According to Christian theology all Pagan deities are demons.

So, when we speak on the names of the demons, we have to consider that there were incorporated to Christian demonology Jewish demons, Pagan deities, folkloric supernatural beings, and sometimes imaginary names given by people interrogated under torture during the witch trials, by mentally ill persons (energumens) that were considered demon possessed, imaginative priests, etc. In this way we have Jewish names like Asmodai (Book of Tobit), Azazel (Leviticus 16:8-10), Belial (Deuteronomy 13:13, Book of Judges 19:22, Books of Samuel, part 1, 1:16, 2:12 10:27 and 25:17, and part 2 16:7 and 22:5, Books of Kings part 1, 21:10-13, Books of Chronicles, part 1, 13:7); Semitic deities like Adramelech, Baal (see Baal (demon) (Baal may also be used as a synonym for Satan himself)), Ashtaroth (derived from Astarte); Greek, Roman and Egyptian names like Bifrons (See Bifrons (demon)), Lamia, Phoenix (see Phenex); and so on. All biblical references were taken from the Vulgate. Lilith, a female demon important in Judaism, does not count in Christian demonology. However, the newer generation of demonologists (and some modern exorcists/deliverance counsellors) recognize Lilith as a general demon, the argument being that if other Judaic demons exist in Christian demonology, so should Lilith as well, introducing her as the wife of Samael, and as a princess and queen of Hell. Also, from the aforementioned 'everything other than God and His angels, if spirit, is demon' vane of reasoning - we find valid logical reasoning for there being a 'Lilith demon' - if simply to create confusion & add validity to the following of Lilith as deity. Some grimoires like The Great Book of Saint Cyprian, Le Dragon Rouge, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Lesser Key of Solomon (see Ars Goetia) among others provide us of more of these names. Sebastian Michaelis in his classification of demons (see Michaelis' classification of demons) gives more names. Abaddon, an angel of destruction extracted from the Bible (Book of Revelation 9:11) was also incorporated as a different demon. Lucifer, Beelzebub and Satan, were originally one Devil who were transmogrified into three different characters by demonology and the Devil remained as such. Beelzebub was a separate entity in Judaism, later appearing as a fallen angel, and Satan is the leader of fallen angels: while Lucifer was originally an unnamed angel, the one who talked Satan into joining him in the rebellion. Goblins, Drudes, Familiars and other folkloric creatures became part of Christian demonology. In this way, there is no agreement on who is who for many names that originally were only one have been separated in several entities, and others have been "created" by people, like Sonnilon, Olivier (demon), Raum, etc. Besides, many demons have several spellings of their names, not all of them with a valid fundament. Some of these demons are mentioned in the bible, but have no official names, such as the Raging Demon, or some of the demons that were cast out by Christians during the time of the New Testament, or by Jesus Christ. Also, many deliverance counsellors and exorcists in modern times, such as Dr. Ed Murphy in his book "The Handbook For Spiritual Warfare", cite examples of demons named after the afflictions they cause, or the effect that they have. In his book, Dr. Murphy retells his encounters with multiple demons manifest in a lady named Betty, naming themselves through use of her vocal chords, with names such as "Hellbent" (it's purpose was to ensure the Betty's place in Hell (although it was defeated)); "Unbelief" (purposed to inspire exactly what it's named for) and "Destroyer" (meant to destroy the victim's spirit).

However it is, it seems that all societies have the need to give names to those real or imaginary entities that represent "supernatural" phenomena, and demons have not escaped.

Just who is the devil? The Bible calls him the god of this world. But where did he come from? Did God create him as he is? Is he a fallen spirit? Here are the answers from Gods Word!
BY DAVID C. PACK

The devil has been a subject of intense interest for thousands of years. He has been pictured as a ghost, a bogeyman, and a spook. Or as a devilishly handsome man in a red suit, with horns and a pitchfork. He has even been portrayed as the nebulous epitome of all evil. Or the cause of everything bad that people do. Most are probably familiar with the expression the devil made me do it. While these ideas are common, they are all Even when merged together, they terribly misrepresent this great fallen spirit! Many professing Christians speak long, loud messages about that bad old devil. The more emotional groups conduct tent meetings, campaigns, rallies and crusades where people are told, Were gonna lay that devil down tonight. Large numbers leave these meetings completely convinced that they have done this. They are wrong! They have achieved nothing more than a temporary feeling of selfsatisfaction. Unfortunately, the devil also leaves these meetings feeling even more satisfied with what he has just witnessedand caused! Few know the about who and what the devil is. This booklet will strip away the
WRONG!

TRUTH

mystery, confusion, ignorance, myth, superstition and misconceptions shrouding the truth about his identity and origin. Growing Fascination with the Devil One can scarcely turn around without hearing and seeing references to the devil or demons. Pause for a moment and think about how often this happens. Turn on the television. Go to the movies. Visit a bookstore. How often is the subject of the devil, demons, angels or the spirit world in general spoken or written about? Whole television series are dedicated to these subjects, with more appearing all the time. Movies

have focused on the devil for many years. But now they come more oftenand are more odd, bizarre, strange, macabre and frightening than ever before! Consider the Harry Potter phenomenon. Some authors write almost exclusively about the spirit world, often mixing a false understanding of prophecy into the plot lineand legions of fans purchase their every book. Satanism and witchcraft are practiced more openly now than ever before! Millions spend vast sums on psychic hotlines, palm readers, astrologers, crystal ball gazers, witches, wizards, channelers and a host of other mediums, to find out what the future has in store for them. The devil sellsand people are buying as never before! Unnecessary Confusion The apostle Paul wrote, For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (I Cor. 14:33). While widespread identity, you need not be confused! The Bible is the foundation of all knowledge. You will often hear us say, Blow the dust off your Bible! Examine it carefully and see the real truth that has always been on its pages. Dont believe something just because we say it, but rather believe it if you see it proven in your Bible. The Bible contains the answers to all of lifes biggest questions! The of its
CONFUSION

surrounds the devils

PLAIN TRUTH

instruction is not taught in this worlds churches. From as early as Sunday school, most are taught to believe what everyone assumes is in Gods Word. What it has to say about the origin of Satan the devil will surprise you. We must let the Bible reveal him for what he is. Paul also wrote, PROVE all things; hold fast that which is good (I Thes. 5:21), and PROVE what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2). We will examine the verses that explain Satans origin and who he is. To do this, we must abandon mans ideas and only accept what can be proven from the Bible! Where Did Satan Come From?

The devil is alive and real. The Bible calls him the god of this world (II Cor. 4:4). Revelation 12:9 states that he deceives the whole world. This certainly includes the truth about his identity. But has he always been the devil? Has he always been the evil, murderous, lying, destructive prince of darkness? Was he created this way? He was not! These questions require explanation. What you will study will help you see the whole picture. The Bible describes Satan in many scriptures. This booklet primarily examines the verses explaining the devils origin. (Our longer booklet, A WORLD IN CAPTIVITY, discusses the many scriptures describing his role, strategy and devices. Read this companion booklet to understand the overall nature of how the devil works.) God originally created three archangels: Lucifer (who became Satan), Michael and Gabriel. Each ruled one-third of hundreds of millions of angels (Rev. 5:11). Lucifer ruled the preAdamic world with his third. He, along with his angels, rebelled against the government of God, and today he leads these now fallen angels, or demons, as the god of this world. Genesis 1 Genesis 1:1 states, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. This scripture sets the stage for our study. The book of Job best describes the time when God created the earth, billions of years ago. God asked Job a series of questions: Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who has laid the measures thereof, if you know? Or who has stretched the line upon it?When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (38:4-5, 7). These stars were angels (Rev. 12:4), also described as sons of God. (Of course, literal stars do not sing.) Notice that it says all of them shouted and sang together. There were not yet demons at the time of creation in Genesis 1:1. This scripture shows that the earth was created in a wonderful and beautiful condition. There was great joy and singing. Now read Genesis 1:2. This verse is mistranslated and does not reflect the meaning of the original Hebrew. The King James Version of the Bible says, And the earth was without form, and void. Three

key Hebrew words are all mistranslated here, thus obscuring, and actually hiding, the verses true meaning. The word translated was is hayah. In Genesis 2:7, this word is correctly translated became, and in Genesis 9:15, become. The words for without form, and void are tohu and bohu. Correctly translated, they mean chaotic, in confusion, waste and empty. In short, a perfectly created earth (vs. 1), became chaotic and confused (vs. 2). Tohu and bohu are translated identically in Jeremiah 4:23. Isaiah 34:11, among other places, translates this phrase as confusion and emptiness. Notice Isaiah 45:18, which clarifies how God did not create the earth: For thus says the LORD that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He has established it, He created it not in vain [tohu meaning chaotic or waste], He formed it to be inhabited. It is clear that the earth became chaotic after God had created itbetween the events described in Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. The latter verse describes the RE-creation of the earth 6,000 years ago, and verse 1 describes the original creation of the entire universe that, according to scientists, occurred as many as 17 billion years ago. Psalm 104:30 says that God renews the face of the earth. The seven days of the creation week are when God renewed a damaged, injured earth, then completely covered with water (Gen. 1:2). We will see that this was caused by the devil. Acts 3:19-21 reveals that only the Return of Christ will bring the restitution [the restoring] of all things. So we know what happened. But how did it happen? How did the earth go from being beautiful and perfect at creation to chaotic, confused, waste and empty? Since God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), we know that He did not destroy the earth. Then who or what caused this? Isaiah 14 The Bible reveals many important facts about a subject if one reads all of the scriptures that pertain to it. With this in mind, lets read about Lucifer after he had become Satan. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells a remarkable story containing many clues about where Lucifer was once located, what he did and what happened to him. Read carefully, noticing the emphasized key phrases: How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High. Yet you shall be brought down to hell [the graveverses 9 and 11], to the sides of the pit. The one called Lucifer could not possibly be a man. The things he did are impossible for any human being to do. Only the devil weakens the nations and could have said he would ascend into heaven. Certainly no man could be cut down to the ground in the way described here. Finally, no man has a throne that could be put above the stars of heaven. GOD lives in the north part of the heavens or the sides of the north. Job sheds light on Lucifers attempt to overthrow God there: He [God] stretched out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth upon nothing (26:7). The empty place in the north coincides with what astronomers have noticed is a significant and strange lack of stars in that direction. No doubt, Satan attacked God in that direction when he sought to ascend from his own throne to take over Gods throne in the sides of the north. This is what the Bible reveals! Ezekiel 28 Ezekiel 28:12-17 parallels and reinforces Isaiah 14, and is equally important for study. This account describes one who some scholars claim was a human king of Tyrus. Careful reading shows this is impossibleand ridiculous. This verse speaks of one who seals up the sum, full of wisdom, perfect in beauty, who had also been in Eden the garden of God. No human has ever been perfect, and it was the devilthe serpentwho beguiled Eve in the Garden. Verse 13 states, you were created, and Satan is a created being. Verse 14 calls him the cherub that covers. (Exodus 25:17-20 describes the remaining two faithful cherubs that cover[ed] Gods throne in the Old Testament tabernacle. Their wings cover the mercy seat.) No earthly king fits this description. The latter part of Ezekiel 28:14 says that this king was in the mountain of God and walkedin the midst of the stones of fire. This describes the area around Gods throne. Verse 15 declares, iniquity [lawlessness] was found in you and verse 16 refers to it as sin.

Verse 16 also describes this cherub as having been castout of heaven. God also said He would destroy (Hebrew: expel) Lucifer from heaven. Verse 17 reveals that his heart was lifted up because of [his] beauty and that his wisdom was corruptedby reason of [his] brightness. The verse ends with God casting him down to the ground, where the kings of the earth would him. Lucifer was a brilliant beingan angel of light, as are his ministers (II Cor. 11:13-15). The word Lucifer means the light bringer. This once perfect being originally brought brilliant light to all that were around him. But he rebelled and sinnedthus becoming the prince of darkness. His rebellion turned him into a twisted, perverted being. While of great intelligence, he has literally become an insane fallen angel, no longer knowing right from wrong! The Beast and False Prophet Some additional understanding concerning certain vital, unfulfilled prophecies is necessary before continuing with what happened to Satan when he was cast to earth. Two individuals, known as the beast and the false prophet, will lead the final, powerful religious-governmental system depicted in Revelation 17 and 18, which Christ smashes and replaces at His Return. Revelation 16:13-14 describes demons as having the power to work miracles through this system. The beast, as the embodiment of this system, will be a great, world-dominating figure. Also, the false prophet will lead the world to worship the beast as God (Rev. 16:2; 19:20)! This deception will be so widespread (18:3)so completethat they will actually deceive all mankind into fighting Christ at His Second Coming (16:9, 13-16; 17:13-14)! Now notice II Thessalonians 2:3-4 and 8. Verse 3 refers to one called the man of sin and the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The false prophet also professes that he is God. Compare this with Ezekiel 28:2 and the reference to the prince of Tyrusa man. Ezekiel wrote that this prince says, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God. II Thessalonians 2:8 describes this man of sin as the wicked [one] who would be revealed for what he is when Christ returns and destroys him with the beast in a lake of fire (Rev. 19:20). Isaiah

14:4 refers to the false prophet as the king of Babylon. This is the same man as the prince of Tyrus. Continuing in II Thessalonians 2, verse 9 makes a startling statement about the false prophet. It says that his coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. Verse 10 shows that he is able to deceive everyone who does not love the truth. Verse 11 reveals that God shall send strong delusion to all who willingly believe his lies. The leaders of this great false system will be directly possessed by the devil! This will give the false prophet tremendous power to deceive and perform miracles. Satan, having always wanted to replace God with himself, will speak through this human religious leader and declare to the whole world that he is, in fact, GOD! This Bible warning is unmistakable. The miracles he performs will deceive the vast majority of people! Will you be deceived when these events soon come to passas they surely will? (Read our booklet Who or What is the BEAST of Revelation? to learn more about this final world leader.) Cast to Earth with All His Angels Revelation 12 tells of Satan and his demons being cast to this earth (vs. 13). Actually, this chapter is an inset in the middle of the book of Revelation, and it is a brief synopsis of the entirety of New Testament Church history. Verse 3 describes Satan as a dragon who drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth (vs. 4). Recall that these stars were the one-third of all angels under Lucifer before he rebelled. II Peter 2:4 offers another clue about this casting down of Satan and the angels that he drew with him. Notice: God spared not the angels that sinned [Satan was not the only angel who sinned], but cast them down to hell. (The Greek word here is tartaros and it means either prison or place of restraintthis is the earth itself.) These demons with Satan have been reserved unto judgment, having been deliveredinto chains of darkness. This reveals that many other fallen spirits are delivered to this dark prison by God to join the prince of darkness.

Revelation 12:7-9 describes, in more detail, when Satan and his demons are cast to the earth for the last time with no further access to heaven. Verses 12-14 show that the devils response is great wrath. This terrible time lies just ahead for the whole world! Satans Fate But what happens to the devil after Christs Return? Will he be left free to roam the earth, continuing to deceive (Rev. 12:9) and weaken (Isa. 14:12) the nations? Will he be allowed to remain the god of this world (II Cor. 4:4) forever? What is his final fate? Revelation 20 describes Christ setting up a 1,000-year millennial rule (vs. 4) and bringing the last chapter in Satans story. Verse 2 states that a mighty angel (vs. 1) actually binds him a thousand years by casting him into the bottomless pit, where he is shut up. This angel then set[s] a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. Paul mentioned the time of Satan being bound when he said, the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Rom. 16:20). This is Gods promise to all true Christians and all mankind, because Satan has persecuted the former and deceived the latter for thousands of years! The apostle Jude stated that Satan and his demons will be cast out of the universe into a place where the Bible explains there is no light. Verse 13 describes these wretched beings as wandering stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. The prince of darkness and his angels will get what they deservewhat they brought on themselves. The one who was once known as the light bringer chose darkness. God will give him complete darkness for the rest of time! Your Great Potential Hebrews 2:5 describes the earth under the subjection of [true] angels now, but makes clear that these angels will not continue to rule the world to come. Additional verses in this chapter explain what will happen after the fallen angels governing this world are replaced: What is man, that you are mindful of him?You made him a little lower than [margin: inferior to] the angels; You crown him with glory and honorYou have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He

left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him (vs. 6-8). Speaking of Christ, verses 9-10 continue, But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Himin bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Did you catchgraspwhat was said? These verses contain the promise of a staggering potential available to you and me. Christians are called to inherit all things and be crowned with glory and honor, offered to them by the calling of God and sacrifice of Christthe captain of their salvation. There is no mistaking what all things means. Nothing (vs. 8) will be excluded from this inheritance. (Read our free booklets What is Your Reward in the NEXT LIFE?, What is the KINGDOM OF GOD? and Just what is SALVATION?, among others, to learn more about the marvelous potential that awaits all of Gods true saints.) In Matthew 4:9, Satan offered Christ rulership over all things if He would fall down and worship him. Christians are promised rulership over the same all thingsbut only on the condition that they worship the true God! The Devil Revealed Herbert W. Armstrong concluded his booklet Did God Create A Devil? with: God placed the great cherub, Lucifer, to carry out His government on the earth, but Lucifer refused to carry out Gods will, Gods commands, Gods government. He wanted to substitute his own. So he disqualified himself. Adam had the chance to supplant him. In the contest to see if Adam would conquer, if he would obey God, he failed. He obeyed the devil instead, and man became the property of the devil, and the whole human race has been sold down the river to the devil ever since. Jesus Christ came 4,000 years later and He entered the great contestthe contest of the temptation on the Mount. He obeyed God.
REFUSED

to obey the devil. He quoted scripture correctly. He

Finally, He turned to the devil, and He gave Satan a command. He said, Get away from me, and the devil obeyed! From that time on, the successor of Satan has been qualified to take over the rule of the earth. But Jesus went to heaven for 1900 years. He is soon coming again, and when He does, the devil will be
DISPLACED.

Christ will rule the earth, Gods Laws will be restored. Order

and peace will come at last! So God did create a devil. He created a cherub, Luciferperfect in his ways, but with

NOT

the power of free choiceand Lucifer transformed himself into a devil by rebellion against the Government of God!

Satan Never Was Lucifer Satan was never good. Get the facts The Lucifer lie - See for yourself bible-truths.com

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This page is about the concept of Satan. See Devil for the concept of devil, influenced by Christianity, in general.

Gustave Dor's depiction of Satan from John Milton's Paradise Lost

Satan (born October 31, 0 in Hell, Michigan), from the Hebrew word for "accuser" (Standard Hebrew: ,Satan Tiberian Hebrew n; Koine Greek: , Satans; Aramaic: , San; Arabic: ,ayn, Ge'ez: Syn), is a term with its origins in the Abrahamic faiths which is traditionally applied to an angel. Ha-Shatan is the accuser, a member of the divine council, who challenged the religious faith of humans, especially in the books of Job and Zechariah. Religious belief systems other than Judaism relate this term to a demon, a rebellious fallen angel, devil, minor god and idolatry, or as an allegory for evil.

Etymology and other names

The nominative satan (meaning "adversary" or "accuser"), and the Arabic (shaitan), derive from a Northwest Semitic root n, meaning "to be hostile", "to accuse".[1] The Greek appears once in the Septuagint and once in the New Testament. The Old Testament using the common Hebrew noun for satan means an adversary or one who plots against another. It usually refers to a human adversary; however, in later works such as the Book of Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7), and the Books of Chronicles it appears to be used to denote a hostile angelic being who tempts mankind to perform evil and slanders.[2] In the New Testament, Satan is a name that is thought to refer to a supernatural entity who appears in several passages and possesses demonic god-like qualities. It is found in passages alongside Diabolos or devil more than thirty times to refer to the same person or thing as Satan.[2] The most common English synonym for Satan, "the Devil", entered Modern English from Middle English devel, from Old English dofol, of ultimately Proto-Germanic origin. The English word "diabolical" comes from the Latin diabolus, from Late Greek diabolos, from Greek, "slanderer", from diaballein, "to slander" : dia-, dia- + ballein, "to hurl".[3] In Greek, the term diabolos (, "slanderer"), carries more negative connotations than the Hebrew ha-satan (" ,accuser", "obstructer", "adversary") which possesses no demonic qualities in the Torah writings and is believed to be by many a great and glorious Angel who was created on the sixth day of creation. In Rabbinic writings, the name for "Satan" means "the ugly one". Ha-satan is called Baal Davar[4] by Chasidic Jews of the eighteenth century so this could also be taken as a name for Satan. Lucifer is sometimes used in Christian theology to refer to Satan, from a reference to Isaiah 14:12-14. Though other christians suggest that in context it referred to no other then The king of Babylon himself. Having figuratively fallen from heaven and ate grass like an ox. This would ofcourse both fit the context of the chapter and also the whole bible they say. In Jewish theology, this figure (Helel in Hebrew) has nothing to do with Satan. It is generally agreed among Rabbinical sources that Isaiah was in fact referring to King Nebuchednezzar. Beelzebub (meaning "Lord of Flies") is actually the name of a Philistine god, but is also used in the New Testament as a synonym for Satan. A corrupted version, "Belzeboub," is used in the The Divine Comedy. "The dragon" and "the old serpent" in the Book of Revelation 12:9, 20:2 have also been identified with Satan, as have "the prince of this world" in the Book of John 12:31, 14:30; "the prince of the power of the air" also called Meririm, and "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" in the Book of Ephesians 2:2; and "the god of this world" in 2 Corinthians 4:4.[2] Satan and the Angel of death and destruction, "Abaddon," are sometimes claimed to be identical. This is observed in John Bunyan's, Pilgrim's Progress. He is also equated with "Ahriman," the Persian "Prince of Evil". The angel "Leviathan" is described as "that crooked serpent," which is also used to describe Satan in Revelation 12:9. "Sar ha Olam," a possible name for Metatron, is described by Michael, Jehoel, and, St. Paul, as Satan.

In the Hebrew Bible

Satan is to be better understood as an "accuser" or "adversary". The term is applied both to supernatural entities and human beings. The term Satan in Hebrew is derived from the root meaning "to oppose", "to be an adversary" or "to act as an adversary". In the Book of Numbers he is not malevolent and God witnesses him preventing harm: "But God was incensed at his going; so an angel of the LORD placed himself in his way as an adversary (Hebrew: satan)", Numbers 22:22[5]

Different uses of the word "Satan" in the Tanakh

The Hebrew "Satan" is used in the Hebrew Bible with the general connotation "adversary", or those who act as a adversaries, as with: An enemy in war and peace[6] An accuser before the judgment-seat[7] An antagonist who puts obstacles in the way, as in Numbers 22:22, where the angel of God is described as opposing Balaam as an adversary.

In the Book of Job, ha-satan("the adversary") is a prosecuting attorney against mankind in the heavenly court of God. Other angels are not mentioned by name. He is known as the accuser and is the angel which questions mankind's loyalty to God. He argues that man is only loyal because God gives them prosperity. He is the one who actually delivers all the ills upon Job to test his faith on Gods command. In 1 Chronicles 21:1, Satan incites David to commit the sin of taking a census of Israel. Five hundred years earlier, this same story portrayed Yahweh as the one who incited David to take the census (2 Samuel 24:1). The later story was written after the Hebrews had been in exile in Babylon and had been exposed to Zoroastrianism. The Strong's Concordance number for the Hebrew word "Satan" is 07853 and 07854.[8] "7853 satan saw-tan' a primitive root; to attack, (figuratively) accuse:--(be an) adversary, resist." "7854 satan saw-tawn' from 7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the arch-enemy of good:--adversary, Satan, withstand." This can be used to research the Biblical usage of this word.

Satan as an accuser
Where Satan does appear in the Bible as a member of God's court, he plays the role of the Accuser, much like a prosecuting attorney for God. The following information has been taken directly from the article on 'Satan' in the Jewish Encyclopaedia: "Such a view is found, however, in the prologue to the Book of Job, where Satan appears, together with other celestial beings or "sons of God," before the Deity, replying to the inquiry of God as to whence he had come, with the words: "From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."[9] Both question and answer, as well as the dialogue which follows, characterize Satan as that member of the divine council who watches over human activity, but with the evil purpose of searching out men's sins and appearing as their accuser. He is, therefore, the celestial prosecutor, lawyer who sees only iniquity; for he persists in his evil opinion of Job even after the man of Uz has passed successfully through his first trial by surrendering to the will of God, whereupon Satan demands another test through physical suffering.[10]

"Yet it is also evident from the prologue that Satan has no power of independent action, but requires the permission of God, which he may not transgress. He cannot be regarded, therefore, as an opponent of the Deity; and the doctrine of monotheism is disturbed by his existence no more than by the presence of other beings before the face of God. This view is also retained in Zech. 3:1-2, where Satan is described as the adversary of the high priest Joshua, and of the people of God whose representative the hierarch is; and he there opposes the "angel of the Lord" who bids him be silent in the name of God.

"In both of these passages Satan is a mere accuser who acts only according to the permission of the Deity; but in I Chron. 21:1 he appears as one who is able to provoke David to destroy Israel. The Chronicler (third century B.C.) regards Satan as an independent agent, a view which is the more striking since the source whence he drew his account[11] speaks of God Himself as the one who moved David against the children of Israel. Since the older conception refers all events, whether good or bad, to God alone,[12] it is possible that the Chronicler, and perhaps even Zechariah, were influenced by Zoroastrianism, even though in the case of the prophet Jewish monism strongly opposed Iranian dualism.[13] An immediate influence of the Babylonian concept of the "accuser, persecutor, and oppressor"[14] is impossible, since traces of such an influence, if it had existed, would have appeared in the earlier portions of the Bible."[15] With regard to the 1 Chronicles 21:1 passage, it is known that, at times, Yahweh gives Satan the authority to carry out wicked deeds, as in the book of Job. It ahs similarly been argued that Satan entered Judas so that the Son of Man could be delivered over to the officials.

In Rabbinic literature
Early rabbinic Jewish statements in the Mishnah and Talmud show that Satan played little or no role in Jewish theology. In the course of time, however, Judaism absorbed the popular concepts of Satan, most likely inherited from Zoroastrianism. The later a rabbinic work can be dated the more frequent is the mention therein of Satan and his hosts.[16] The Palestinian Talmud, completed around 400 AD has provenance similar to that of the New Testament and is more reserved in its use of Satan. However, large portions of this version of the Talmud in its original form have been lost. An example is found in Genesis: The serpent who had Eve eat the forbidden fruit. The consensus of the Biblical commentators in classical Judaism is that the serpent of the narrative in Genesis was literally a serpent. They differ regarding what it represented: The evil inclination (Yetzer HaRa), Satan, or the Angel of Death. Others have suggested that the serpent was a phallic symbol. According to the Midrash, before this cunning beast was cursed, it stood erect and was endowed with some faculty of communication. The normative Jewish concept, however, was and remains that Satan cannot be viewed as an independent agent. In the Babylonian Talmud,[17] Rabbi Levi asserts that "everything Satan does is for the sake of heaven." When another rabbi preached a similar idea in his town, it is said that Satan himself came and "kissed his knees." The Babylonian Talmud[18] also states that the Evil Inclination (Yetzer ha-Ra), the Angel of Death and Satan are identical. In a midrash[19] Samael, the chief of the satans (a specific order of angel, not a reference to demons), was a mighty prince of angels in heaven. Samael came into the world with woman, that is, with Eve,[20] so that he was created and is not eternal. Like all celestial beings, he flies through the air,[21] and can assume any form, as of a bird,[22] a stag,[23] a woman,[24] a beggar, or a young man;[25] he is said to skip,[26] an allusion to his appearance in the form of a goat. In some works some rabbis hold that Satan is the incarnation of all evil, and his thoughts are devoted to the destruction of man. In this view, Satan, the impulse to evil and the angel of death are one and the same personality. Satan seizes upon even a single word which may be prejudicial to man; so that "one should not open his mouth unto evil," i.e., "unto Satan".[27] Likewise, in times of danger, he brings his accusations (Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat 5b). While he has power over all the works of man (Talmud Berachot 46b), he cannot prevail at the same time against two individuals of different nationality; so that Samuel, a noted astronomer, physician and teacher of the Law (died at Nehardea, 247), would start on a journey only when a Gentile traveled with him.[28] Satan's knowledge is not everpresent; for when the shofar is sounded on New-Year's Day he is "confounded".[29] On the Day of Atonement his power vanishes; for the numerical value of

the letters of his name (gematria and Hebrew numerals) is only 359, one day being thus exempt from his influence.[30] One rabbi notes that Satan was an active agent in the fall of man,[31] and was the father of Cain,[32] while he was also instrumental in the offering of Isaac,[33] in the release of the animal destined by Esau for his father,[34] in the theophany at Sinai, in the death of Moses,[35] in David's sin with Bath-sheba,[36] and in the death of Queen Vashti.[37] The decree to destroy all the Jews, which Haman obtained, was written on parchment brought by Satan.[38] When Alexander the Great reproached the Jewish sages with their rebellion, they made the plea that Satan had been too mighty for them.[39] Not all Rabbinic commentators agreed on Satan's spiritual nature. Rabbi Saadia Gaon, an 11th century philosopher and scholar, wrote in his commentary to the Book of Job that Satan was simply a human being who resented Job's righteousness and called upon God to test him. This interpretation rests on a literal reading of the Hebrew word or "adversary", which Saadia claims refers only to the intentions of the individual in question and not to any spiritual or supernatural status.

In the Hebrew Apocrypha

A large part of this "secret" literature was the apocalypses. Based on unfulfilled prophecies, these books were not considered scripture, but rather part of a literary form that flourished from 200 BC to AD 100. These works usually bore the names of ancient Hebrew worthies in order to establish their validity among the true writers' contemporaries. To reconcile the late appearance of the texts with their claims to primitive antiquity, alleged authors are represented as "shutting up and sealing" (Dan. xii. 4, 9) the works until the time of their fulfillment had arrived; as the texts were not meant for their own generations but for far-distant ages (also cited in Assumption of Moses i. 16-17). In the Book of Wisdom[40] Satan is represented, with reference to Gen. 3, as the being who brought death into the world. He is also mentioned in Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 21:27, "Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent", and "Who will pity an enchanter struck by a serpent, or any that come near wild beasts? so is it with him that keepeth company with a wicked man, and is involved in his sins.". The 2nd Book of Enoch also called the Slavonic Book of Enoch contains references to a Watcher Grigori called Satanail.[41] The text describes Satanail as being the prince of the Grigori and "rejected the Lord of light". The same story is played out in the book of 1 Enoch however in that book the leader of the Grigori is called Semjz. It contains a number of references to him including 29:4 which reads "4. And I threw him out from the height with his angels, and he was flying in the air continuously above the bottomless". It also describes the Devil in 31:4 saying "4. The devil is the evil spirit of the lower places, as a fugitive he made Sotona (9) from the heavens as his name was Satanail (10), thus he became different from the angels, but his nature did not change his intelligence as far as his understanding of righteous and sinful things." The book of 2 Enoch is not accepted by the mainstream of studying christians. As it is likely that it was written in the first century. The doctrine of the fall of Satan, as well as of the fall of the angels, is found also in Babylonia. Satan rules over an entire host of angels.[42] Mastema, who induced God to test Abraham through the sacrifice of Isaac, is identical with Satan in both name and nature,[43] Azazel of the Apocalypse of Abraham and the Asmodeus of the Book of Tobit is likewise to be identified with him, especially in view of his licentiousness. As the lord of satans, he frequently bears the special name of Samael. It is difficult to identify Satan in any other passages of the Apocrypha, since the originals in which his name occurred have been lost, and the translations employ various equivalents. Though An "argumentum a silentio" can not, therefore, be adduced as proof that concepts of Satan were not wide-spread; but if Satan is true it must rather be that reference to him and his realm is often implied in the mention of evil spirits. On the other hand there is little

substantiation to prove that concepts of Satan were widespread and that the books were written at the times claimed and not rather written between 200BC and 100AD

Satan in Mainstream Christianity

Mainstream Christianity's understanding of the holy Hebrew scriptures, the Torah, the one named Satan (also the Devil) is shown to be an angel who rebelled against God the one who spoke through the serpent and seduced Eve into disobeying God's command. He is described throughout the Christian New Testament as hating all mankind. His ultimate goal is to lead people away from the love of God to lead them to fallacies which God opposes. Satan is also identified as the accuser of Job, the tempter of the Gospels, the secret power of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, and the dragon in the Book of Revelation. It is widely believed that before his insurrection, Satan was the highest of all angels and the "brightest in the sky." His pride is considered a reason why he would not bow to God as all other angels did, but sought to rule heaven himself. In Christianity he is called "the ruler of the demons" (Matt. 12:24); "the ruler of the world" and even "the god of this world." (2Cor. 4:4) The book of Revelation describes how Satan will be cast out of Heaven, down to the earth, having "great anger" and waging war against "those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus." Ultimately, Satan is thrown forever into the "lake of fire" ( Revelation 20:10), not as ruler, but as one among many, being treated no different than all the others who have been cast there as well.

