of Chaldee origin corresponding to מַעְבָּד (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil:--Satan.
Transliteration:Satanâs
Pronunciation:sat-an-as'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, `{{G4567}}`) is a transliteration of the Aramaic/Chaldee word, which itself corresponds to the Hebrew שָׂטָן (śāṭān, `{{H7854}}`). Its fundamental meaning is "adversary," "opponent," or more specifically, "accuser." While the Hebrew `{{H7854}}` can refer to any human or angelic adversary (e.g., David's enemies in [[1 Samuel 29:4]] or the angel of the Lord opposing Balaam in [[Numbers 22:22]]), in the New Testament, Σατανᾶς has almost exclusively become a proper name for the preeminent spiritual enemy of God and humanity. This shift highlights a transition from a generic concept of opposition to the personification of ultimate evil. The semantic range thus encompasses not merely opposition but active, malevolent accusation, temptation, and deception, often with the intent to undermine divine purposes and human faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Σατανᾶς appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation, as well as Pauline epistles.
In the Synoptic Gospels, Satan is prominently featured as the tempter of Jesus in the wilderness ([[Matthew 4:1-11]]; [[Mark 1:12-13]]; [[Luke 4:1-13]]), seeking to divert Him from His divine mission. Jesus identifies Satan as the one whose kingdom He is dismantling through exorcisms ([[Matthew 12:26]]; [[Mark 3:23]]; [[Luke 11:18]]), demonstrating His supreme authority. Notably, Jesus rebukes Peter with "Get behind me, Satan!" ([[Matthew 16:23]]; [[Mark 8:33]]) not because Peter is the Devil, but because Peter's suggestion to avoid the cross aligned with Satan's adversarial agenda against God's redemptive plan. In [[Luke 22:31]], Jesus warns Peter that Satan has demanded to "sift" him like wheat, illustrating the accuser's desire to test and undermine believers. In the Parable of the Sower, Satan is depicted as snatching away the word sown in hearts ([[Mark 4:15]]; [[Luke 8:12]]).
Pauline epistles reveal Satan as an active force hindering ministry ([[1 Thessalonians 2:18]]) and deceiving believers, even disguising himself as an "angel of light" ([[2 Corinthians 11:14]]). Paul also speaks of handing individuals over to Satan for disciplinary purposes, aiming for their repentance and salvation ([[1 Corinthians 5:5]]; [[1 Timothy 1:20]]). He attributes his "thorn in the flesh" to a "messenger of Satan" sent to buffet him ([[2 Corinthians 12:7]]), indicating Satan's capacity for physical affliction.
The book of Revelation portrays Satan as "the accuser of our brothers" ([[Revelation 12:10]]), relentlessly bringing charges against God's people. He is identified as the "ancient serpent," the "dragon," and the "Devil" ([[Revelation 12:9]]), who wages war against those who keep God's commandments. His ultimate defeat and eternal confinement in the lake of fire are prophesied, marking the final triumph of God's kingdom ([[Revelation 20:2, 7, 10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The Greek term Σατανᾶς is closely related to several other words and concepts that illuminate its full biblical significance:
* **`{{H7854}}` (śāṭān):** The Hebrew root, meaning "adversary" or "accuser," from which Σατανᾶς is transliterated. Its usage in the Old Testament provides the conceptual foundation for the New Testament's personified adversary.
* **`{{G1228}}` (diabolos):** "Devil," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser." This term is often used interchangeably with Σατανᾶς in the New Testament (e.g., [[Revelation 12:9]]), emphasizing the core function of accusation and malicious falsehood.
* **`{{G3912}}` (Belial/Beliar):** Used once in the New Testament ([[2 Corinthians 6:15]]), referring to Satan as the embodiment of worthlessness and wickedness.
* **`{{G140}}` (Beelzebul):** A derogatory name for Satan, identified as the "ruler of the demons" ([[Matthew 10:25]]; [[Matthew 12:24]]).
* **`{{G3791}}` (poneros):** "Evil one," often used substantively to refer to Satan (e.g., [[Matthew 6:13]]; [[1 John 5:19]]).
* **`{{G746}}` (archōn):** "Ruler" or "prince," used to describe Satan as the "ruler of this world" ([[John 12:31]]; [[John 14:30]]; [[John 16:11]]) or the "prince of the power of the air" ([[Ephesians 2:2]]), highlighting his dominion over the fallen world system.
Related concepts include spiritual warfare, temptation, deception, spiritual blindness, and the kingdom of darkness, all of which are orchestrated or influenced by Satan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Σατανᾶς is profound, shaping biblical anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology.
Firstly, Satan is presented as a personal, malevolent being, not merely an abstract force of evil. While his origin is not extensively detailed under this specific term in the New Testament, the biblical narrative implies a fallen angelic being who rebelled against God's authority.
Secondly, he is the primary adversary of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate enemy of humanity. His activities include tempting individuals to sin, deceiving them through falsehoods, accusing believers before God, and hindering the spread of the Gospel.
Thirdly, despite his power and influence in the fallen world, Satan is a created being whose authority is subordinate to God's. His power is limited, and his ultimate defeat is a central theme of Christian theology. Christ's death and resurrection represent a decisive victory over Satan, disarming the powers and authorities ([[Colossians 2:15]]) and nullifying the one who held the power of death ([[Hebrews 2:14]]).
Finally, Satan's eventual and eternal demise in the lake of fire ([[Revelation 20:10]]) assures believers of God's complete triumph and the ultimate eradication of evil. The reality of Satan necessitates spiritual vigilance, reliance on divine power, and the donning of the "armor of God" ([[Ephesians 6:11-18]]) for believers to stand firm against his schemes.
### Summary
Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, `{{G4567}}`) is the New Testament transliteration of the Hebrew term for "adversary" or "accuser," which evolved into the proper name for the chief spiritual enemy of God and humanity. He is depicted as a personal, malevolent being who actively opposes God's will, tempts individuals to sin, deceives through falsehoods, and accuses believers. His roles as tempter, deceiver, and accuser are consistently portrayed across the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. While his power is significant and he holds sway over the fallen world, he is ultimately a defeated foe whose authority was broken by Christ's work on the cross. The biblical narrative culminates in his assured and eternal destruction, serving as a foundational truth that underscores God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Believers are called to resist his influence through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.
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