of Hebrew origin (שָׂטָן); Satan, i.e. the devil:--Satan. Compare Σατανᾶς.
Transliteration:Satân
Pronunciation:sat-an'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Σατᾶν (G4566), transliterated as "Satân," is a direct and indeclinable transliteration of the Hebrew word שָׂטָן (śāṭān, `{{H7854}}`). In its original Hebrew context, śāṭān functions as a common noun meaning "adversary," "opponent," or "accuser," referring to anyone who acts in opposition. Examples include human adversaries (1 Samuel 29:4, 1 Kings 11:14) or even an angel of the Lord acting as an adversary (Numbers 22:22). However, in specific Old Testament passages (e.g., Job 1-2, Zechariah 3:1-2, 1 Chronicles 21:1), śāṭān begins to appear with the definite article ("the adversary"), indicating a specific, preeminent spiritual being who opposes God and His people.
In the New Testament, Σατᾶν (G4566) almost exclusively refers to this specific, personal, malevolent spiritual being—the chief adversary of God and humanity. While Σατᾶν (G4566) is an indeclinable form, it is semantically identical to Σατανᾶς (Satanas, `{{G4567}}`), the more common, declined form of the proper name "Satan" found throughout the New Testament. Both terms denote the same entity: the ultimate spiritual enemy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Σατᾶν (G4566) appears approximately 15 times in the New Testament, often in contexts that reveal his character, activity, and ultimate fate.
* **Christ's Victory and Satan's Fall:** Jesus declares, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" [[Luke 10:18]], signifying a decisive defeat of Satan's power, particularly over the disciples' authority to cast out demons. This statement highlights Christ's inherent superiority and the beginning of Satan's ultimate overthrow.
* **Temptation and Opposition:** Satan actively seeks to undermine faith and ministry. He "demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat" [[Luke 22:31]], demonstrating his desire to test and destroy believers. Paul notes that "Satan hindered us" [[1 Thessalonians 2:18]] from reaching the Thessalonians, illustrating his direct opposition to the spread of the gospel. He also exploits human weakness, as seen when he tempts couples "because of your lack of self-control" [[1 Corinthians 7:5]].
* **Deception and Corruption:** Satan is a master of deception. He "disguises himself as an angel of light" [[2 Corinthians 11:14]] to mislead and corrupt. He can "fill your heart" [[Acts 5:3]] with deceit, leading to sin and rebellion against God, as in the case of Ananias.
* **Spiritual Warfare and Discipline:** Paul speaks of "delivering such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved" [[1 Corinthians 5:5]]. This difficult passage suggests that even Satan's destructive actions can, under God's sovereign hand, serve a redemptive purpose in bringing about repentance and spiritual restoration.
* **Ultimate Defeat and Judgment:** The New Testament consistently portrays Satan as a defeated foe. Paul confidently declares, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" [[Romans 16:20]], anticipating his final subjugation. In Revelation, Satan is explicitly identified as "the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world" [[Revelation 12:9]]. He is bound for a thousand years [[Revelation 20:2]] and eventually released for a final, futile rebellion [[Revelation 20:7]], before being cast "into the lake of fire and sulfur" [[Revelation 20:10]], signifying his eternal punishment. The "synagogue of Satan" [[Revelation 2:9]], [[Revelation 3:9]] and "Satan's throne" [[Revelation 2:13]] indicate his earthly influence and strongholds, which will ultimately be dismantled.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Σατᾶν (G4566) is enriched by understanding its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Antecedent:** שָׂטָן (śāṭān, `{{H7854}}`): As noted, this is the direct Hebrew origin, signifying "adversary" or "accuser." Its use in the Old Testament, particularly in Job and Zechariah, lays the groundwork for the New Testament's understanding of a personal, malevolent entity.
* **Greek Cognate:** Σατανᾶς (Satanas, `{{G4567}}`): This is the more frequently used, declined form of the name "Satan" in the New Testament. While morphologically different, it refers to the identical spiritual being and is often used interchangeably with Σατᾶν (G4566).
* **Synonyms and Titles:** The New Testament uses various titles and descriptive terms for Satan, highlighting different aspects of his character and activity:
* διάβολος (diabolos, `{{G1228}}`): "Devil," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser," emphasizing his role in accusing God's people (e.g., [[Revelation 12:10]]).
* ὁ πονηρός (ho ponēros, `{{G4190}}`): "The evil one," denoting his inherently wicked nature.
* ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (archōn tou kosmou toutou): "Ruler of this world" [[John 12:31]], emphasizing his temporary dominion over humanity's fallen systems.
* θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου (theos tou aiōnos toutou): "God of this age" [[2 Corinthians 4:4]], indicating his blinding influence on unbelievers.
* ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος (ophis ho archaios): "Ancient serpent" [[Revelation 12:9]], linking him directly to the tempter in the Garden of Eden ([[Genesis 3:1-15]]).
* δράκων (drakōn): "Dragon" [[Revelation 12:3]], symbolizing his destructive power and ferocity.
* Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul, `{{G954}}`): "Beelzebul," a derogatory title used by Jesus' opponents, linking him to the prince of demons ([[Matthew 12:24]]).
* **Related Concepts:** The study of Satan necessarily involves concepts such as spiritual warfare, temptation, demonic influence, sin, rebellion against God, and ultimately, divine judgment and victory.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Σατᾶν (G4566) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Reality of Evil:** The consistent portrayal of Σατᾶν as a personal, intelligent, and malevolent being affirms the reality of spiritual evil in the universe. He is not merely a metaphor for human sin or abstract forces but a distinct, active antagonist.
* **Cosmic Conflict:** The New Testament presents a cosmic struggle between the Kingdom of God and the domain of Satan. This conflict is evident in Jesus' ministry, where He consistently confronts and defeats demonic forces, and in the ongoing spiritual warfare faced by believers.
* **Satan's Limited Sovereignty:** While Satan wields significant influence in the fallen world and over unbelievers, the Scriptures unequivocally demonstrate that his power is ultimately limited and subservient to God's sovereign will. He can only act within the bounds permitted by God, as seen in the book of Job.
* **Christ's Decisive Victory:** The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ constitute the definitive victory over Satan. Jesus' triumph over temptation in the wilderness, His authority over demons, and His atoning work on the cross disarmed Satan's power over sin and death (cf. [[Colossians 2:15]], [[Hebrews 2:14]]).
* **Believer's Call to Resistance:** Christians are called to be aware of Satan's schemes and to actively resist him ([[James 4:7]], [[1 Peter 5:8-9]]). The "armor of God" described in [[Ephesians 6:10-18]] provides the necessary spiritual equipment for believers to stand firm against the devil's attacks.
* **Eschatological Assurance:** The book of Revelation provides the ultimate theological conclusion regarding Satan. His final defeat, binding, and eternal torment in the lake of fire underscore God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His ultimate triumph. This assures believers of a future free from the presence and influence of evil.
### Summary
Σατᾶν (G4566) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew śāṭān (`{{H7854}}`), serving as a proper name for the preeminent spiritual adversary. Semantically identical to Σατανᾶς (`{{G4567}}`), this term designates the personal, malevolent entity known as Satan or the Devil. The New Testament consistently portrays him as the chief opponent of God and humanity, actively engaged in tempting, deceiving, hindering, and accusing. Despite his significant power and influence in the fallen world, the Scriptures emphatically declare his created nature, limited authority, and assured ultimate defeat. Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection represent the decisive victory over Satan, culminating in his final judgment and eternal destruction, as revealed in the eschatological vision of Revelation. This understanding underscores the reality of spiritual evil while affirming God's supreme sovereignty and the believer's ultimate triumph in Christ.
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