Lil Nas X referenced Luke 10:18 in the price of his ‘Satan Shoes’, so what is the meaning of it?
Old Town Road singer Lil Nas X has induced a new wave of ‘Satanic Panic’ with the video for Montero (Call Me By Your Name), in which he gives Satan a lap dance.
Now, his literal ‘Satan Shoes’ feature modified Nike Air Max 97s with pentagram designs, an inverted cross on the tongue and one drop of human blood in the bubble sole. The shoes are a collaboration with streetwear designer MSCHF.
Only 666 pairs of the shoes were made available to buy, and were matched with a price point of $1,018— a reference to Luke 10:18.
What is the meaning of Luke 10:18?
Luke 10:18 is a verse from the 10th chapter of Luke’s Gospel in the New Testament.
Although there exists various translations, the ‘Standard Christian’ one reads: “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’.”
Luke 10 narrates Jesus sending 72 disciples two-by-two to every place he was about to go to. When the disciples return overjoyed by the fact they had authority over even demons in Jesus’ name, he informs them that this should not come as a surprise to them, as even Satan had previously fallen from heaven with no authority over Jesus.
Jesus had previously witnessed Satan fall. Isaiah 14:12 references this, reading: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”
Nike filed a lawsuit over the shoes
The Hollywood Reporter obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed by Nike against MSCHF, for “trademark infringement and dilution and unfair competition, seeking compensatory, statutory and punitive damages.” The brand says the studio altered the trademarked product without their permission.
“The material alterations include at least referring to the shoe as the Satan Shoe, adding red ink and human blood to the midsole, adding red embroidered satanic-themed detailing, adding a bronze pentagram to the laces, and adding a new sock liner,” states the complaint.
“There is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace, including calls to boycott Nike in response to the launch of MSCHF’s Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief that Nike has authorized or approved this product.”