Satan In The Bible | Our Enemy | Enemy Of Man | All Biblical References By Name Of Satan | Lord, Protect Us From Satan | Faith In Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ

 Luke 10: 18 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Love Revealed By Jesus | Word Aloud

The Book of Job contains the first explicit mention of Satan by name in the Bible, a significant development in the Hebrew Scriptures. Unlike earlier references to adversarial evil figures, such as the serpent in Genesis, which are not explicitly identified as Satan, the Book of Job introduces Satan as a distinct character who challenges Job’s righteousness before God. This explicit mention marks a maturation of theological concepts within the Hebrew Scriptures, influenced by historical, cultural, and literary developments.

Historical And Cultural Context

The concept of Satan evolved over time within Jewish thought. Earlier texts focused more on human actions and immediate consequences rather than identifying a personified evil being. However, by the time the Book of Job was written, the notion of a distinct adversarial figure had become more defined. This development was partly influenced by the cultural and religious contexts of the time, including interactions with Persian Zoroastrianism, which featured a dualistic struggle between good and evil.

Literary Purpose And Theological Themes

In the Book of Job, Satan’s role as an accuser and challenger serves to personify the concept of testing and adversity. This dramatization makes the narrative more engaging and relatable, allowing readers to understand Job’s trials within a cosmic struggle between good and evil. By explicitly naming Satan, the author emphasizes the reality of spiritual opposition and underscores God’s sovereignty and the righteousness of faithful individuals like Job.

Satan Named In The Old Testament

• Job 1:6-12
  • ‘One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’ Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.’ ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.’

In this passage, Satan appears among the heavenly beings and challenges God’s assertion of Job’s righteousness. Satan suggests that Job is only faithful because he has been blessed with prosperity. God permits Satan to test Job’s faith by taking away his wealth and children. This interaction sets the stage for the Book of Job, exploring themes of suffering, faith, and divine justice. Scholars often view Satan here as an accuser or adversary rather than the embodiment of evil, testing the faith of humans under God’s permission.

• Job 2:1-7
  • ‘On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’ Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.’ ‘Skin for skin!’ Satan replied. ‘A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.’

Continuing from the previous chapter, Satan again challenges Job’s integrity, arguing that Job remains faithful because his own health was untouched. God allows Satan to afflict Job with painful sores but forbids him from taking Job’s life. This second test deepens the exploration of Job’s unwavering faith amidst severe personal suffering, highlighting the theme that true righteousness is not dependent on material or physical well-being.

• 1 Chronicles 21:1
  • ‘Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.’

Satan incites King David to conduct a census of Israel, which was against God’s will. As a result, God punishes Israel with a plague. This incident illustrates Satan’s role as a tempter who leads people away from God’s commands. The narrative also underscores themes of repentance and divine judgment, as David acknowledges his sin and seeks forgiveness, demonstrating the importance of obedience and humility before God.

• Zechariah 3:1-2
  • ‘Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?’’

Satan stands to accuse Joshua, the high priest, before the angel of the Lord. The Lord rebukes Satan, highlighting that Joshua is a ‘brand plucked from the fire,’ symbolizing God’s redemption and purification of His chosen people. This passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty in forgiving and restoring His people despite Satan’s accusations, reflecting themes of divine grace and mercy.

Satan Named In The New Testament

• Matthew 4:1-11
  • ‘Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’
• Mark 1:12-13
  • ‘At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.’
• Luke 4:1-13
  • ‘Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’’ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’’ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’ Jesus answered, ‘It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.’

These passages describe Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Satan tempts Jesus with physical sustenance, miraculous power, and earthly authority. Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating his obedience to God. This event marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, establishing his moral authority and highlighting his role as the sinless Messiah who overcomes Satan’s temptations.

• Matthew 12:26
  • ‘If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?’
• Mark 3:23-26
  • ‘So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: ‘How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.’’
• Luke 11:18
  • ‘If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.’

Jesus refutes the Pharisees’ accusation that he casts out demons by the power of Satan (Beelzebul). He explains that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. This argument highlights the irrationality of the Pharisees’ claim and reinforces Jesus’ authority over evil forces, affirming that his power comes from God and not from Satan.

• Matthew 16:23
  • ‘Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’’
• Mark 8:33
  • ‘But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’’

Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ after Peter tries to dissuade him from his path of suffering and death. This statement underscores the importance of divine mission over human concerns and illustrates how even well-meaning followers can become instruments of temptation if they prioritize human reasoning over God’s plan.

• Luke 10:18
  • ‘He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’’

Jesus declares, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,’ which can be interpreted as a metaphorical vision of Satan’s defeat. This statement comes after the disciples return from successfully casting out demons, reinforcing the idea that Jesus’ ministry signals the overthrow of Satan’s power and the inauguration of God’s kingdom on earth.

• Luke 22:3
  • ‘Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.’

