← G4565 G4567 →

Σατᾶν

Satân

G4566 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A personal name, primarily designating an adversarial figure or supernatural opponent. In Koine Greek texts, Σατᾶν (Satân) is used as a transliteration from Hebrew, typically referring to a specific supernatural adversary: either an accuser in the divine council or, in later and New Testament contexts, a singular spiritual adversary opposed to divine purposes. The term does not inherently denote 'the devil' as a title but rather denotes an accuser, opponent, or adversary within both human and spiritual contexts. In New Testament usage, it is almost always used in a definite sense for a supernatural adversary.

Semantic Range

adversary (human or supernatural), accuser (in legal or heavenly sense), the supernatural opponent in later Judaism and earliest Christianity; later treated as a personal name for the principal opponent of God

Root / Etymology

From Hebrew שָׂטָן (śāṭān), meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser.' Transliterated directly into Greek due to lack of a native term with equivalent connotation. Related: see also Σατανᾶς (Satanas), a later Graecized form.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Earliest appearances of the term are in the Septuagint, where Σατᾶν is used as a transliteration rather than as a Greek translation, generally referring to an opponent—human or supernatural (e.g., Numbers 22:22; Job 1–2; Zechariah 3:1–2). In the Hebrew Bible, the term initially refers to a functional role as an accuser or adversary within heavenly or earthly courts, not a personal name. By the Second Temple period and in New Testament texts, the term evolves into a title and a virtual proper noun for a defined supernatural adversary, often equated with the opponent of God's purposes. English translations typically render Σατᾶν as 'Satan,' and sometimes as 'the devil'; however, 'devil' reflects interpretive tradition rather than the lexical meaning of the term in original contexts. Contrast with διάβολος (diabolos), which is a Greek term meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser,' and sometimes used synonymously but with different etymological roots. Σατᾶν appears less frequently than Σατανᾶς in the New Testament and is essentially equivalent in sense but distinct in form; Σατανᾶς is a more Hellenized adaptation of the Hebraic original.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (שָׂטָן); Satan, i.e. the devil:--Satan. Compare Σατανᾶς.

Root Family

Σατᾶν (Satan) — adversary, opponent, accuser

Root Σατᾶν adversary, opponent, accuser

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4566-03 Σατανᾶς satanas N NOM M SG Satan the Adversary Satan 17
G4566-01 Σατανᾶ satana N VOC M SG Satan Adversary! Satan 15
G4566-02 Σατανᾶν satanan N ACC M SG Satan the Adversary Satan 4

Occurrences in Scripture

36 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4566-01 Matthew 4:10 Σατανᾶ satana N VOC M SG Satan Adversary! Satan
G4566-03 Matthew 12:26 Σατανᾶς satanas N NOM M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-02 Matthew 12:26 Σατανᾶν satanan N ACC M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-01 Matthew 16:23 Σατανᾶ satana N VOC M SG Satan Adversary! Satan
G4566-01 Mark 1:13 Σατανᾶ satana N GEN M SG Satan Adversary! Satan
G4566-03 Mark 3:23 Σατανᾶς satanas N NOM M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-02 Mark 3:23 Σατανᾶν satanan N ACC M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-03 Mark 3:26 Σατανᾶς satanas N NOM M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-03 Mark 4:15 Σατανᾶς satanas N NOM M SG Satan the Adversary Satan
G4566-01 Mark 8:33 Σατανᾶ satana N VOC M SG Satan Adversary! Satan
← G4565 Greek Lexicon G4567 →