There are two words translated “Satan” in the scriptures.
In the Old Testament, it has a broader application than the devil, meaning an opponent or adversary.
in the Old Testament, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #H7854 (Hebrews) is translated as “Satan” 19 times. That same Hebrew word occurs 27 additional times as “adversary” or “to withstand.”
In the New Testament, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #G4567 (Greek) applies to a certain being and occurs 36 times.
“Satan” just means to be an opponent. When we apply it to the Devil, who is the chief and arch opponent, it then becomes another name for him. But Satan is not his personal name; it is more of an earned title.
When Jesus said to the Apostle Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan,” he was not calling him by a proper name of “Satan;” rather, “opposer,” as Peter was opposing the will of God in that instant.
Satan is known by the personal name of Lucifer, and while there is some controversy over the matter, we understand Isaiah 14:12 to provide that name, as well as his destruction. He is also called the day star, the son of the morning. Lucifer had a very chief position before he fell. He was one of the morning stars – the other one being Jesus:
Revelation 22:16, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Revelation 2:28, “And I will give him the morning star.”
2 Peter 1:19, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
Lucifer wanted preeminence over Jesus. The Prophet Ezekiel also gives us some information on Lucifer (Satan):
- he was a covering cherub (he was in charge of protecting the Garden of Eden and clearly violated that trust)
- he was beautiful
- he became sinful
Ezekiel 28:15-18, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.”
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1305: How Do Satanic Demons Influence Our World?
Establishing the origin, power and methods of dark spiritual beings
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1211: Is the Devil in the Details of My Life?
Labeling the characteristics of Satan that easily influence our lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: Who is Satan?
Animated video: What does the Bible say about Satan?
Animated video: Why didn’t God stop Satan from tempting Eve?
