The word “Satan” is used in the Bible, both within the Old and New Testament, and the Bible attributes The Satan as being real. But what exactly does that mean and how should we understand Satan in the Bible?
Let us delve into, discuss and discover what the Bible says about Satan.
What is Satan?
The word in Hebrew used in the Old Testament is (הַשָּׂטָ֖ן) or (שטן) and (Σατανᾶς) in the New Testament. Both appear to mean similar things.
What does Satan mean?
Satan, in both Hebrew and Greek, means adversary, the enemy, or Satan as a transliteration (translating the full name into the respective language). We see this in English with words such as Baptism instead of translating it as “submerged” or “sprinkled,” we have left it open to interpretation. While in Hebrew it can also mean opponent/one who opposed or accuser.
Where is Satan in the old testament?
Satan is used approximately 23 times throughout the Old Testament and how it is shown will depend on your translation.
For example, Psalm 109:6 in the King James Bible says:
Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
But most modern English Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version, read this verse as:
Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand at his right hand.
The first use of Satan in the entire Bible is Number 22:22 but the word is not translated as “Satan.” Even the King James Bible does not translate this word as Satan.
And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
What are the implications of translating the word as Satan or something else?
Let’s take a look at 1 Chronicles 21:1 where most translation has Satan in it’s place:
Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
Now contrast this verse against 2 Samuel 24:1:
Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
How can we reconcile these verses? Is it God or Satan who incited David to take a Census?
Most will use the use of Satan in Job to state that Satan is subservient to God and will ultimately do God’s Will.
But what if we translated 1 Chronicles 21:1 not as Satan, but as an enemy?
Then an enemy stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
In this view, the enemy could very easily be another nation which was ready to start war with Israel. Now if you had an entire army stacked against you, why else would you need a census?
A census was used to do a roll call of the men ready for battle, among other things. But in this context, preparing for a battle makes the most sense here.
In Hebrew, the word satan does not have a definite article. This is important because when most words are translated without a definite article, it is normally rendered as “a” or “an.”
This use appears more appropriate here.
What is Satan in the Old Testament?
The following verses contain the Hebrew word for Satan.
Numbers 22:22
Numbers 22:32
1 Samuel 29:4
2 Samuel 19:23
1 Kings 5:18
1 Kings 11:14
1 Kings 11:23
1 Kings 11:25
Zechariah 3:1
Zechariah 3:2
Psalms 109:6
Job 1:6
Job 1:7
Job 1:8
Job 1:9
Job 1:12
Job 2:1
Job 2:2
Job 2:3
Job 2:4
Job 2:6
Job 2:7
1 Chronicles 21:1
Where is Satan in the New Testament?
The following verses contain the greek word for Satan.
Matthew 4:10
Matthew 12:26
Matthew 16:23
Mark 1:13
Mark 3:23
Mark 3:26
Mark 4:15
Mark 8:33
Luke 10:18
Luke 11:18
Luke 13:16
Luke 22:3
Luke 22:31
John 13:27
Acts 5:3
Acts 26:18
Romans 16:20
1 Corinthians 5:5
1 Corinthians 7:5
2 Corinthians 2:11
2 Corinthians 11:14
2 Corinthians 12:7
1 Thessalonians 2:18
2 Thessalonians 2:9
1 Timothy 1:20
1 Timothy 1:20
1 Timothy 5:15
Revelations 2:9
Revelations 2:13
Revelations 2:24
Revelations 3:9
Revelations 12:9
Revelations 20:2
Revelations 20:7