Satan
שָׂטָן (satan)
The adversary — the chief enemy of God and His people.
Satan is a Hebrew word meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser.' It refers to the chief fallen angel who opposes God, tempts humanity, and accuses believers, but who is ultimately defeated by Christ.
"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)
Key Verses
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”Read in context
Job 1:6-7
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.”Read in context
Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G4567 — Satan (שָׂטָן (satan))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שָׂטָן (satan) appears.
Open Strong's G4567Etymology and Original Meaning
Satan comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'to oppose' or 'to accuse.' It functions as both a common noun (an adversary) and a proper name (the Adversary). In Job 1-2, Satan appears in God's heavenly court as an accuser. In Zechariah 3:1, he stands to accuse Joshua the high priest. The Greek equivalent is diabolos, meaning 'slanderer.'
Satan's Origin and Nature
Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, while addressing earthly kings, are traditionally understood as describing Satan's fall from an exalted angelic position due to pride. He is powerful but not omnipotent, intelligent but not omniscient, present but not omnipresent. He is a creature, not a rival deity — always operating under God's sovereign permission.
Satan in the New Testament
Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness and was decisively rebuked (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus described Satan's fall 'as lightning from heaven' (Luke 10:18). Paul calls him 'the god of this world' who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). Despite his influence, Satan's doom was sealed at the cross (Colossians 2:15) and will be finalized in Revelation 20:10.
Resisting Satan
Believers are called to resist the devil with firm faith (1 Peter 5:9; James 4:7). The armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18) equips believers for spiritual battle. Satan's primary weapons are deception and accusation, but Christ's blood cleanses from all sin, and the truth sets free (John 8:32). Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Satan mean?
Satan is a Hebrew word meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser.' It refers to the chief fallen angel who opposes God's purposes and accuses His people.
Is Satan equal to God?
No. Satan is a created being with limited power. He operates only within the boundaries God permits (as seen in Job 1-2) and his ultimate defeat is certain (Revelation 20:10).
What is the Hebrew word for "Satan" in the Bible?
שָׂטָן (satan), pronounced "sah-TAHN." It means the adversary — the chief enemy of god and his people. Its Strong's number is G4567. It is the word behind "Satan" in both Testaments, for example in 1 Peter 5:8.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Satan"?
1 Peter 5:8 — "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (KJV). It also appears in Job 1:6-7, Revelation 12:9.
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Strong's G4567 — Satan
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Enemy (אוֹיֵב (oyeb))
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