A Look At Angels & Demons
An Interesting And Controversial Greek & Hebrew Word Study
by James Riscinti
Preface:
Did you ever feel like Bible teachers and pastors were telling you a whole lot more about devils and angels than you could find in the Bible? Well, perhaps that is because they were telling you what they knew about these things from other sources, not from the Bible. This study is an attempt to find biblical truth and to sift out the folk lore regarding the “spirit” world. This study is by no means conclusive nor is it complete. However, it is a study that honest and diligent students of the Bible will want to read in its entirety before reaching any conclusions about the authors of this material or about the doctrines concerning angels and demons. And it is by no means unbiblical or heretical to desire to know the truth about spiritual matters. Nor is it dangerous or sinful to want to see if the doctrines we are taught are the truth and are based on correct interpretations. Those who see studies like these as “attacks” upon the Church and upon established doctrine, and as “dangerous”, are clearly neglecting God’s mandate to His children to test the spirits (1John 4:1), prove all things (1Thes 5:21) and study to show themselves approved (2Tim 2:15). It is always spiritually healthy to ask questions and to thoroughly examine scriptures to ensure that our Bible teachers are telling us the truth and to ensure that the Bible translators did an accurate job of translation.
One of the major points mentioned in this study is – in our various English Bibles – the translators took the liberty of transliterating words like “angels” and “satan” on occasion, instead of actually translating them. When a word is transliterated, the translators do not find an equivalent word in the language they are translating to, but instead, they more-or-less write the word as it sounds in the original language, not attaching any meaning to it at all in the translated text.
Because of this practice of transliteration, we have words in our English Bibles that have taken on certain meanings that may in fact be something entirely different from their original meaning. The way we can determine this is to note that a particular word in the original Hebrew or Greek text of the Bible may have been translated into more than one English word or, as is the case with the word “angel”, the translators transliterated the Greek word “aggelos” as angel in various places and they translated it as messenger in other places. Similarly, the translators often transliterated the Hebrew word “sawtawn” as satan rather than translating it as adversary. In addition to these two cases, we will also look at other instances of transliteration in place of translation.
While this study does not present any definite conclusions, it does point out some attributes of God that are not commonly mentioned nowadays. It also points out that translations are not necessarily clear on various doctrines and that clarification can sometimes only be had by consulting the underlying Hebrew and Greek texts. Another issue this study points out is that it may necessary for us as Christians to re-examine some commonly held beliefs and teachings about spirit beings. We may have been taught some things that cannot be supported upon close examination of the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts.
May God be glorified as we look further into His holy Word…
(Verses from the 1769 Authorized King James Version)
Introduction:
The following word study investigates translations and transliterations (when a word is phonetically rendered rather than translated) in an attempt to gain a more Biblical perspective of the following Hebrew and Greek words:
- saw-tawn’, (Hebrew, Strong’s #: 07854)
- saw-tan’, (Hebrew, Strong’s #: 07853)
- saw-err’, (Hebrew, Strong’s #: 08163)
- shade, (Hebrew, Strong’s #: 07700)
- dee-ab’-ol-os, (Greek, Strong’s #: 1228)
- dee-ab-al’-lo, (Greek, Strong’s #: 1225)
- dahee-mon’-ee-on, (Greek, Strong’s #: 1140)
- sat-an-as’, (Greek, Strong’s #: 4567)
English word: DEVIL, Hebrew root word: {sa`iyr}, Commonly translated as: (devil, devils)
08163 sa`iyr {08163 saw-eer’} or sa`ir from 08175; AV – kid 28, goat 24, devil 2, satyr 2, hairy 2, rough 1; total:59
08175 sa`ar {saw-ar’} a primitive root; V, AV – be (horrible) afraid 4, come like (to take away as with), a whirlwind 2, be tempestuous 1, hurl as a storm 1; 8
As indicated above, this word “sa`iyr”(08163) is usually translated “kid” (28 times) and “goat” (24 times). Of the 59 times the Hebrew word 08163 sa`iyr {saw-eer’} appears, it is translated devil only twice:
- 2Chronicles 11:15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils {08163 saw-eer’}, and for the calves which he had made.