Satan enters Judas Iscariot, leading him to betray Jesus. This moment signifies the depth of Judas’ betrayal and the spiritual warfare underlying Jesus’ path to the crucifixion. It highlights the contrast between divine purpose and human frailty, showing how Satan exploits weaknesses to oppose God’s plan.

• Luke 22:31
  • ‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.’

Jesus warns Peter that Satan has asked to sift the disciples like wheat, implying a testing of their faith. This warning underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and prayer. It also foreshadows Peter’s denial and subsequent restoration, emphasizing God’s foreknowledge and grace.

• John 13:27
  • ‘As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’’

During the Last Supper, Satan enters Judas after he takes the bread, leading him to betray Jesus. This event marks the climax of Judas’ betrayal, highlighting the interplay between human free will and satanic influence. It underscores the gravity of Judas’ actions and sets the stage for the unfolding of the Passion narrative.

• Acts 5:3
  • ‘Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’’

Peter confronts Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit, accusing him of being influenced by Satan. This incident in the early church illustrates the seriousness of deceit within the Christian community and the belief that Satan actively seeks to corrupt believers. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and the Holy Spirit’s presence in guiding and protecting the church.

• Acts 26:18
  • ‘To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Paul recounts his mission to turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, highlighting the transformative nature of the Gospel. This passage underscores the spiritual liberation and new life offered through faith in Jesus, contrasting the bondage of sin and Satan’s influence with the freedom and redemption found in Christ.

• Romans 16:20
  • ‘The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.’

Paul assures the Roman believers that God will soon crush Satan under their feet, a promise echoing Genesis 3:15. This assurance emphasizes God’s ultimate victory over Satan and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and spiritual battles.

• 1 Corinthians 5:5
  • ‘Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.’

Paul instructs the church to deliver a sinful man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so his spirit may be saved. This disciplinary action underscores the seriousness of sin within the church and the belief that severe measures may be necessary to bring about repentance and restoration.

• 2 Corinthians 2:11
  • ‘In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.’

Paul advises the Corinthians to forgive and comfort a repentant sinner to prevent Satan from taking advantage of the situation. This passage highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church, recognizing that harboring unforgiveness can give Satan a foothold.

• 2 Corinthians 11:14
  • ‘And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.’

Paul warns that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, cautioning believers to be discerning of false teachings and appearances. This warning underscores the deceptive nature of Satan and the need for vigilance in maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual integrity.

• 2 Corinthians 12:7
  • ‘Or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.’

Paul refers to his ‘thorn in the flesh’ as a messenger of Satan sent to torment him, yet allowed by God to keep him humble. This passage highlights the complex interplay between suffering, divine sovereignty, and spiritual warfare, illustrating how God can use even adversity for a greater purpose.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:18
  • ‘For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.’

Paul expresses frustration that Satan hindered his attempts to visit the Thessalonians. This remark reflects the belief in Satan’s active opposition to the spread of the Gospel and the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:9
  • ‘The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie.’

Paul describes the coming of the lawless one as being in accordance with the work of Satan, marked by counterfeit miracles and deception. This eschatological warning emphasizes the future intensification of Satan’s activities and the need for believers to remain steadfast and discerning.

• 1 Timothy 1:20
  • ‘Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.’

Paul mentions handing Hymenaeus and Alexander over to Satan to teach them not to blaspheme. This disciplinary action reflects the gravity of false teaching and the belief that severe measures may be necessary for correction and the preservation of church purity.

• 1 Timothy 5:15
  • ‘Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.’

Paul notes that some have already turned aside to follow Satan, warning against the dangers of straying from the faith. This remark underscores the reality of apostasy and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God’s truth.

• Revelation 2:9
  • ‘I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.’
• Revelation 2:13
  • ‘I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.’
• Revelation 2:24
  • ‘Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you.’’

Jesus addresses the churches in Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira, referring to the synagogue of Satan, Satan’s throne, and deep secrets of Satan. These references highlight the intense spiritual opposition faced by the early churches and the pervasive influence of satanic deception and persecution.

• Revelation 3:9
  • ‘I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.’

Jesus again mentions the synagogue of Satan, promising that those who claim to be Jews but are not will bow down before the faithful believers. This promise emphasizes the vindication of true believers and the ultimate defeat of Satan’s forces.

• Revelation 12:9
  • ‘The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.’
• Revelation 12:12
  • ‘Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.’
• Revelation 20:2
  • ‘He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.’

Satan is depicted as the great dragon, the ancient serpent who deceives the whole world, cast out of heaven and bound for a thousand years. These apocalyptic visions emphasize Satan’s ultimate defeat and the establishment of God’s reign, highlighting the cosmic scale of the spiritual battle and the certainty of divine victory.

• Revelation 20:7
  • ‘When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison.’

Satan is released from his prison after a thousand years, leading to a final rebellion before his ultimate destruction. This event underscores the culmination of Satan’s opposition and the final establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.