Meaning of demon (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Demon:

Demon is a word that comes from the Greek daimon , which means 'genius' or 'spirit' not personified. This genius or spirit can also be understood as a force, but never as a person with a will or with a character.

Due to the fact that the Gospels tell different stories about exorcisms practiced by Jesus, the belief has spread that demons are always negative or devilish forces or are the devil himself. However, this is a fairly widespread error. Demons are not always evil and should not be confused with the personification of the devil.

Demons, geniuses, or spirits, contrary to popular belief, can be good or bad. In the realm of spiritual beliefs, demons, as a non- personalized force, are believed to act through people in the form of possession, and therefore can propel them both to creation and destruction, both good as well as evil. Now, in both cases, the "demon" must be released so that the possessed person can again use his will and freedom.

In Jesus' time, epilepsy was considered a demon, since it supplanted the subject's will and conscience. In the same way, many diseases that generated this effect in people were held by demonic forces.

This type of force must be distinguished from the concept of the devil. The word devil always alludes to that or that which divides, which separates or which slanders. Many times it is personified through the figures of Satan or Lucifer, 'adversary' of God and man. Instead, a demon, genius, or spirit has no entity of its own, plans, or will. Therefore, it does not constitute a character.

See also:

• Satan, Lucifer, Bible.