- Leviticus 17:7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils {08163 saw-eer’}, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
English word: DEVIL, Hebrew root word(s): {shed/shade}, Commonly translated as: (devil, devils)
07700 shed {07700 shade} from 07736; n m, AV – devil 2; total:2
07736 shuwd {shood} a primitive root; v, AV – waste 1; 1
Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils {07700 shade}, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
Psalms 106:37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils {07700 shade},
English word: SATAN, Hebrew root word: {saw-tan’}, Commonly translated as: (adversary, resist)
07853 satan {07853 saw-tan’} a primitive root; v, AV – adversary 5, resist 1; total:6
Psalms 38:20; 71:13 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries {07853 saw-tan’}; because I follow [the thing that] good [is]. 71:13 Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries {07853 saw-tan’} to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
Psalms 109:3,4,6,20,29 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries {07853 saw-tan’}: but I [give myself unto] prayer. 6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} stand at his right hand. 20 [Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries {07853 saw-tan’} from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul. 29 Let mine adversaries {07853 saw-tan’} be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.
Zechariah 3:1,2 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} standing at his right hand to resist {07853 saw-tan’} him. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
English word: SATAN, Hebrew rood word: {sawtawn’}, Commonly translated as: (adversary, withstand)
07854 satan {07854 saw-tawn’} from 07853 {saw-tan’}; n m, AV – Satan 19, adversary 7, withstand 1; total:27
07853 satan {saw-tan’}; a primitive root; v, AV – adversary 5, resist 1; 6
In Num. 22:22,32, the “angel of the LORD” is spoken of as an adversary/enemy[1] (a satan) {07854 saw-tawn’} to satan {07854 saw-tawn’} Balaam…
Num. 22:22,32 And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants [were] with him. 32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand {07854 saw-tawn’} thee, because [thy] way is perverse before me:
In 1Sam. 29:4, King David is spoken of as a potential adversary (satan) {07854 saw-tawn’}…
1Samuel 29:4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? [should it] not [be] with the heads of these men?
In 2Sam. 19:22, the sons of Zeruiah are spoken of as David’s adversaries (satans) {07854 saw-tawn’}…
2Samuel 19:22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries {07854 saw-tawn’} unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I [am] this day king over Israel?
In 1Kng. 5:4, all the enemies of David and Solomon are spoken of as an adversary (a satan) {07854 saw-tawn’}…
1Kings 5:4 But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} nor evil occurrent.
In 1Kng. 11:14,23,25, Hadad and Rezon are spoken of as an adversary (a satan) {07854 saw-tawn’} whom “the LORD stirred up “…
1Kings 11:14,23,25 And the LORD stirred up an adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he [was] of the king’s seed in Edom. 23 And God stirred him up [another] adversary {07854 saw-tawn’}, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah: 25 And he was an adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad [did]: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
When the biblical method of comparing Scripture with Scripture is employed (as described in “The Question Of Hermeneutics“), it becomes quite clear that the word saw-tawn (07854) is not a proper noun. This is indicated in 1Kng. 11:14,23,25 where Hadad and Rezon are spoken of as satan {07854 saw-tawn’} whom “the LORD stirred up”. This is also indicated in Num. 22:22,32, where the “angel of the LORD” is spoken of as an adversary {07854 saw-tawn’} (verse22) to withstand {07854 saw-tawn’} Balaam (verse 32). In 1Sam. 29:4, David is spoken of as a potential satan {07854 saw-tawn’}.
In 2 Sam 19:22, the sons of Zeruiah are spoken of as David’s satans. In 1Kngs. 5;4, all of the enemies of David and Solomon are spoken of as satan. However, in the above mentioned verses this word saw-tawn’ (07854) is translated “adversary”, “adversaries”, and “withstand”. With this in mind the “saw-tawn” of Job 1:6-9,12 and Job 2:1-4,6-7, 10 is investigated…
In Job 1:6-9,12 and Job 2:1-4,6-7,10, it says Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} goes “to and fro in the earth” & “walking up and down in it”…
Job 1:6-9,12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, Whence comest thou? Then Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 12 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:1-4,6-7,10 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, From whence comest thou? And Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 6 And the LORD said unto Satan {07854 saw-tawn’}, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life. 7 So went Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
1Chronicles 21:1 And Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
Was it a person named “Satan” that stood up against Israel, or was it David’s adversaries?
WHAT GOES TO AND FRO & WALKS UP AND DOWN?
Two attributes of the word {07854 saw-tawn’} in the book of Job are: “from going to and fro” <07751> (8800) “in the earth” <0776>, and “from walking up and down” <01980> (8692) in it (Job 2:2, & 1:7-8). Therefore, the Bible is searched to find out: who/what goes “to and fro” <07751> (8800) “in the earth” <0776>, and “from walking up and down” <01980> (8692) in it. These exact Hebrew phrases are noted in the following verses.
2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro <07751> (8789) throughout the whole earth <0776>, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Psalms 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk <01980> (8692) before God in the light of the living?
Proverbs 6:20-24 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest <01980> (8692), it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 23 For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life: 24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Zechariah 1:8-12 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white. 9 Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be]. 10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These [are they] whom the LORD hath sent to walk <01980> (8692) to and fro through the earth <0776>. 11 And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro <01980> (8694) through the earth <0776>, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. 12 Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
Zechariah 6:1-8 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass. 2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; 3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. 4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord? 5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The black horses which [are] therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. 7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro <01980> (8692) through the earth <0776>: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro <01980> (8690) through the earth <0776>. So they walked to and fro <01980> (8691) through the earth <0776>. 8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
THE EYES OF THE LORD
2Chronicles 16:9, Psa. 56:13, Zec. 1:8-12, & Proverbs 6:20-24 indicate that “the eyes of the LORD” & mankind are described as “going to and fro” <07751> (8800) “in the earth” <0776>, and “from walking up and down” <01980> (8692) in it.
Therefore the relationship between “the eyes of the LORD” and “mankind” are further investigated. God’s observations of mankind clearly demand God’s righteous judgment which is based on His laws/commandments.
Proverbs 5:21; 15:3; 22:12 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. 15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
Amos 9:8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Job 34:21 For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
Ps 33:13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
Jeremiah 16:17; 32:19 For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.
Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
WORDS TRANSLATED AS ADVERSARY
The Hebrew words saw-tawn'{07854} and saw-tan'{07853} are transliterated (not tranlated) 19 times as Satan and translated 12 times as adversary. Therefore, other words which are translated adversary are investigated. This is especially appropriate when one considers that the Greek words Satanas {sat-an-as’ 4567} and sat-an'{4566} (which are of Aramaic origin) have their origin from the Hebrew word saw-tawn'{07854}, thus, giving a direct language correlation between these Greek and Hebrew words. In consideration of verses such as 2Cor..3:6-11, Gal.3:24, Eph. 2:13-16, Col.2:14, the adversaries of Mat.5:25, Lu.12:58, Phil.1:28, & 1Tim.5:14, can be viewed as God’s Law. In consideration of verses such as 1Pe.2:11, Rom.8:7, Jam. 1:14, 4:1, 4:4 & Mark 7:21-23, the adversaries of Gal.5:17 & 1Tim.1:10, can be viewed as the sinful nature of mankind. 1Cor. 15:56 clearly indicates a relationship between the law, sin, & death.
ANTIDIKOS (adversary)
476 antidikos {476 an-tid’-ee-kos} from 473 & 1349;n m, AV – adversary 5; total:5
Luke 12:58; 13:17; 18:3; 21:15 When thou goest with thine adversary {476 an-tid’-ee-kos} to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. 18:3 Luke And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary {476 an-tid’-ee-kos}. 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
ANTIKEIMAI (adversary)
480 antikeimai {480 an-tik’-i-mahee}; from 473 & 2749; v, AV – adversary 5, be contrary 2, oppose 1; total: 8
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary {476 an-tid’-ee-kos} quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary {476} deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
1Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries {480 an-tik’-i-mahee}.
2Cor. 3:6-11 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries {480 an-tik’-i-mahee}: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 5:17,19-21 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1Tim. 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} to sound doctrine;
1Tim. 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} to speak reproachfully.
2Thes. 2:3,4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth {480 an-tik’-i-mahee} and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
1Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].
Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
ECHTHRA (enmity)
2189 echthra {ekh’-thrah}; n f, , from 2190, AV – enmity 5, hatred 1; total:6
2190 echthros {ech-thros’}; from a primary echtho (to hate); hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); adj; AV – enemy 30, foe 2; total: 32
Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity {2189 echthra}, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity {2189 echthra} thereby:
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity {2189 echthra} against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity {2190 echthros} with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1Corinthians 15:25-26 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies {2190 echthros} under his feet. 26 The last enemy {2190 echthros} [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.
Matthew 13:39 The enemy {2190 echthros} that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
DEVIL/diabolos & ACCUSE/diaballo
Of the 38 times the Greek word Diabolos {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os} appears, it is transliterations (when a word is phonetically rendered rather than translated) 35 times as “devil” , translated 2 times as “false accuser”, and once as “slanderer”. Diaballo
{1225 dee-ab-al’-lo} appears once and is translated as “accuse”.
1228 diabolos {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os} from 1225; adj, AV – devil 35, false accuser 2, slanderer 1; total:38
1225 diaballo {dee-ab-al’-lo} from 1223 & 906; v, AV – accuse 1; total:1
Luke 4:33; 16:1 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean <169> devil {1140 dahee-mon’-ee-on}, and cried out with a loud voice, 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused {1225 dee-ab-al’-lo} unto him that he had wasted his goods.
1Timothy 3:2,6,11; 2Timothy. 3:2,3 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}. 11 Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, sober, faithful in all things. 2Timothy. 3:2,3 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary {476 an-tid’-ee-kos} the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Who and/or What Accuses?
Verses related to who and/or what accuses are investigated because the forms of the Greek word diabolos, when not transliterated are translated: “accused”, “false accuser”, and “slanderer”!
Genesis 3:12-14,17; 4:10 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life; 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Job 1:9 Then Satan {07854 saw-tawn’} answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Proverbs 5:21; 7:2,3; 15:3; 22:12 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. 7:2,3 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. 15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary {476 an-tid’-ee-kos} quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary {476} deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Matthew 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
Romans 2:1,12,15 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Romans 4:15; 5:20 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression. 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
2 Corinthians 3:3,6-11 [Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.
Titus 2:3; 3:11 The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Revelation 12:9-11 And the great dragon 1404 was cast out, that old serpent {3789 ophis}, called the Devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, and Satan {4567 sat-an-as’}, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Who blinds, hardens hearts, and enlightens?
The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign (Mat. 28:18,Isa 9:6-7, John 3:35) and “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph. 1:11), therefore, who is “the god {2316: theh’-os} of this world” who “hath blinded the minds of them which believe not” (2Cor. 4:4). Thus, the question:
Mark 4:11-12 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Romans 1:28-29 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Romans 7:10-11 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].
Romans 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.
Romans 11:7-8 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god {2316: theh’-os} of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God {2316: theh’-os}, should shine unto them.
2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Exodus 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
Another relevant question concerning the attributes of this word study is:
Who and/or what held/holds mankind captive?
(Who and/or what controls mankind?)
Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Jeremiah 31:11 For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.
Lamentations 3:1-19 I [am] the man [that] hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. 2 He hath led me, and brought [me into] darkness, but not [into] light. 3 Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand [against me] all the day. 4 My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones. 5 He hath builded against me, and compassed [me] with gall and travail. 6 He hath set me in dark places, as [they that be] dead of old. 7 He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. 8 Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. 9 He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked. 10 He [was] unto me [as] a bear lying in wait, [and as] a lion in secret places. 11 He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate. 12 He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. 13 He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins. 14 I was a derision to all my people; [and] their song all the day. 15 He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. 16 He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. 17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. 18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: 19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
Luke 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Psalms 19:13, 119:133 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan {4567 sat-an-as’} unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Romans 5:6,12-14,17,20-21 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:12,14,17-18,20-22 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 7:5-25 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me]. 12 Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 8:2-3 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Romans 16:17-17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal. 3:10,13,23,25 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal. 4:1-10; 24-25 Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [24-25] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal. 5:1,17 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
1 Cor. 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Cor.15:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
Colossians 1:13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
2 Tim 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jude 1:6 And the angels {32 ang’-el-os} which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the day.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
The Bible utilizes various metaphors when describing what we have been delivered from. When these metaphors are Biblically defined by comparing Scripture with Scripture great, they appear to usually be referring to our deliverance from the eternal condemnation demanded by the law of God. Therefore, verses concerning the relationships between sin, death, and the law are examined. (1Cor.15:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.)