Satan in Islam
Shaitan ( )is the equivalent of Satan in Islam. While Shaitan( ,from the root n )is an adjective (meaning "astray" or "distant") that can be applied to both man ("al-ins", )and Genie, Iblis (pronounced /'ib.lis/) is the personal name of the Shaitan who is mentioned in the Qur'anic account of Genesis, and whose origin is unclear. Whenever the Qur'an refers to the creature who refused to prostrate before Adam at the time of the latter's creation, it refers to him as Iblis. The Islamic view of Iblis (English:Lucifer) has both commonalities and differences with Christian and Jewish views.

Satan and Adam and Eve

As per the Qur'an, before the creation of Man, God created the Angels out of light and which had no free will and the Genie, made of smokeless fire, with semi-free will. Later God created Adam, and ordered all the angels to bow to him. All the angels did, except a Genie called Iblis, who was elevated to be one of the leaders of the Angels. Iblis was proud and considered himself superior. Iblis argued that he is superior to Adam, who is made of modified clay, while he himself is made of smokeless fire. For this God damned him to Hell for eternity, but gave him respite till the Doomsday at his request. Then and there Iblis swore that he would use his time to lead all men astray to burn in hell. God replied that there would always be followers of God, and that the paradise of heaven was available for them, and those who followed Iblis would go with him to Hell.[44] After their creation, Adam and Hawwa' ( ,Eve) dwelt in Paradise ( ,AlJannah), where God forbade them to go near the cursed tree. "The Satan" (or al-Shaitan in Arabic), tricked Adam and Hawwa' into eating from the tree. God then expelled all of them from Heaven and onto Earth, to wander about not as a punishment. In Islam, God created humans to send them on to Earth, which he created for them. He was just to see how long the humans, Adam and Hawwa could stay in heaven or paradise. Then Adam sought to repent to God, and God taught him the words by which to do so. God forgave Adam and Hawwa' and told them "Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."[45] Iblis will try to influence as many of their descendants as he possibly could into sin, so as to be his companions in his final destiny into Hell. Adam remained weeping for 40 days, until he repented, at which point God rewarded him by

sending down the Kaaba, and teaching him the hajj. For a more full account of the creation of Adam, the refusal of Iblis to prostrate before him, and a description of the devil in Islam see Iblis''.

Satanism
People claiming to be Satanistsor outsiders claiming to describe Satanismascribe a wide variety of beliefs to this movement. These range from the literal worship of a malevolent spiritual being (Theistic Satanism); to a kind of subversive ritual performance stressing the mockery of Christian symbols (most notably the Black Mass); to the claimed rediscovery of an ancient but misunderstood religion (e.g. Setianism, which conflates Satan with the Egytian god Set); to an excuse for hedonistic recreation, and the celebration of selfishness and pleasure. Perhaps the most prominent spokesman for Satanism in recent years has been Anton Szandor LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in 1966. LaVey wrote The Satanic Bible (1969) and other works which remain highly influential (though controversial) among avowed Satanists. LaVey rejects the Black Mass, cruelty to animals, or a literal belief in (or worship of) Satan. Equally celebrated within Satanic circles (though not technically a Satanist) would be ritual magician Aleister Crowley, who referred to himself as "The Great Beast 666." Crowley's maxim, "Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law!" captures a common Satanic attitude, which the myth of Satan's rebellion is thought to exemplify. Much "Satanic" lore does not originate from actual Satanists, but from Christians. Best-known would be the medieval folklore and theology surrounding demons and witches. A more recent example is the so-called Satanic ritual abuse scare of the 1980's beginning with the memoir Michelle Remembers--which depicts Satanism as a vast conspiracy of elites with a predilection for child-molesting and human sacrifice. This genre regularly describes Satan as actually appearing in person in order to receive worship. Another prominent source of "Satanic" imagery is black metal or heavy metal music, which has given Satanism the "Hail Satan!" hand-sign. A few rock stars such as Marilyn Manson appear to actually be bona fide Satanists; many others merely adopt a Satanic persona for the sake of romanticism. Teenage boys appear to comprise a substantial proportion of avowed Satanists. Satanic crimes occur with some regularity and may involve vandalism, cruelty to animals, or grave desecration. While some high-profile cases of murder or serial murder have been found to have Satanic themes (e.g. the Manson Family), these appear to be primarily the work of disturbed individuals, or of several acting together, rather than of organized religious groups. Claims of Satanic child-molesting or murder rings are largely unsubstantiated.

Satan in fiction and popular culture

The Satan in fiction and popular culture is mostly influenced by Christianity and their concepts of devil and evil forces and the original sin, for Satan is of minor importance to the Hebrew Bible and the Jewish faith and Judaism. See Devil in Christianity.