The idea that one-third of the angels fell with Lucifer is derived from various interpretations of biblical texts, but the Bible does not explicitly state that one-third of the angels were cast out with Lucifer. The primary reference that is often cited in relation to the fall of Lucifer and the angels is found in Revelation.
1. **Revelation 12:3-4, 7-9 (ESV)**:
– *“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. … Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.”*
– The “third of the stars” is often interpreted as a reference to angels, suggesting that a significant number fell with the dragon (commonly identified as Lucifer or Satan).
2. **Isaiah 14:12-15 (ESV)**:
– *“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! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; … I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.”*
– While this passage speaks specifically of the fall of Lucifer (often interpreted as the king of Babylon), it does not mention the number of angels that fell with him.
3. **Ezekiel 28:12-17 (ESV)**:
– *“You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; … Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground…”*
– This passage also refers to the fall of a figure associated with pride but does not address the angels directly.
While the notion of one-third of the angels falling with Lucifer is widely accepted in Christian tradition, it is not explicitly stated in specific verses except for the interpretation drawn from Revelation 12:4 regarding the stars. The exact number remains a theological interpretation rather than a direct biblical statement.