Satan
/ˈseɪtən/
noun
Origin
Hebrew
śṭn — to oppose, be an adversary
Overview
Meaning Now
- The principal evil spirit in Abrahamic religions; the devil.
- An adversary or accuser.
Literal older meaning
adversary, accuser
Language path
Hebrew → Koine Greek → Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
שָׂטָן (śāṭān)
Earliest period
8th century BCE
Journey
The term originated in the Hebrew Bible as a descriptive title for anyone who acts as an adversary. It was not originally a proper name for a singular demonic entity, but rather a role played by beings (such as the angel in Numbers 22:22). Over time, particularly in intertestamental literature, the title evolved into a proper name for the personification of evil.
Evolution
- 8th century BCE (Hebrew)
śāṭān
“adversary, opponent”
Common noun used for human or divine opposition.
- 3rd century BCE (Greek)
satán
“adversary”
Transliterated in the Septuagint.
- 1st century CE (Greek/Latin)
satanas
“The Devil”
Personified as a specific supernatural entity.
- 12th century (Old French)
Satan
“The adversary of God”
Adopted into Middle English via ecclesiastical Latin.
Connections
Word parts
Satan
root
adversary
Related across languages
Aramaic
sāṭānā
adversary
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Related to Satan
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.