Demon
δαιμόνιον (daimonion)
An evil spirit opposed to God, subject to Christ's authority.
Daimonion is the Greek word for demon, referring to evil spiritual beings opposed to God and His purposes. The New Testament presents Jesus as having complete authority over all demonic forces.
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." — James 2:19 (KJV)
Key Verses
James 2:19
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”Read in context
Mark 1:34
“And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils.”Read in context
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1140 — Demon (δαιμόνιον (daimonion))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where δαιμόνιον (daimonion) appears.
Open Strong's G1140Etymology and Original Meaning
Daimonion derives from daimōn, which in classical Greek referred to a divine being or spirit — sometimes benign. In the New Testament, however, daimonion is consistently used for evil spirits opposed to God. The KJV often translates it as 'devil' or 'unclean spirit,' distinguishing these beings from Satan (diabolos), their chief.
Demons in Scripture
The Old Testament references evil spirits sparingly but significantly: a lying spirit deceives Ahab's prophets (1 Kings 22:22), and Deuteronomy warns against sacrificing to demons (Deuteronomy 32:17). The New Testament dramatically increases references, revealing a spiritual war in which demons afflict, oppress, and deceive, but are ultimately subject to God's sovereignty.
Jesus' Authority Over Demons
A hallmark of Jesus' ministry was casting out demons with a word (Mark 1:27). Unlike ancient exorcists who used elaborate rituals, Jesus simply commanded and demons obeyed. This authority demonstrated the arrival of God's kingdom (Matthew 12:28) and was delegated to His disciples (Luke 10:17).
Spiritual Warfare Today
Paul teaches that believers wrestle against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Victory comes through the armor of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Spirit's sword (Scripture), and prayer. Believers resist the devil and he flees (James 4:7), standing firm in Christ's completed victory at the cross (Colossians 2:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a demon in the Bible?
A demon (daimonion) is an evil spirit opposed to God. Demons seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy, but they are subject to Christ's supreme authority.
Can Christians be possessed by demons?
This is debated among theologians. Most agree that believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be owned by demons, though they may face spiritual oppression. Resistance through faith, prayer, and Scripture is the biblical response (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-18).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Demon"?
James 2:19 — "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (KJV). It also appears in Mark 1:34, Ephesians 6:12.
Why does the Greek word behind "Demon" matter?
Daimonion derives from daimōn, which in classical Greek referred to a divine being or spirit — sometimes benign. English uses one word, "Demon", where the Greek δαιμόνιον (daimonion) carries the fuller sense: an evil spirit opposed to god, subject to christ's authority.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Demon (δαιμόνιον (daimonion))
An evil spirit opposed to God, subject to Christ's authority.
Strong's G1140 — Demon
δαιμόνιον (daimonion) • An evil spirit opposed to God, subject to Christ's authority.
What Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people —
The Name of Jesus — Authority in Spiritual Warfare
The name of Jesus is not a magic word but the authority of the risen Christ, in
Biblical Meaning of Demons in a Dream (KJV)
Spiritual attack; call to prayer, repentance, and the armour of God.
Bible Verses About Spiritual Warfare
10 curated KJV verses
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Demon? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue