The primary names for the devil in the Bible are Satan and the devil. The first means “adversary,” while the second comes from the Greek word “diabolos,” meaning “slanderer.” The Bible also uses many other titles—such as the tempter, the accuser, and the father of lies—to reveal his true character and tactics. God’s Word uses specific names for the devil to show who he really is, far beyond cultural nicknames like ‘old scratch’.
What does the name ‘Satan’ really mean?
The word “Satan” comes from a Hebrew term meaning “adversary” or “opponent.” In the Old Testament, it describes anyone who opposes someone else—including human enemies—but it becomes a specific title for the chief adversary of God and His people. In the book of Job, Satan appears in heaven as an accuser:
Now on the day when God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, Satan also came among them.
— Job 1:6
This shows Satan is an accuser and opponent. The name itself tells you what he does: he stands against God’s purposes and against you. But the Bible doesn’t stop there. It gives you many other names to help you recognize his tactics.
In Zechariah, Satan stands to accuse the high priest Joshua, but the Lord rebukes him:
He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. Yahweh said to Satan, “Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”
— Zechariah 3:1-2
Satan is real, but he is not all-powerful. God rebukes him, and you can rely on God’s protection.
Exploring Satan’s names in the Bible
When the Bible speaks of “Satan,” it often uses this as the primary proper name for the devil. But the New Testament also uses the Greek word “diabolos,” translated as “devil,” meaning “slanderer” or “accuser.” These names show he is both the adversary who opposes you and the accuser who slanders you before God.
The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
— Revelation 12:9
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So when you read “Satan” or “the devil” in your Bible, know that you are dealing with the same enemy. His final defeat is certain.
The many names of Satan in the Bible
Scripture gives the devil many names, each revealing a different tactic he uses. Here are some of the most significant ones, along with what they mean for your spiritual life.
The Tempter
In Matthew 4, when Jesus was in the wilderness, the devil came to Him as “the tempter.”
The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
— Matthew 4:3
He uses this role to tempt people to sin. He knows your weaknesses and will try to lure you away from obedience. But remember, Jesus resisted him with Scripture, and so can you.
Beelzebub
The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by “Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” This name likely originated from a Philistine god (“Baal-Zebub”), but in the Bible it becomes a nickname for Satan himself.
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.”
— Matthew 12:24
While this nickname is used by Christ’s opponents, Jesus doesn’t reject the association. He points out that a house divided cannot stand. The name Beelzebub carries the idea of a ruler of evil spirits, Satan commands a kingdom of darkness.
Belial
The term “Belial” describes wicked or worthless people in the Old Testament, then becomes a name for Satan in the New Testament.
What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
— 2 Corinthians 6:15
Belial means “worthlessness” or “lawlessness.” The devil stands for everything against God’s order. He is corruption and lawlessness made personal.
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The Accuser of the Brethren
In Revelation, Satan is called “the accuser of our brothers.”
I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.
— Revelation 12:10
His nickname “Accuser” reveals that he constantly tries to bring charges against you before God. But Christ is your advocate, silencing every accusation.
The Father of Lies
Jesus gave the devil one of his most telling nicknames when speaking to the religious leaders:
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.
— John 8:44
Deception is the devil’s native language. He twists the truth, and he will try to make you doubt God’s Word. Don’t let him.
The Roaring Lion
Peter uses a vivid metaphor to describe the devil’s predatory nature:
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
— 1 Peter 5:8
He is powerful, aggressive, and looking for victims. But you are called to resist him, firm in your faith. Hold your ground.
The Ancient Serpent
In Revelation, the devil is identified with the serpent from the Garden of Eden:
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He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years,
— Revelation 20:2
This nickname connects him to the original deception of Eve. His tactics haven’t changed. He still questions God’s goodness and twists His commands.
Prince of the Power of the Air
Paul describes Satan as the ruler of the spiritual domain of rebellion:
in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience.
— Ephesians 2:2
He influences the world system and those who reject God. But as a believer, you have been transferred out of his domain and into Christ’s kingdom.
Old and new nicknames for the devil
Some popular nicknames for the devil in Western culture—like “Old Nick” or “Old Scratch”—are not found in the Bible. They come from folklore and literature rather than Scripture. The Bible presents him as a real, personal, and dangerous enemy, not a comical figure from folklore. When you hear these cultural nicknames, remember that the Bible’s names—Satan, devil, tempter, liar—are the ones that truly describe his character. He is a fallen angel who seeks to destroy.
Who is Satan? A biblical portrait
Beyond his names, the Bible tells you who Satan is. He was originally an angel created by God, but he fell because of pride. Isaiah describes his downfall:
How you have fallen from heaven, shining one, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, “I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north!
— Isaiah 14:12-13
Ezekiel also points to his original beauty and subsequent corruption:
“Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “You were the seal of full measure, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. They were prepared in the day that you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers. Then I set you up on the holy mountain of God. You have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire. You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.
— Ezekiel 28:12-15
Satan is a real being who chose to rebel. His names teach you about his nature, but his destiny is sealed: he will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
Questions people ask
What is the devil’s most common nickname in the Bible?
The most common name for the devil is Satan, which means “adversary.” The Bible also frequently uses the title “the devil,” which comes from the Greek word “diabolos,” meaning “slanderer.”
What does the name “Satan” mean?
The name “Satan” comes from a Hebrew term meaning “adversary” or “opponent.” It describes an enemy who stands in opposition to God and His people.
What are some other names used for the devil in Scripture?
Scripture uses several names to describe his character, including the Tempter, Beelzebub, Belial, the Accuser of the Brethren, the Father of Lies, the Roaring Lion, and the Ancient Serpent.
Are “Old Scratch” or “Old Nick” biblical names?
No. These are cultural nicknames found in folklore and literature rather than in the Bible. Scripture presents the devil as a real, personal, and dangerous enemy.
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