Brief Overview of Σατάν (Strong’s G4567: Satan)

Strong’s G4567: Transliteration of Hebrew שָׂטָן (satan), meaning “adversary” or “accuser.” Chief antagonist of God and humanity, identified as the tempter, deceiver, and leader of fallen angels. In New Testament theology, represents the personification of evil while remaining under God’s sovereign authority.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σατάν doesn’t represent a personal name in Scripture. From its Hebrew root meaning “adversary,” it embodies active opposition to God’s purposes and people. In the New Testament, beginning with Jesus’ temptation (Matthew 4:10), Satan appears as a real spiritual being orchestrating opposition to God’s kingdom. The early church understood the Satan as a defeated foe through Christ’s death and resurrection, yet still active in opposing believers. Today, this word reminds us of both the reality of spiritual warfare and the certainty of Christ’s ultimate victory.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σατάν, Satan, /sa-tan’/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sa’ as in ‘father’, ‘tan’ as in ‘tan’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Direct transliteration of Hebrew שָׂטָן (satan)
• Root meaning “to oppose” or “to accuse”
• Used as a title

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: The Adversary
• Secondary meaning: The Accuser
• Theological meaning: Chief opponent of God and His people

Translation Options:

• Satan – Traditional transliteration
• Adversary – Functional translation
• The Enemy – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάβολος (diabolos) /dee-ab’-ol-os/ – Greek word for “devil,” emphasizing role as slanderer. See G1228
• Βελίαρ (Beliar) /bel-ee’-ar/ – Another title for Satan emphasizing worthlessness. See G955
• πειράζων (peirazon) /pi-rad’-zohn/ – The tempter, describing Satan’s function. See G3985

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Indeclinable
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: None (remains unchanged)

As a transliterated Hebrew title, it maintains its form regardless of grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Satan’s role as chief adversary. Thayer’s explores the development from title to many assuming it as a proper name. LSJ notes its usage in Jewish literature. Vine’s details its New Testament significance. Strong’s connects it to the Hebrew root meaning. Moulton and Milligan document its use in early Christian texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:10: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan [Σατάν]: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:13, Luke 10:18, Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelation 20:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σατάν reveals the reality of spiritual opposition while proclaiming the good news of Christ’s victory. Though Satan is powerful, he is a defeated foe through Christ’s death and resurrection. The gospel declares that Jesus has overcome the adversary, and in Him, believers share in that triumph.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears is a title and not a proper name in Scripture
2. Early church fathers saw Satan’s fall described in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28
3. The term influenced medieval literature and art significantly

Strong’s G4567: The chief adversary of God and humanity, transliterated from Hebrew שָׂטָן. While powerful in opposition to God’s purposes, Scripture presents Satan as a defeated foe through Christ’s victory, subject to divine authority and destined for final judgment.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: adversary, spiritual-warfare, temptation, evil, enemy, devil, christ’s-victory, spiritual-opposition, defeated-foe, divine-authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​