What is the Name of the Devil?

Name of the Devil: Understanding His Numerous Names

Understanding the many names of the devil throughout the Bible, will help in understanding one of the key themes of Christian theology. This theme encapsulates the conflict between good and evil and is often referred to as the great controversy. Each name of the devil reveals various facets of his character, his purpose, and the profound spiritual struggle that exists between good and evil. This struggle involves each one of us, so understanding who the devil is and what he represents helps the believer to guard against his schemes and remain steadfast in their faith.

The Adversary: Satan

One of the most recognised names for the devil is satan, derived from a Hebrew word that means “adversary” or “accuser.” In Job 1:6-12 we read about satan in his role as accuser bringing charges against Job. He is relentless in opposing God's plans and in bringing accusations against believers. In the book of Zechariah 3:1-2, Satan stands at the right side of Joshua the high priest bringing accusation against him. Furthermore, in Revelation 12:10 satan is described as the accuser of our brethren. This name reveals his role in the judgement setting, bringing charge against those for whom Jesus has died, placing himself as the enemy of both God and humanity.

The Beautiful Fallen One: Lucifer

Another name often associated with the devil is Lucifer, meaning “light bearer.” Commenting on Isaiah 14:12-15, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible states, "This has been commonly understood of the fall of satan; and, in deed, as he and his instruments, the princes and powers of the air, are often meant by the kingdoms of this world, so in the fall of the king of Babylon we may behold the fall of the prince of this world, that great enemy of God’s kingdom."
This connection to satan illustrates the original state of satan as a high-ranking angel before his unfortunate rebellion and fall from grace. The tale reminds us of the danger of pride, serving as a warning of the need to always remember God in all he has done.

The Prince of Demons: Beelzebub

The name Beelzebub means "lord of the flies," emphasises the devil’s role in evil and chaos (Matthew 12:24). This name is used derogatorily by the Pharisees when they accused Jesus of casting out demons through the power of the devil. This name of the devil highlights his role as ruler over the demons. Here we are reminded that darkness and sin originate with the devil.

The Tempter and Deceiver

Describing him as the Tempter in Matthew 4:3, we get a glimpse of the devil’s strategy of leading mankind into sin. During the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, satan's deceptive nature is on full display. We see the devil attack Jesus while he is weak and hungered, showcasing his predatorily nature in his deceptive tactics. In 1 Thessalonians 3:5 we are reminded of the ultimate goal of the tempters work, to pull us away from the work Jesus is doing in our lives.

The Source of Evil: The Evil One

In the New Testament, one of the names of the devil is the Evil One. This name denotes the innate wicked nature of the devil. In 1 John 5:19, it states that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One. Again, this is another reminder of the pervasive influence of satan on humanity and his role in sin and suffering. This title highlights that satan leads with a controlling force over the evil powers, leading many astray.

The Prince of Darkness

As the Prince of Darkness (Ephesians 6:12), the devil rules the realm of spiritual darkness. This title underscores his ultimate opposition to Jesus, who came into the world as the light of God. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul describes how the god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers. The name of the devil here, encourages us to be vigilant and discerning as we seek to know and walk in the Light of Truth.

The Ancient Serpent

The serpent is the first image that represents the devil in Genesis 3. In this first introduction into the devil, we see his modus operandi on display. Satan hijacks the serpent, as a vehicle to deceive Eve as he cunningly leads her into disobedience. Furthermore, Revelation 12:9 and 20:2 refer to him as that ancient serpent, linking back to the very inception of humanity's sin. The devils modus operandi as he hijacked the serpent, emphasises the need for wisdom as we navigate a world infiltrated by evil. Down through history, we have seen satan make every effort to hijack individuals, nations, and even religious institutions in his war against Christ and His followers.

The Ferocious Dragon

In Revelation, the devil is depicted as a dragon (Revelation 12:9, 20:2). This name of the devil symbolises his fierce power and destructive intent. This imagery illustrates his objective: to destroy and consume God’s people. The fierce nature of a dragon evokes a sense of fear, which should remind believers of their need for faith and dependance on Jesus to quench the fiery attacks of the dragon.

The Ruler of This World

Jesus referred to Satan as the Ruler of This World (John 12:31; 14:30). This designation indicates that he has substantial influence over worldly systems that stand in rebellion against God. However, this power is temporary and will ultimately be nullified by the victory attained through Christ.

The Scapegoat Metaphor

Drawing an intriguing parallel, we find the concept of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:21-22 connects to the devil's role concerning sin and his ultimate demise. On the Day of Atonement, one goat was sacrificed (a representation of Jesus), while the other was sent into the wilderness laden with the sins of the people. Many theologians see this symbolic act reflecting the future judgment of Satan, who will bear the ultimate burden for humanity’s sin (Revelation 20:1-3).

Conclusion: Victory Through Christ

The multitude of names attributed to the devil serves to illuminate the various roles he plays in opposition to God. From the accuser to the prince of darkness, each name encapsulates a dimension of his character and mission to mislead humanity. As believers, we can fully embrace the faith that assures us of victory over the devil's schemes.

Ultimately, the message of Scripture assures us that while the forces of darkness are real and powerful, Christ's victory over sin and death guarantees the eventual defeat of the devil. As we cling to our faith and are grounded in the Word of God, we can resist the devil, confident in the promise that he will flee from us (James 4:7).

For those eager to deepen their understanding of this eternal battle between light and darkness, we invite you to explore the profound truths found in Scripture.

Join us at the Hope Bible Study Centre to navigate these spiritual truths and enhance your faith journey. Start your exploration today!