Bible Figure
Satan
entity in the Abrahamic religions that tells others to do sinful actions
Satan is the personal spiritual adversary portrayed throughout Scripture as opposing God, accusing and tempting human beings, and resisting God's redemptive purposes. The biblical titles associated with him include Satan, the devil, the tempter, the evil one, the accuser, and the ancient serpent. Scripture also emphasizes that his power is limited by God and that his final defeat is certain.
Biography
The Hebrew term satan can mean an adversary or accuser, but several biblical passages use it for the supernatural adversary. In Job, Satan appears as the accuser who challenges Job's integrity but can act only within limits permitted by God. Zechariah depicts Satan accusing the high priest Joshua before the Lord rebukes him. In the New Testament Satan's opposition becomes especially prominent. He tempts Jesus in the wilderness, seeks to hinder the work of the kingdom, is associated with demonic oppression and deception, and is described as entering Judas in connection with Jesus' betrayal. Jesus speaks of Satan's fall and of binding the strong man, while the apostles warn believers against his schemes, accusations, temptations, and disguises. Revelation identifies the dragon as the ancient serpent, the devil and Satan, and portrays his ultimate defeat and judgment. Scripture does not present Satan as an equal opposite to God; he is a creature and rebel whose activity remains subject to divine sovereignty. The popular use of 'Lucifer' as a personal name for Satan comes from the history of interpretation of Isaiah 14 and should not be treated as though Scripture simply introduces a separate biblical figure by that proper name.
Biblical Significance
Satan's biblical significance lies in the reality of personal spiritual opposition to God and His people, but the Bible's emphasis is ultimately Christ's victory. Jesus resists Satan's temptation, drives out demons, interprets His ministry as an invasion of Satan's domain, and through His death and resurrection secures the decisive triumph over the powers of evil. Revelation brings that trajectory to its conclusion in Satan's final judgment.