Satan is a prominent figure throughout the Bible, first appearing in Genesis and being referenced all the way through Revelation. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that mention Satan and what they teach us about him:
Genesis 3 – The Fall of Man
Genesis 3 records Satan’s temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden and how this led to the fall of mankind into sin. Satan is described as “the serpent” who was the craftiest of all creatures God had made (Genesis 3:1). The serpent tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by contradicting God’s command and suggesting that eating it would make her like God (Genesis 3:4-5). After Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam, God pronounced curses on the serpent, Eve, and Adam for their disobedience (Genesis 3:14-19). This passage establishes Satan’s deceitfulness, his desire to undermine God’s commands, and his role in bringing sin and death into the world.
Job 1-2 – Satan’s Affliction of Job
The book of Job provides interesting glimpses into Satan’s activities. At the beginning of the book, when God asks Satan where he has been, Satan replies “roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). This depicts Satan as restless and active in the world. In a challenge over Job’s faithfulness, God gives Satan permission to afflict Job, leading to Job losing his children, wealth, and health (Job 1:6-2:7). Satan is persistent in his attacks but can only afflict Job within the limits God sets.
Zechariah 3:1-2 – Satan Accusing Joshua
As the prophet Zechariah relates a vision, he sees Joshua the high priest “standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him” (Zechariah 3:1). This presents a glimpse of Satan accusing and slandering God’s people, trying to highlight their sins. However, God’s grace overcomes Satan’s accusations: “The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?'” (Zechariah 3:2).
1 Chronicles 21:1 – Inciting David to Sin
1 Chronicles 21:1 directly states that “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” 2 Samuel 24:1, a parallel passage, describes this same incident but attributes it to God’s anger against Israel. These passages give insight into how God may use Satan’s evil intent to accomplish His purposes, while still holding humans accountable for their sinful choices.
Matthew 4:1-11 – The Temptation of Jesus
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, “the tempter” (identified as the devil in v. 1) came to Jesus in the wilderness and tempted Him to 1) turn stones into bread, 2) jump off the temple pinnacle, trusting angels to rescue Him, and 3) worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:1-10). Jesus refused the temptations, rebuking Satan with Scripture. This reveals Satan trying to provoke sin, pride, and idolatry. It also shows Jesus’ use of Scripture to thwart temptation.
Luke 22:3-6 – Judas’ Betrayal of Jesus
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve” (Luke 22:3). Under Satan’s influence, Judas went to the chief priests to arrange to betray Jesus for money (Luke 22:3-6). This incident displays Satan’s desire to thwart God’s plan of redemption through Christ. It also shows Satan’s ability to influence people’s hearts and actions.
Acts 5:1-3 – Deception in the Early Church
When Ananias deceitfully kept back some money from the sale of property, Peter confronted him saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 5:3). This indicates Satan can put evil desires and deception into people’s hearts.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – Satan Disguises Himself as an Angel of Light
“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). This metaphorically depicts how Satan often conceals his true evil intents behind appealing exteriors. It serves as a warning not to be deceived by outward appearances or claims of enlightenment that contradict biblical truth.
Ephesians 6:10-18 – The Armor of God Against Satan’s Schemes
In describing spiritual warfare, Paul urges believers to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). The armor – truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer – enable believers to stand against “the devil’s schemes.” This portrays Satan as scheming against Christians but also depicts God’s armor as greater than those schemes.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Resisting the Devil
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Peter warns believers to be vigilant and resist the devil through faith, knowing that other believers suffer similar attacks. This metaphor of the devil as a lion communicates his intimidating power and destructive intentions.
Revelation 12:7-12 – Satan Thrown Down from Heaven
Revelation describes a war in heaven between Michael’s angels and the dragon (identified as Satan in v.9). Satan was defeated and “hurled to the earth” (Revelation 12:9). A voice in heaven then declared triumphantly, “For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down – he who accuses them day and night before our God” (v.10). Though this event is still future, it depicts Satan’s final defeat and his constant accusations against believers.
These key passages present a sobering depiction of Satan as a dangerous spiritual adversary and tempter. However, they also reveal his limitations – he can only operate within God’s sovereign purposes. He was defeated decisively by Christ on the cross. And God provides spiritual armor and resources for believers to resist him and stand firm in faith.