Σατανᾶς
Satanâs
G4567
SILEX Entry
Definition
Personal name used to denote an adversarial figure, transliterated from Semitic languages; in Koine Greek texts, refers especially to a cosmic adversary who opposes the purposes of God. Semantic range includes: (1) a supernatural adversary, especially in a judicial or accusatory role; (2) a distinct being opposed to God and humanity; (3) by extension, one who opposes, with the sense of 'enemy' or 'opponent' in rare, general usage.
Semantic Range
personal name for a supernatural adversary (Satan); adversary or accuser (esp. in legal or hostile contexts), opponent, cosmic enemy, the devil (in later tradition)
Root / Etymology
Borrowed into Greek from Aramaic (שָׂטָנָא, satana') and ultimately Hebrew (שָׂטָן, śāṭān), meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser.' In Greek, the spelling is adapted to local phonology; not a native Greek word.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Σατανᾶς is not a Greek coinage but an adaptation of a Semitic term. In the Septuagint, the underlying Hebrew שָׂטָן often means 'adversary' (sometimes human), but the proper name form (with the article or definite affix) progressively becomes a title or personal name for a supernatural opponent. In Second Temple literature (including apocalyptic works), Σατανᾶς is personified as an arch-enemy of God and humanity—this is the dominant usage in the New Testament, e.g. in the Synoptic Gospels, Paul, and Revelation. The standard English translation 'Satan' reflects the personal name, but nuances of 'accuser' and 'enemy' may be present in contexts with allusions to courtroom or hostile encounter. In later Christian usage, Σατανᾶς is further identified with the devil, but in earliest usage, the category of a cosmic accuser or adversary may overlap with or differ from other supernatural opponents (e.g., διάβολος, 'slanderer'). The Greek ὁ διάβολος and Σατανᾶς are sometimes used interchangeably, but originate from different metaphors (slender/accuser vs. adversarial opponent).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Chaldee origin corresponding to מַעְבָּד (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil:--Satan.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.