The following verses indicate that sin results in death.
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
Romans 5:12; 6:23 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2Cor. 3:6-11 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.
The following verses indicate that God’s righteous law empowers sin with the authority and strength to bind, blind, kill, captivate, and destroy.
(The Law: Holy, Just, Good, and Lethal)
1Cor. 15:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.
Romans 5:13,20 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 7:5-13 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me]. 12 Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is]every one that hangeth on a tree:
Psalms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
The following verses indicate that the last enemy to be destroyed will be and has been destroyed through death, that is: “when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality” (1Cor. 15:25-26, 54).
1Cor. 15:25-26, 54 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies {2190 echthros} under his feet. 26 The last enemy {2190 echthros} [that] shall be destroyed [is] death. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Jn. 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}; for the devil {1228} sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil {1228}.
Romans 16:19-20 For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan {4567 sat-an-as’} under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Colossians 2:15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
The following verses further indicate that the power of death is always vested in God’s law which is an adversary to all violators (Heb. 2:14).
2Cor. 3:6-9 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
1 Sam. 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.
Psalms 68:20; 104:29 [He that is] our God [is] the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord [belong] the issues from death. 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Rev. 1:18 I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Biblical Personification of the Law
Proverbs 6:20-22 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest <01980> (8692), it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
Col. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Romans 3:21; But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Acts 7:37-38 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
- This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Rom.6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom. 7: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Biblical Personification of Sin and the Flesh
Psalms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me.
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Romans 5:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Romans 7:7-11 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].
Who or what “trembles”?
James 2:19 indicates that the devils {1140 dahee-mon’-ee-on} “believest that there is one God”, yet every other inference of “trembles” is related to God’s people.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils {1140 dahee-mon’-ee-on} also <2532> believe, and <2532> tremble.
Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
Ezra 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
Psalms 2:11; 119:120,161 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.119:120,161 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. 161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
Proverbs 28:14 Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Isaiah 50:10 Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
Isaiah 66:2,5 For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Jeremiah 33:9 And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
Habakkuk 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
Acts 9:6; 16:29-30 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 16:29-30 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Hebrews 12:20-21 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)
Serpent(s)
Who is/was the serpent of Genesis 3?
In Genesis 2:17, God declares: ‘in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die” (die:mooth). This exact Hebrew phrase (surely die)is contradicted by the serpent in Gen 3:4. The process of physical death may have begun “in that day” (Gen 2:17), the day of the transgression. For in Gen 5:5, God declares that the actual physical death (mooth) did not transpire until Adam was 930 years old rather then “in the day”. Spiritual death may have been executed the day of the transgression. Nevertheless, the physical and spiritual consequence of this transgression is lighted by the promise and action spoken of in Gen. 3:15 & 3:21. Henceforth, the duel nature of the serpent’s deception.
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Who is compared to this serpent?
Psalms 58:3-4 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. 4 Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;
Psalms 140:1-3 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison [is] under their lips. Selah.
Proverbs 30:18-19 There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: 19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
Isaiah 59:4-5 None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. 5 They hatch cockatrice‘ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents {3789 ophis}, and harmless as doves.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents {3789 ophis} and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy {2190 echthros}: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent {3789 ophis} in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up
Rom. 3:13 Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips
Revelation 12:9-11 And the great dragon 1404 was cast out, that old serpent {3789 ophis}, called the Devil {1228 dee-ab’-ol-os}, and Satan {4567 sat-an-as’}, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Where is mankind’s battle warring?
Romans 6:12-16,19; 7:23; 8:13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
2 Cor. 10:2-7 But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ’s, even so [are] we Christ’s.
Galatians 5:17,24 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Col. 3:5,8-10,12a Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 12a Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…
1 Tim. 6:9-10; 2Tim. 2:2-7 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 2Tim. 2:2-7 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
James 4:1 From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
What are some of the aspects of the wickedness (4190,4189) which involve mankind?
2032 epouranios {ep-oo-ran’-ee-os} from 1909 & 3772; adj AV – heavenly 16, celestial 2, in heaven 1, high 1; total:20
4190 poneros {pon-ay-ros’} from a derivative of 4192; adj AV – evil 51, wicked 10, wicked one 6, evil things 2, misc 7; total:76 (The word is used in the nominative case in Mt. 6:13.)
