Names of Satan

Scripture reveals Satan through a multitude of names and titles, each one unveiling a distinct facet of his malevolent character, his methods of operation, or his role in the cosmic rebellion against God. These are not arbitrary epithets but precise designations that instruct believers concerning the nature of their adversary. To know his names is to discern his strategies and guard against his deceptions.

He is **Satan** (*Hebrew šāṭān*, שָׂטָן), meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser'—the one who fundamentally opposes God and His people. He is **the Devil** (*Greek diabolos*, διάβολος), meaning 'slanderer' or 'false accuser,' the one who 'accused the brethren before our God day and night' until cast down. He is **the serpent**, recalling his first appearance in Eden where he seduced Eve through subtle questioning of God's word and character. He is **Beelzebub**, 'lord of the flies' or 'lord of the dwelling,' a contemptuous title the Pharisees applied to him, which Jesus adopted to expose their blasphemy. He is **Belial**, meaning 'worthlessness' or 'wickedness,' personifying all that is base and corrupt.

He is **the dragon**, a title emphasizing his ferocity, power, and ancient malice, particularly in Revelation where he wages war against God and His saints. He is **the prince of this world**, a title Jesus Himself used, acknowledging Satan's present (though limited and temporary) authority over the world system opposed to God. Paul calls him **the god of this age**, who 'hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ... should shine unto them.' He is **the prince of the power of the air**, indicating his domain in the heavenly realms and his influence over the spiritual atmosphere of rebellion that pervades fallen humanity.

Jesus identified him as **the evil one**, the personal embodiment and source of evil, in contrast to God who is the definition of good. Christ called him **the father of lies** because 'there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.' Truth-telling is foreign to his nature; deception is his native language. Jesus further declared him **a murderer from the beginning**, connecting Satan's lies to their deadly fruit. Peter warned he is **a roaring lion**, prowling about 'seeking whom he may devour,' combining images of predatory intent and the noise meant to terrify prey. Revelation calls him **the deceiver of the whole world**, summarizing his primary method and achievement. Each title reveals another dimension of the enemy believers face, equipping the saints to recognize his work and resist his schemes.