📖 Biblical Definition
The personal name of the chief adversary of God and His people; introduced in Job 1-2 as the Satan (the accuser before the heavenly council); revealed across Scripture as a fallen angelic being (the highest of the cherubim originally, Ezek 28); accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10); tempter of Christ in the wilderness (Matt 4); the serpent of Eden (Rev 12:9); finally cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:10). Christ has bound him; the saints crush him under their feet (Rom 16:20).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
SA'TAN, n.
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The grand adversary of man; the devil or prince of darkness; the chief of the fallen angels.
📖 Key Scripture
Job 1:6 — "There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them."
Matthew 4:10 — "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God."
Romans 16:20 — "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
Revelation 12:10 — "The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often denies or romanticizes Satan; Scripture treats him as a real, defeated, but still active adversary.
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Modern Christianity tends to err in two directions on Satan. Soft progressive theology denies his personal existence, treating him as primitive personification of human evil. Hyper-charismatic versions elevate him to the daily villain of every personal struggle, giving him more credit than the Bible does. Both readings miss Christ's sober balance.
Christ named Satan, recognized him, rebuked him, and defeated him. The cross dealt the death blow; the resurrection sealed the verdict; the second coming will execute the sentence. In the meantime, Satan walks about as a roaring lion (1 Pet 5:8) and accuses the brethren day and night (Rev 12:10). The believer's answer is the blood of the Lamb, the word of testimony, and the armor of God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (Jas 4:7). Do not romanticize him. Do not deny him. Bruise him under your feet shortly.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew satan (H7854); Greek satanas (G4567).
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Usage
"Modern Christianity errs by denying or romanticizing Satan; Scripture treats him as real, defeated, still active."
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you; the formula has not changed."
"Bruise him under your feet shortly — Romans 16:20 is a promise."