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שָׂטַן (sa.tan)

sa.tan

to oppose

H7853 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb satan means to oppose or act as an adversary. It describes a person who resists another, often in a legal or confrontational setting. This word appears only five times in the Old Testament, making it rare but significant for understanding specific biblical narratives.

In most instances, the term refers to human opponents. For example, David uses it to describe those who rise up against him (1 Samuel 29:4), and Chronicles mentions officials opposing King Solomon during his reign (1 Kings 11:14, 23). These passages show satan as a functional role rather than a proper name.

The most notable occurrence is in Zechariah 3:1-2, where "the satan" stands to accuse Joshua the high priest before the angel of the Lord. Here, the word functions as a title for a heavenly prosecutor challenging the priesthood. This usage highlights the legal imagery common in prophetic literature, where divine justice involves accusation and defense.

Translators typically render satan as "adversary" or "opponent" to preserve its descriptive nature. The definite article "the" in Zechariah suggests a specific office rather than a unique being. This distinction helps readers understand that the concept of Satan as a personal devil developed later in Jewish and Christian theology, distinct from this earlier Hebrew usage.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word satán describes the act of opposing or standing against someone, often in a legal or confrontational context. In the Old Testament, it is used sparingly to describe human enemies who rise up against God’s people or His anointed leaders. This usage grounds the concept in real-world conflict rather than abstract mythology, showing that opposition is a familiar part of the biblical narrative.

One striking example appears in Zechariah 3, where the satan stands as an accuser before the angel of the Lord. Here, the term functions as a title for a heavenly prosecutor challenging Joshua the high priest. This scene highlights the legal imagery common in prophetic literature, where divine justice involves accusation and defense. It reminds us that even in spiritual conflicts, God remains the ultimate judge.

Understanding this word helps us see that opposition is not always personal or malicious; sometimes it serves a purpose in testing faithfulness. When you face adversity, remember that God sees your heart and defends those who trust in Him. This perspective brings comfort, knowing that no adversary stands outside His sovereign oversight.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • accusers/ my2×
  • to/ accuse/ him1×
  • they accuse/ me1×
  • [the] accusers of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • שׂוֹטְנַ֣/י1×
  • שֹׂטְנֵ֪י1×
  • שֹׂ֭טְנַ/י1×
  • לְ/שִׂטְנֽ/וֹ\׃1×
  • יִשְׂטְנ֗וּ/נִי1×

Key Verses

  • Zechariah 3:1
    He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

    This verse uses the word to describe a heavenly prosecutor challenging Joshua the high priest, highlighting its role in divine legal imagery.

  • Psalms 109:4
    In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer.

    David contrasts his enemies' hostility with his own prayerful response, showing how the word frames spiritual resilience.

  • Psalms 71:13
    Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.

    The psalmist calls for shame upon those who oppose him, using the term to emphasize God’s justice against false accusers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word satan mean?

The word satán means to oppose, resist, or act as an adversary. It is used in the Old Testament to describe human opponents or heavenly figures who challenge others, often in legal or confrontational settings.

Is satan always a proper name for the devil?

No. In most Old Testament passages, satán is a common noun meaning 'adversary' or 'opponent.' It refers to human enemies or a heavenly prosecutor, not necessarily a personal devil. The concept of Satan as a unique evil being developed later in Jewish and Christian theology.

Where does the word satan appear in the Bible?

It appears five times in the Old Testament, including Zechariah 3:1, where the satan accuses Joshua the high priest. It also appears in Psalms and Chronicles, describing human adversaries of David, Solomon, or other leaders.

How is satan different from other words for enemy?

While satán can mean 'enemy,' it specifically emphasizes opposition in a legal or confrontational sense. Other Hebrew words for enemy, like oyev, are more general and do not carry the same judicial connotation.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)

Psalms 4 verses
Psalms 71:13

Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.

Psalms 109:4

In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer.

Psalms 109:20

This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh, of those who speak evil against my soul.

Psalms 109:29

Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor. Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.

Zechariah 1 verse