What Does the Bible Say About Demons?
What Does the Bible Say About Demons? Demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God, who seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy humanity but are subject to God's authority and Christ's power.
Key verse: Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God, who seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy humanity but are subject to God's authority and Christ's power.
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God, who seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy humanity but are subject to God's authority and Christ's power.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." — Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible teaches that demons are real spiritual beings — angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4, 7-9). They are organized under Satan's leadership in a hierarchy of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Demons are active in the world: they can afflict people physically and mentally (Mark 5:1-20), promote false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1), deceive nations (Revelation 16:14), and oppose God's work (Daniel 10:13). However, demons are not equal to God — they are created beings with limited power. Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over demons throughout His ministry, casting them out with a word. He gave this same authority to His disciples (Luke 10:17-19). James assures believers, 'Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7). Christians are protected by the Holy Spirit and the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). The demons' ultimate fate is the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). Believers should be aware of spiritual warfare without being fearful, knowing that 'greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world' (1 John 4:4).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Demons & Spiritual Warfare?
What the Bible teaches about demons, Satan, and the believer's authority in spiritual warfare.
Key Scripture References
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
What is the armor of God?
The armor of God is Paul's metaphor in Ephesians 6 for the spiritual resources believers need to stand against the devil: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
Does God Still Heal Today?
The Bible records numerous healings by God, Jesus, and the apostles, and many Christians believe God continues to heal today through prayer and faith.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Demons
10 curated KJV verses
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ephesians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ephesians on day 339 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Demons?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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