld for a time. The analogy and name is later applied to Satan. Whatever your religious beliefs, the reference is to venus as one who shines brightly for a while, only to fall into darkness, not a particularly good choice of name.