What the Bible says About Satan

Satan, better known as the adversary to the believer, is mentioned quite a few times in the Bible. Below is a selected list of verses from the Bible concerning Satan, and the agendas he has in this world. There is a spiritual battle going on at all times, all around us; believers working hard to be victorious over evil. Someone once said and it was well  said – evil will only triumph when good people do nothing.

1. Genesis 3:1-4 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?’”
   • This is the first appearance of Satan in the Bible, disguised as a serpent. He tempts Eve by twisting God’s words, introducing doubt and sin into the world.
2. Job 1:6-7 “One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’”
   • This verse highlights Satan’s role as the accuser and his freedom to roam the earth, seeking to undermine the faithful.
3. Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”
   • Traditionally interpreted as describing the fall of Satan, this passage metaphorically portrays his original status and subsequent expulsion from heaven due to pride.
4. Ezekiel 28:15-17 “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you… Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.”
   • Although addressing the king of Tyre, this passage is often seen as an allegory for Satan’s fall, emphasizing the dangers of pride and corruption.
5. Matthew 4:1-11 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
   • These verses show Satan attempting to tempt Jesus during His 40 days of fasting. Jesus’ refutations underscore the importance of spiritual integrity and reliance on God’s Word.
6. Luke 10:18 “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”
   • Jesus speaks of witnessing Satan’s fall, symbolizing the defeat of evil through the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
7. John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
   • Jesus describes Satan’s nature as fundamentally deceitful and murderous, highlighting his influence in the world of sin.
8. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
   • Peter warns believers to remain vigilant against Satan’s constant attempts to undermine and destroy spiritual lives.
9. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
   • This verse offers a direct strategy against satanic influence: submission to God coupled with resistance against the devil ensures his retreat.
10. Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
    • Paul encourages believers to be spiritually equipped to stand against Satan, emphasizing that the true battle is spiritual rather than physical.
11. Revelation 12:9 “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
    • This apocalyptic vision confirms Satan’s eventual defeat and his role in deceiving the nations, promising ultimate victory for good.
12. Revelation 20:10 “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
    • The final destiny of Satan is described vividly, ensuring the eternal triumph of God’s justice and the end of evil.

These verses grouped together offer a comprehensive biblical perspective on Satan, providing caution, guidance, and hope for believers in the spiritual warfare they are engaged in.