Who Is Satan According to the Bible — In Biblical Context
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil — he is the tempter, accuser, and deceiver, but his ultimate defeat is certain.
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil — he is the tempter, accuser, and deceiver, but his ultimate defeat is certain.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Satan (meaning 'adversary') was originally a magnificent angel who fell through pride. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 are often interpreted as describing his fall: he was 'full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty' but said in his heart, 'I will be like the most High.' He appeared in Eden as the serpent, tempting Eve to disobey God (Genesis 3). He accused Job before God's throne (Job 1-2). He tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus called him 'a murderer from the beginning' and 'the father of lies' (John 8:44). Peter warns that he prowls 'as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8). Paul calls him 'the god of this world' who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). Yet Satan is not God's equal — he is a created being operating under divine permission. Jesus said, 'I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven' (Luke 10:18). Revelation 20:10 foretells his final doom in the lake of fire. He is powerful but already defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Peter 5:8, sits inside 1 Peter 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
Supporting Passages
"He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him."
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone."
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