Satan — Meaning in the Bible
"The adversary" or accuser. Satan opposes God and tempts people; in the Gospels he tempts Jesus in the wilderness and is defeated.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
The Hebrew word means adversary or accuser. In Job, "the Adversary" accuses Job before God; in Zechariah he stands to accuse the high priest. Job 1:6–12Zechariah 3:1–2
In the Gospels Satan tempts Jesus, who answers each temptation with Scripture. The New Testament calls believers to resist the devil and speaks of his final defeat. Matthew 4:1–11James 4:71 Peter 5:8–9Revelation 20:10
Key passages
- Job 1:6–12 — The accuser.
- Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus tempted in the wilderness.
- Luke 22:31–32 — Jesus prays for Peter.
- James 4:7 — Resist the devil.
- 1 Peter 5:8–9 — Your adversary prowls.
How translations differ
- In Job 1 some versions keep the word as a name ("Satan"); the WEB has "the Adversary". Job 1:6
Study further
- Job 1–2 The accuser.
- Matthew 4:1–11 Temptation and Scripture.
- Ephesians 6:10–18 The armour of God.