שָׂטָן
Word Study Guide: Satan (Old Testament Hebrew)
About
Transliteration
sah-tahn
Strongs
H7854
Definition
Adversary, accuser; often refers to the demonic entity, Satan.
Related Greek Words
σατανᾶς (Satanas - G4567), διάβολος (diabolos - G1228)
Original Language Overview
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Hebrew Word: שָׂטָן
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Transliteration: śāṭān
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Translation/Definition: Adversary, accuser; often refers to the demonic entity, Satan.
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Strong's Number: H7854
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Meaning: The root of שָׂטָן (śāṭān) means "to oppose," "to be an adversary," or "to accuse." It can refer to a human opponent or antagonist (e.g., in war, in court). However, in specific and prominent instances, especially when used with the definite article (הַשָּׂטָן - haśśāṭān, "the Satan"), it designates the chief spiritual adversary of God and humanity. In this latter sense, it highlights his role as one who stands in opposition to God's purposes, seeks to thwart His will, and brings accusations against God's people.
Significant Occurrences in Scripture
- Numbers 22:22: "But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary (שָׂטָן)." (Here, it refers to the angel of the Lord acting as an impediment or adversary to Balaam).
- Job 1:6: "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (הַשָּׂטָן) also came among them." (Introduces the figure of the cosmic accuser in the heavenly court).
- Job 1:9: "Then Satan (הַשָּׂטָן) answered the Lord and said, 'Does Job fear God for no reason?'" (Illustrates Satan's role as one who challenges the integrity of God's servant).
- Psalm 109:6: "Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser (שָׂטָן) stand at his right hand." (Refers to a human adversary or accuser in a judicial context).
- Zechariah 3:1: "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan (הַשָּׂטָן) standing at his right hand to accuse him." (Depicts Satan in his role as the accuser of God's people).
- 1 Chronicles 21:1: "Satan (שָׂטָן) stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel." (Presents Satan as an entity that directly tempts and incites sin).
Related Words
- Hebrew:
- שָׂטַן (śāṭan) - H7853: This is the verbal form of the root, meaning "to be an adversary," "to oppose," or "to accuse." It describes the action of being a śāṭān.
- Greek (New Testament and Septuagint):
- σατανᾶς (Satanas) - G4567: This is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew שָׂטָן (śāṭān) into Greek. It is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to the devil (e.g., Matthew 4:10, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9).
- διάβολος (diabolos) - G1228: Devil, slanderer, accuser. This Greek word is often used in the New Testament as a proper name for Satan (e.g., Matthew 4:1, John 8:44, James 4:7). It directly translates the concept of "accuser" inherent in שָׂטָן (śāṭān) and is the most common Septuagint (LXX) translation of the Hebrew term.
Septuagint (LXX) Equivalents
When translating the Hebrew word שָׂטָן (śāṭān) into Greek, the Septuagint (LXX) most frequently uses:
- διάβολος (diabolos) - G1228: Devil, slanderer, accuser. This is the primary rendering for שָׂטָן (śāṭān) when it refers to the demonic adversary (e.g., in Job 1-2, Zechariah 3:1-2).
- Other, less common translations for instances where שָׂטָן (śāṭān) refers to a human adversary might include words related to opposition or plotting, but διάβολος (diabolos) is the significant and dominant equivalent when the spiritual being is in view.