Does Satan have different names? What are the names of Satan?

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TL;DR:

Satan has several different names, revealing his nature, intentions, and negative relationship to humanity. Despite Satan’s intentions, Jesus, the name above all names, will conquer Satan, and believers can live in that assurance.

from the old testament

  • Satan is the spiritual being who revolted against God (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28).
  • The name Satan is used nearly 50 times in the Bible and is the most common name used for this being. Chronologically, Job 1 is the likely first mention of the name Satan, used when he came before God to ask for permission to test Job.
  • Satan is also named as Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12–14 [KJV).

from the new testament

  • Satan is known as the father of lies (John 8:44) who deceives humanity to sin against God's will (see Genesis 3).
  • The name "devil" for Satan is used more than 30 times in Scripture. It means a false accuser or slanderer and emphasizes the deceitful nature of his actions (e.g., Matthew 4:1; John 8:44; Revelation 12:9–10).
  • In Matthew 4:3, Satan is referred to as the tempter when he sought to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. First Thessalonians 3:5 also notes, "For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain."
  • Satan is referred to as Beelzebul (or Beelzebub) in the New Testament (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15). Beelzebub means "lord of the flies" or "lord of filth," originally referring to a Philistine god. Using this name for Satan symbolizes his unclean and rebellious nature.
  • Satan is identified as the serpent who tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Revelation 12:9 states, "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him."
  • Satan is called the prince or ruler of this world (John 12:31–32; 16:11).
  • Satan is known as the evil one (John 17:15).
  • Satan is a deceiver (Revelation 12:9).
  • Satan is referred to as the wicked one (Matthew 13:19, 38).
  • Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).
  • Satan is an adversary (1 Peter 5:8).
  • Satan is even called the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4).

implications for today

Satan’s names and titles clearly define his identity and activities. Satan is a being who has rebelled against God, deceives, lies, tempts, and works evil in the present world. However, God will ultimately defeat Satan, condemning him to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Romans 16:20 says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." Further, believers in Christ have God's power within them to overcome the enemy. Ephesians 6:10–18 speaks of putting on the full armor of God to face spiritual evil. First John 2:13–14 adds that we have already overcome the evil one as believers in Christ: "I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." Satan has much power but is no match for God or His followers.

understand

  • Satan means "adversary" and is his most common name, used frequently in Scripture.
  • Satan’s names reveal different aspects of his negative role and nature.
  • Despite his power, believers are promised victory over Satan through Christ.

reflect

  • How does knowing the different names of Satan help you recognize his tactics in your life?
  • How can understanding Satan's nature as an adversary and deceiver strengthen your faith in Christ's victory?
  • How can you practically apply the assurance of Jesus’s power over Satan in your daily struggles?

engage

  • How do Satan's different names reflect his influence on the world and the spiritual battles believers face today?
  • What roles do Satan's deceptive tactics play in hindering people from following God, and how can Christians resist them?
  • How does knowing Satan's ultimate defeat impact the way you engage in spiritual warfare and prayer?