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

What is Satan:

The word Satan comes from the Hebrew satan , which means 'enemy', 'opponent' or 'adversary'. It does not necessarily refer to a character, but to that which is associated with evil and temptation, that is, that which separates the person from the spiritual path, which hinders good and openly opposes it.

According to some scholars, the belief in the duality between good and evil come from the Persian culture, more specifically from the teachings of Zarathustra, the forerunner of monotheism. In this way, the belief in an "adversary of God" or "satan" would have reached Jewish culture. Consequently, Satan appears referred to in the books of the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Although the term does not originally allude to a character, in tradition Satan is personified and associated with Lucifer, the fallen angel who pretended to become God. Both voices are identified with the devil. Diablo comes from the Greek word diabolos , formed in turn from the particles dia , which means 'through', and ballein , which means 'to throw or throw'. Together, these particles take on the meaning of 'he who divides', 'he who separates' and, finally, 'he who slanders'.

Satan is also embodied in the book of Job, one of the Old Testament wisdom books. In this book, Satan acts as an accusing angel of men. Thus, he makes a deal with Yahveh to allow him to tempt them and demonstrate their little spiritual worth. Convinced that he will win, God allows him to tempt Job, who is victorious.

The tendency to personify Satan is sharpened from interpretations of the New Testament. In this book, he is repeatedly referred to as “prince of this world” or “enemy of Christ”, which reinforces the image of Satan as a being with a will, that is, a person or character.

See also The Bible.

Difference between Satan and devil

Some interpretations have tended to confuse Satan with the notion of the devil, from which he absolutely differs. This fact derives from the evangelical narratives in which Jesus frees the sick from "demons". However, they are not equivalent concepts.

The word demon comes from the Greek daimon , which means 'genius' or 'spirit' not personified. In ancient thought, it was believed that people could be taken by this genius or spirit and act on their behavior. Such a spirit could be either evil or benign without distinction.

See also Demon.