Brief overview of διάβολος (G1228: diabolos)

Transliteration: diabolos (pronounced dee-AH-bo-los)
Part of Speech: Masculine noun

The Greek word διάβολος (diabolos) is derived from the verb διαβάλλω (diaballō), which means “to slander” or “to accuse falsely.” The noun διάβολος thus carries the meaning of “slanderer,” “accuser,” or “one who brings charges against.” In the context of the New Testament, διάβολος is most commonly used as a title for Satan, the adversary of God and humanity, emphasizing his role as the accuser and deceiver. The word can also be used in a more general sense to describe anyone who slanders or falsely accuses others.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 4:1
   “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (διάβολος, diabolos).”
2. 1 Peter 5:8
   “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil (διάβολος, diabolos) prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
3. John 6:70
   “Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil (διάβολος, diabolos).”

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διάβολος (diabolos) is primarily defined as “the adversary” or “the devil,” particularly in reference to Satan. The lexicon emphasizes the role of διάβολος as the accuser or slanderer, highlighting the word’s connection to false accusation and deceit. BDAG also notes that the term is used metaphorically in certain contexts to describe individuals who exhibit slanderous or deceptive behavior, as seen in John 6:70, where Judas Iscariot is referred to as a διάβολος.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines διάβολος as “prone to slander” or “accusing falsely.” Thayer’s highlights the word’s usage as a title for Satan, stressing his role as the adversary and accuser of humanity. The lexicon also mentions the broader application of the term to describe anyone who engages in slander or false accusation.

The LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) lexicon provides a broader classical context for διάβολος, noting that the word was used in ancient Greek literature to describe someone who slanders or falsely accuses others. The term was not originally limited to a supernatural being but was applied more generally to anyone who engaged in such behavior.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus, Histories 5.72 – In Herodotus’s Histories, the word διάβολος is used to describe individuals who spread false accusations, particularly in the context of political intrigue and rivalry.
2. Plato, Laws 934d – Plato uses διάβολος in Laws to describe someone who slanders others, especially in a legal or judicial setting. The term is associated with deceit and dishonesty in the context of false accusations.
3. Aeschylus, Eumenides 775 – In Aeschylus’s Eumenides, διάβολος is used metaphorically to describe the destructive nature of slander and false accusation, emphasizing the harm it causes to individuals and society.

Summary

The Greek word διάβολος (diabolos) is a powerful term that conveys the idea of slander, false accusation, and deceit. Rooted in the verb διαβάλλω (diaballō), meaning “to slander” or “to accuse falsely,” διάβολος serves as a title for Satan in the New Testament, emphasizing his role as the adversary and accuser of humanity. The term also appears in classical Greek literature to describe individuals who engage in slanderous or deceptive behavior, illustrating the broader application of the word beyond its theological context.

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In the New Testament, διάβολος is most commonly associated with Satan, but it is also used metaphorically to describe individuals who exhibit similar characteristics of deceit and false accusation. The word highlights the destructive nature of slander and the moral dangers of engaging in such behavior. Whether used in a theological or secular context, διάβολος underscores the importance of truth and integrity in human relationships and spiritual life.