Satan

Lore & Background

In the Old Testament, Satan is depicted as an accuser who appears among the sons of God before the LORD. In Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-7, Satan questions Job's motives for fearing God, receives permission from the LORD to test Job by taking his possessions and health, but is forbidden from taking Job's life. In Zechariah 3:1-2, Satan stands at the right hand of Joshua the high priest to resist him, and the LORD rebukes Satan. In 1 Chronicles 21:1, Satan provokes David to sin by numbering Israel. In the New Testament, Satan is shown as a tempter and adversary. Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) and rebukes Satan when Peter opposes God's plan (Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33). Jesus also speaks of Satan's fall from heaven (Luke 10:18) and warns that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, referencing Satan casting out Satan (Matthew 12:26, Mark 3:23-26). Satan is said to take away the word sown in hearts (Mark 4:15) and enters Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Satan as a being who operates with a degree of autonomy but ultimately under divine permission. In Job, Satan cannot act beyond the limits set by the LORD (Job 1:12, Job 2:6). He is an accuser who questions human integrity (Job 1:9, Job 2:4) and a tempter who provokes sin (1 Chronicles 21:1). In the New Testament, Satan is a direct adversary of Jesus, tempting him (Mark 1:13) and opposing God's redemptive plan (Matthew 16:23). Jesus exercises authority over Satan, rebuking him (Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8) and describing his fall (Luke 10:18). Satan is also depicted as having a kingdom that can be divided (Matthew 12:26, Mark 3:26) and as actively working to hinder the spread of God's word (Mark 4:15). The passages do not provide a single unified origin story or detailed hierarchy, but consistently show Satan as a figure of opposition who is subject to God's ultimate authority.

Did You Know?

• Satan is described as walking to and fro in the earth (Job 1:7, Job 2:2).
• The LORD rebukes Satan directly in Zechariah 3:2.
• Jesus says he saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18).
• Satan enters Judas Iscariot before his betrayal of Jesus (Luke 22:3).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"This is a selection of quotes, that regard or are attributed to Satan, whether in the Bible, the Apocrypha, Hebrew and Christian, or in works of modern fiction." — Satan "For his part, the God who gives peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. May the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus be with you." — Satan "I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." — Satan "And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow down to Adam” and they bowed down. Not so Iblis (Satan): he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject Faith." — Satan