Satan / Devil

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1. Name / Role

Satan / Devil (Hebrew: Satan – “Adversary”; Greek: Diabolos – “Slanderer”)

2. Category

Supernatural Beings

3. Time Period / Biblical Context

Satan appears across the biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation. He is first introduced as the tempter in the Garden of Eden and reappears as the accuser in Job, the adversary in the Gospels, and the ultimate enemy of God in apocalyptic visions. He is a personal, malevolent spiritual being in constant rebellion against God and in active opposition to God’s people.

4. Origin / Background

Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:11–19 – commonly interpreted as referring to Satan symbolically). He led a host of other angels in defiance, resulting in their expulsion from heaven (Revelation 12:4–9). Originally created good, his pride and desire to rival God led to his downfall. He is known by several names: the Devil, the Evil One, the Tempter, the Prince of this World, the Accuser, and the Serpent.

5. Primary Role / Function

Satan functions as the enemy of God, accuser of the faithful, deceiver of nations, and tempter of humanity. His role includes promoting sin, opposing truth, corrupting creation, and leading people away from salvation. He actively works to hinder God’s plan, though his power is limited and subject to divine sovereignty.

6. Key Characteristics / Traits

  • Deceitful, proud, and malicious
  • Highly intelligent, strategic, and persistent
  • Disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
  • Seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)
  • Ultimately defeated and destined for eternal judgement

7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance

Satan symbolises cosmic rebellion, the embodiment of evil, and the spiritual enemy of God’s kingdom. He stands in contrast to Christ, as the father of lies versus the truth (John 8:44). Spiritually, he represents the danger of pride, the power of deception, and the reality of spiritual warfare. His defeat is central to the redemptive mission of Christ.

8. Notable Figures / Examples

  • The Serpent in Eden – Deceived Eve, introducing sin into humanity (Genesis 3)
  • Job’s Accuser – Tests Job’s faithfulness with God’s permission (Job 1–2)
  • Tempter of Jesus – Attempted to derail Jesus’ mission in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)
  • Entered Judas Iscariot – Instrumental in betraying Jesus (Luke 22:3)
  • Accuser of the brethren – Cast down in Revelation as Christ’s victory is declared (Revelation 12:10)

9. Related Bible References

  • Genesis 3:1–15 – The serpent tempts Adam and Eve
  • Job 1–2 – Satan challenges Job’s righteousness
  • Zechariah 3:1–2 – Satan accuses the high priest
  • Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness
  • Luke 10:18 – “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”
  • John 8:44 – “He was a murderer from the beginning… the father of lies”
  • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion”
  • Revelation 12:9–10; 20:10 – Satan cast down and condemned to the lake of fire

10. Summary / Reflection

Satan, also known as the Devil, is the chief enemy of God and His people. Though powerful and dangerous, he is a created being whose defeat has already been secured through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His influence continues in this present age through deception, temptation, and accusation, but believers are called to resist him by standing firm in faith and truth. His ultimate end is destruction, demonstrating that evil cannot overcome the sovereign purposes of God. In Christ, the Church lives not in fear of Satan, but in victory over him.

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