What Does the Bible Say About Demons — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ephesians 6:12, sits inside Ephesians 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Does the Bible Talk About Demons?
Miracles & Supernatural
What Does the Bible Say About Demons?
Miracles & Supernatural
What Are Demons in the Bible?
Miracles & Supernatural
What Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people —
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when
Bible Verses About Demons
10 curated KJV verses
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.