Dictionary Summary:Adversary; accuser. When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article “the adversary” ([Job 1:6-12](/job#Job.1.6); [2:1-7](/job#Job.2.1)). In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times. He is also called “the dragon,” “the old serpent” ([Rev. 12:9](/rev#Rev.12.9); [20:2](/rev#Rev.20.2)); “the prince of this world” ([John 12:31](/john#John.12.31); [14:30](/john#John.14.30)); “the prince of the power of the air” ([Eph. 2:2](/eph#Eph.2.2)); “the god of this world” ([2 Cor. 4:4](/2cor#2Cor.4.4)); “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” ([Eph. 2:2](/eph#Eph.2.2)). The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness ([Matt. 4:1-11](/matt#Matt.4.1)). He is “Beelzebub, the prince of the devils” (12:24). He is “the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way.” His power is very great in the world. He is a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” ([1 Pet. 5:8](/1pet#1Pet.5.8)). Men are said to be “taken captive by him” ([2 Tim. 2:26](/2tim#2Tim.2.26)). Christians are warned against his “devices” ([2 Cor. 2:11](/2cor#2Cor.2.11)), and called on to “resist” him ([James 4:7](/jas#Jas.4.7)). Christ redeems his people from “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” ([Heb. 2:14](/heb#Heb.2.14)). Satan has the “power of death,” not as lord, but simply as executioner. ²