Satan, also known as the devil, is referred to by many names and titles throughout the Bible. Here is an overview of the various names and descriptions that reference Satan in Scripture:
The Serpent
Satan first appears in the Garden of Eden as the serpent who tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:1-5). The serpent is described as the most cunning animal, and some scholars believe this is why Satan chose to appear in the form of a serpent.
The Dragon
The book of Revelation uses the name “dragon” to refer to Satan. He is called the ancient serpent who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9, 20:2). The dragon wages war in heaven against Michael and the angels, and later makes war on God’s people on earth. His tail sweeps a third of the stars from heaven (Revelation 12:4).
The Devil
The name “devil” comes from the Greek word diabolos, meaning accuser, slanderer, or adversary. The devil is the enemy who opposes God and accuses God’s people (1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10). Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). Judas was possessed by the devil when he betrayed Jesus (John 13:2).
Satan
The name Satan comes from the Hebrew word satan, meaning adversary or accuser. He is the angelic being who rebelled against God and became the chief enemy of God and man alike (Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:9). Satan incites David to take a census of Israel against God’s will (1 Chronicles 21:1) and provokes Jesus by offering him the world’s authority and glory (Matthew 4:8-9).
Beelzebul
Jesus calls Satan “Beelzebul, the prince of demons” in Matthew 12:24. Beelzebul may come from the Canaanite god Baal-Zebul, meaning “lord of the high place.” It is a mocking name for Satan, meaning “lord of dung.” Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand, so Satan cannot drive out Satan.
Belial
Belial, or Beliar, is used as another name for Satan in the New Testament. Paul said, “What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). It emphasizes the utter depravity and wickedness of Satan as the enemy of God.
The God of This World
Satan is called “the god of this world” in 2 Corinthians 4:4. He has temporary dominion over this present world system that is opposed to God and under judgment. He blinds the minds of unbelievers from seeing the light of the gospel. This demonstrates Satan’s powerful influence in the world.
The Prince of the Power of the Air
Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Satan exercises a spirit of disobedience and rebellion against God. Some scholars see this as a reference to Satan’s command over demons who operate in the heavenly realm.
The Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8 warns believers that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This speaks of Satan’s ferociousness, ruthlessness, and intent to instill fear and destroy faith. But we can resist him as we stand firm in Christ.
The Enemy
Satan is called the enemy who sows weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:39). As our adversary, he looks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He plants doubts and deceptions in human hearts. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to rescue us from Satan’s grip.
The Tempter
Satan tried to tempt Jesus to do wrong when he was fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:3). 1 Thessalonians 3:5 refers to him as “the tempter.” He looks for ways to deceive, entice, and trip up believers. But God provides the way out from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
A Liar and Father of Lies
In John 8:44, Jesus said that Satan “was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Satan deceives people through lies and falsehoods that lead to sin and death.
The Accuser
Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night.” Satan makes accusations and slanders believers before God. But we overcome his accusations by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
Apollyon
The name Apollyon means “destroyer” and is used for Satan in Revelation 9:11. It says, “They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.” Satan seeks to destroy lives, hope, faith, truth, and all that is good.
The Deceiver of the Whole World
Revelation 12:9 says, “The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world – he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Satan deceives not just individuals but the entire world with his lies and falsehoods.
The Enemy Who Sows Weeds
In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains that “The enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels” (Matthew 13:39). Satan looks to sow weeds of deceit, temptation, and false teachings among believers in an attempt to corrupt the church.
The Father of the Lie
John 8:44 records Jesus strongly rebuking the Pharisees by saying “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Satan invented lying and deceit.
The Evil One
In Matthew 13 when Jesus explains the Parable of the Weeds, He says “the field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.” Satan is described as the evil one who stands opposed to God’s kingdom.
The Angel of Light
2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Although he portrays himself as righteous, helpful, and good, his intentions are to deceive people and lead them away from God’s truth. We must test every spirit to see if they are from God.
The Antichrist
While the Bible does specifically describe the Antichrist as a human ruler, many scholars believe Antichrist is indwelt and empowered by Satan. 1 John 4:3 says “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist.” The Antichrist spirit opposes and exalts itself against Christ.
The Accuser of the Brethren
Revelation 12:10 reveals that Satan “accuses them before our God day and night.” Satan continually makes accusations against believers, trying to slander and condemn them before God day and night. But Christ is our advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1).
The Adversary
The name Satan means adversary or opponent. He is the arch-nemesis of both God and humankind. Peter warns us to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He looks to destroy our faith and devotion to God.
A Murderer
Jesus said of Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Satan drives people to evil actions that result in spiritual death and eternal separation from God. He motives Cain to murder Abel. Through his deception and temptations, Satan is essentially a murderer of human souls.
The Ruler of this World
While God is the supreme ruler, John 12:31 and 16:11 refer to Satan as “the ruler of this world.” By tempting people to sin, he exercises some level of dominion and control over the fallen world system. But Jesus defeated Satan at the cross for all eternity.
The God of this Age
Similar to “ruler of this world,” 2 Corinthians 4:4 calls Satan “the god of this age.” Though he is a false god, the fallen world system is temporarily under Satan’s influence. Through deception and temptation, he blinds the minds of unbelievers to the gospel.
Leviathan
The sea monster Leviathan is symbolic of Satan in certain prophetic portions of Scripture. Isaiah 27:1 says, “In that day the LORD with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea.” Satan is also likened to a fearsome dragon.
In summary, the Bible uses various names and titles for Satan that describe his character and evil intentions. But Christ defeated Satan on the cross. When we put on the full armor of God, we can stand firm against all the devil’s schemes and resist him so he will flee from us (James 4:7). By walking in truth and righteousness, we can overcome the father of lies through the power of Christ.