February 4 2025

Satan the Adversary

Our study of Satan begins as a word study. Join Jacob and Tim in this lively conversation as they find out the definition of the Hebrew word “satan” and some surprising ways it is translated. By the end, there is a good foundation for carefully considering the context in which Satan is mentioned and who or what it could be. You’ll never look at this word Satan the same way again.

Reference Material:

The Englishman’s Concordance listing mentioned in the podcast providing every occurrence of the word satan and diabolos can be download from these links for Hebrew and Greek.

Key Verse:

“And Peter took [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matt. 16:22-23)

Outline:

Introduction
1. Review of concordances
2. The word “satan” and its definition
3. The need to study this word systematically and carefully
Satan in the OT
1. Num. 22:22,32 – The first occurrence that of the angel of Yahweh
2. The next six occurrences are all human (1 Sam. 29:4; 2 Sam. 19:22; 1 Kings 5:4; 11:14,23,25).
3. Psalms examples (Psa. 109:6 individual; Psa. 38:20 group)
4. The curious case of comparing 1 Chr. 21:1 with 2 Sam. 24:1
5. Deferring for another episode Job and Zech 3:1-2
Satan in the NT (Examples of the same)
1. Individuals who set their minds on the things of men in opposition to God
  1. Matt. 16:21-23 – Peter “set his mind” (ESV)
  2. Acts 5:1-5 – Annanias and Sapphira contrived in their hearts
2. Collectively those opposed to the truth
  1. 1 Thess. 2:14-18, the satan of v. 18 defined in v. 14-16
  2. Rev. 2:9-10,13 (cp. 3:9) – The opposition of Jewish and Roman authorities
  3. Rev. 20:2,7 Understanding the Satan as the kingdoms of men in opposition to God’s kingdom (Rev. 11:15)
Conclusion