4189 poneria {pon-ay-ree’-ah} from 4190; n f, AV – wickedness 6, iniquity 1; total:7
Ephesians 6:12,16 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness {4189 poneria} in high {2032 epouranios} [places]. 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked {4190 poneros}.
Ephesians 2:2,6 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly {2032 epouranios} [places] in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly {2032 epouranios} [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness {4189 poneria}, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye {4190 poneros}, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things {4190 poneros} come from within, and defile the man.
Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness {4189 poneria}.
Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities {4189 poneria}.
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness {4189 poneria}, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy {5355 phthonos}, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Hebrews 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness {4189 poneria}; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
1 John 2:18,22 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. [22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
The following verses clearly indicate that it is God who is responsible for many of the things we tend to attribute to the being called Satan.
1. God tears/heals, smittens/binds up (Hosea 6:1)
Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
2. God devours like a lion (Hosea 13:8)
Hosea 13:8 I will meet them as a bear [that is] bereaved [of her whelps], and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.
3. God wounds, afflicts, strickens, bruises, smites, makes sore/heals, kills/makes alive, declaring:”there is no god with me” (Deut. 32:39, 1Sam. 2:6, Jer. 31:28, Job 5:18, Isa. 53:10)
Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.
1 Samuel 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Jeremiah 31:28 And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.
Job 5:18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
4. God forms the light, creates/causes darkness (Isa. 45:7; Jer. 13:16; Ex. 10:21, 14:10)
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].
Jeremiah 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, [and] make [it] gross darkness.
Exodus 10:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt.
Exodus 14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness [to them], but it gave light by night [to these]: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
5. God makes peace, maketh the dumb/deaf/seeing/blind (Exodus 4:11)
Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
6. God sends sore judgments upon Jerusalem (the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast) (Ez. 14:21)
Ezekiel 14:21 For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
7. God sends evil spirits (Judges 9:23, 1Sam. 16:14, 18:10, 19:9-10)
Judges 9:23 Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:
1Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
1Samuel 18:10; 19:9-10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul’s hand. [19:9-10] And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand. 10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
8. God sends evil angels (Psalms 78:49)
Psalms 78:49; 90:3 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels [among them]. 90:3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
9. God shoots arrows/darts, break bones (Lam. 3:12-13, Nu. 24:8-9, Deut. 32:22)
Lamentations 3:12-13 He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. 13 He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
Numbers 24:8-9 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.
Deuteronomy 32:23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
10. God heaps mischief (Deut. 32:23)
Deuteronomy 32:23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
11. God breaks in pieces the horse, nations, chariot, rider, man/woman, old/young, young man/maid, shepherd/flock, husbandman/yoke of oxen, captains/rulers (Jer. 51:20-23)
Jeremiah 51:20-23 Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; 21 And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; 22 With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; 23 I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.
12. God turnest man to destruction (Psalms 90:3)
Psalms 90:3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
13. God is as a moth/rottenness (Hos. 5:12)
Hosea 5:12 Therefore [will] I [be] unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness.
14. God feeds and makes drunk with worm wood, giving water of gall to drink (Lam. 3:15, Jer. 9:15)
Lamentations 3:15 He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.
Jeremiah 9:15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
15. God creates/brings evil (calamity) (Isa. 45:7, Jer. 18:8, Job 2:10, Amos 3:6)
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].
Jeremiah 18:8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?
Conclusions:
God takes credit for many of the things that we attribute to “invisible spirit beings”. Also, man needs to take the blame for many things he attributes to evil “invisible spirit beings”. Every man and woman has an evil spirit in them (our hearts are naturally bent towards evil). God declares it and that should settle it:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” [Jeremiah 17:9]
REFERENCES
The majority of the Bible quotes, including Strong’s numbers are taken from the KJV text of the On-Line Bible software program (http://www.online-bible.com/index.html).
[1] – The Interlinear Bible, Jay P. Green, Sr., copyright 1986. Note: this bible uses “The Literal Translation Of The Bible in its English text, Jay P. Green, Sr., copyright 1985.
Related information on Bible translation of angels, devils & Satan:
