Was Satan an angel?

TL;DR:

Yes, Satan is an angel who fell as a result of pride. Satan’s life is a warning against pride, and a call to humbly recognize who God is and who we are in light of that.

Yes, Satan is an angel. He was originally an angel who served God, but he rebelled against God. The Bible tells us that Satan was a high-ranking angelic being, specifically a "guardian cherub" as described in Ezekiel 28:12–15. His fall from grace is attributed to his pride and desire to overthrow God, as detailed in Isaiah 14:12–15. This pride led to his expulsion from heaven and his transformation into an adversary against God and humanity. Satan is an angel who fell from grace by desiring to be God. His life serves as a warning against pride and a call to live humbly, recognizing who God is and who we are in light of that.

from the old testament

In Job 1:6–7, Satan is referred to as being among groups of angels.
At some point before the creation of humanity, Satan sinned and was removed from heaven (Ezekiel 28:12–18). Here, Satan is referred to as a "guardian cherub,” a type of angel.
Pride was Satan's downfall: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High'" (Isaiah 14:12–14). This passage shows us that Satan desired to be God and to be worshiped himself. "Day Star" is translated as "Lucifer" in some translations, such as the KJV, so this passage is also where we get the name "Lucifer" for Satan. Satan was cast out of heaven and was punished for his pride with an eternity spent in the lake of fire (Isaiah 14:15).
In the garden, Satan appears as a serpent (Genesis 3:1).

from the new testament

Matthew 25:41 describes Satan as having his own angels.
Second Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Satan’s appearance as a serpent in the Old Testament is referenced in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 11:3 as well as Revelation 12:9 and 20:2.
In Revelation 12:4, Satan is described as a dragon, and it is indicated that one-third of other angels (referred to as stars) fell from heaven with him.
When discussing the end-times war that will take place in heaven, Revelation 12:7–9 mentions the Devil and his angels in direct conflict with Michael the archangel and his angels: "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 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."
Revelation 20:10 tells us that Satan, who deceived the nations, will spend eternity in the lake of fire and brimstone. Satan, referred to as the Devil, will be tormented day and night forever and ever. The term Devil, used to refer to Satan, comes from the Greek word diabolos, which means "slanderer" or "accuser." This term is used in the New Testament to describe Satan and his role as the accuser or adversary (e.g., Matthew 4:1; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9).

implications for today

Understanding that Satan was originally an angel reveals the profound severity of spiritual pride and rebellion. As a former guardian cherub, Satan's fall illustrates the extreme consequences of pride and the danger of elevating oneself above God. For us, it serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of pride and the importance of remaining humble and obedient to God’s will. The Bible repeatedly warns us about pride, highlighting its destructive nature and contrast to humility (Proverbs 11:2; 16:18; Luke 18:14; James 4:6; 1 John 2:16). To counteract the dangers of pride, we should actively cultivate humility. This involves recognizing our dependence on God, seeking His guidance, and valuing others above ourselves. Practically, we need to take account of our lives, ask for accountability from trusted friends, and focus on loving and serving others rather than promoting ourselves. By embracing humility and acknowledging our limitations, we align ourselves more closely with God's will and foster healthier, more genuine relationships.

understand

Satan was originally a high-ranking angel, specifically a "guardian cherub."
Satan’s pride and desire to be like God led to his expulsion from heaven.
Satan, now an adversary, can disguise himself as an angel of light and seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.

reflect

How can pride manifest in your own life, and how does recognizing its dangers help you remain humble?
How does understanding Satan’s fall from grace influence your view of personal ambition and the pursuit of power or recognition?
What practical steps can you take to ensure you’re not deceived by appearances or influences that may seem righteous but are contrary to God’s truth?

engage

How can the story of Satan’s pride and fall serve as a warning for individuals and communities regarding humility and obedience to God?
How is Satan’s fall from heaven different from God’s redemption for humanity?
How can we cultivate humility instead of pride in our lives as believers?