The devil does not have a single personal name in the Bible. His primary name is Satan, meaning “adversary,” and he is also called the devil, meaning “slanderer.” Other titles like the serpent and Beelzebul reveal his character and his role as God’s opponent.
The devil’s names in Scripture
The Bible uses several names for the devil, each revealing something about his character and role. The most common are “Satan” and “the devil,” but there are others that appear in different contexts.
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
Here you see the devil called by multiple names: the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, and Satan. Each title shows a different side of his character. The name “Satan” appears over 50 times in the Old and New Testaments, always referring to an adversary or accuser. “Devil” comes from the Greek word diabolos, which means slanderer or one who falsely accuses.
Satan: the adversary
The name Satan is used throughout Scripture to describe the chief enemy of God and his people. It is a title that describes his role as the accuser and opponent.
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
The devil: the slanderer
The word “devil” is used about 35 times in the New Testament. It highlights his activity of slandering God and God’s people. In the book of Job, Satan accuses Job before God, showing his role as a prosecutor.
Now on the day when God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, Satan also came among them.
— Job 1:6Gospel Mount Prayer GuideNeed words for prayer today?
This 30-day guide gives you Scripture, reflection, prayer, and simple daily steps.
Daily prayersScripture reflectionsSimple stepsStart the Journey Instant PDF download
The serpent: the deceiver
In Genesis, the devil appears as a serpent who deceives Eve. It points to his cunning and how he first led humanity into sin.
Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?”
— Genesis 3:1
Beelzebul: the lord of the flies
In the Gospels, Jesus is accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This name likely evolved from a Philistine god and became a title for Satan in Jewish tradition.
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
Lucifer: the morning star
The name Lucifer appears only once in the King James Version of the Bible, in Isaiah 14:12. It translates the Hebrew word “helel,” meaning “shining one” or “morning star.” This passage is directed at the king of Babylon, but many Christians see it as describing the fall of Satan.
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!
— Isaiah 14:12
Most modern translations use “Day Star” or “Morning Star” instead of Lucifer.
Is Jesus’ Name Emmanuel?
You might wonder if the devil has a name like “Emmanuel,” but that name belongs to Jesus alone. Emmanuel means “God with us,” and it is a prophetic name for the Messiah.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
— Matthew 1:23
Need words for prayer today?
Find a Scripture-shaped prayer for anxiety, family, grief, healing, guidance, gratitude, and days when words are hard to find.
You might be confused because people associate names with power or identity. But the Bible is clear: Emmanuel is a name for Jesus. The devil is never called “Emmanuel” in any biblical context. If you hear someone claim otherwise, you can gently point to this verse.
Who created the devil in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that God created all things, including the angels. The devil was originally a good angel who rebelled against God. He became evil through his own choice.
You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.
— Ezekiel 28:15
Many see this as describing the fall of Lucifer. God created him perfect, but pride led to his downfall. God created a beautiful angel who chose to rebel. Evil is a corruption of what was good.
For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.
— Colossians 1:16
This verse includes everything spiritual, so God is the ultimate Creator of the angel who became Satan. But the fall was the devil’s own doing.
Is the word devil in the Bible?
Yes, the word “devil” appears many times in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. It translates the Greek diabolos
, meaning slanderer or accuser. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “Satan” is used, and it is often translated as “adversary.”
He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.
— Zechariah 3:1
The concept of a personal adversary is present in the Old Testament through the word “Satan.” In the New Testament, both “Satan” and “devil” appear regularly. The word “devil” appears many times, especially in the New Testament.
How did the devil die?
The short answer is: the devil has not died yet. According to Scripture, he is still active but will face final judgment. His death is not described as a physical death like a human’s; instead, he will be thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
Pray one day at a time.
A gentle Scripture and prayer guide for tired hearts seeking strength, peace and guidance.
The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
— Revelation 20:10
Some people ask whether the devil died on the cross or was defeated there. The Bible says Jesus disarmed the powers of evil through his death (Colossians 2:15), but the devil was not literally killed. He continues to operate until his final defeat at the end of time. So no, the devil has not died; his destruction is future.
Nicknames for the devil
Here is a list of the main names and titles the Bible uses for the devil. Each one shows how he operates.
- Satan – Adversary, accuser (Job 1:6)
- Devil – Slanderer (Matthew 4:1)
- Serpent – Deceiver (Genesis 3:1)
- Dragon – Destroyer (Revelation 12:9)
- Beelzebul – Lord of the flies, prince of demons (Matthew 12:24)
- Lucifer – Morning star, but only in some translations (Isaiah 14:12)
- The tempter – One who tempts people to sin (Matthew 4:3)
- The evil one – Personification of evil (Matthew 6:13)
- The father of lies – Originator of falsehood (John 8:44)
- Prince of the power of the air – Ruler over the spiritual world of rebellion (Ephesians 2:2)
- The god of this world – One who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4)
These are biblical descriptions that help you recognize his work and resist him.
Devil names for a boy
You might be looking for names associated with the devil. Some parents might look for unique or strong names, but you should be careful. The devil is the enemy of God, and naming a child after him is not honoring to God.
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
— Philippians 4:8
Names like “Lucifer” (light-bringer) are sometimes used for boys, but because of the strong association with Satan, it’s unwise to use them. Other names like “Damien” have been associated with evil in popular culture, though the name itself is not biblical. If you are choosing a name for a child, consider a name that points to Christ or godly virtues.
Devil meaning
The word “devil” comes from the Greek diabolos, which means “slanderer” or “one who throws accusations.” This helps us understand how he works. He is a personal slanderer who accuses God to humans and humans to God.
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
The devil’s primary activity is accusation. He tries to make you feel condemned and separated from God. But the gospel tells you that Jesus is your advocate, and his death silences every accusation. The meaning of the devil’s name reminds you to stand on God’s grace.
Questions people ask
What is the devil's main name in the Bible?
The devil's main name in the Bible is Satan, which means "adversary." Additionally, he is called the devil, meaning "slanderer," and other titles like the serpent and Beelzebul. These names reveal his character and his role as God's opponent.
Who created the devil?
God created all things, including the angels. The being who became the devil was originally a holy angel who chose to rebel against God. So God did not create an evil being; He created a good angel who became evil through his own pride.
Will the devil be destroyed?
According to the Bible, the devil has not yet died. He will be thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death, at the end of time. This is an eternal punishment, not annihilation.
What does the name "devil" mean?
The word "devil" comes from the Greek word diabolos, meaning "slanderer" or "false accuser." This shows his role as one who accuses God's people and spreads lies. The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word "Satan" with a similar meaning of adversary.
Find a prayer for the moment you are facing.
Use the quick-find guide to turn straight to prayers for home, healing, decisions, forgiveness, protection, and more.