2006-10-19 19:01:44 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just asking, by golly!
2006-10-19 19:03:53 · update #1
I've heard that, although the popular thought makes Satan into a mere scapegoat to point a finger at when we sin. It's an intriguing question that I haven't really found a satisfactory answer to. Verses referring to the devil can be interpreted as a "Challenger" of sorts, but I think the true meaning has been lost with its translation into modern English.
2006-10-19 19:39:17 · answer #1 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Also known as: Sataniel, The Devil, Beelzebub, Abaddon, Apollyon, Destroyer, the Dragon, the old serpent, the prince of this world, the god of this world, etc.
Meaning: adversary; accuser
When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word translated as "Satan" has the article "the adversary" (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times.
He is also called "the dragon," "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30); "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2); "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4); "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2).
The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). He is "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils" (12:24). He is "the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way."
His power is very great in the world. He is a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Men are said to be "taken captive by him" (2 Tim. 2:26). Christians are warned against his "devices" (2 Cor. 2:11), and called on to "resist" him (James 4:7).
Christ redeems his people from "him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). Satan has the "power of death," not as lord, but simply as executioner.
Author: Matthew G. Easton
2006-10-20 02:22:32 · answer #2 · answered by mindy p.m. 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The name Satan in Hebrew means "the adversary" (enemy). Satan can mean "Deceiver" (liar), "Evil one" or " Apolydon'" (Greek for enemy) . Satan name was initially "Lucifer" (light bringer) In the Bible book of Revelation Satan is called "morning star" - this name is given to Satan after he is put down (powerless) over the world and conquered by Jesus Christ at His Return to this earth.
2006-10-20 02:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Satan has multiple meanings in various cultures. Satan is also the word used for an accuser which some people think was Satans original job. It was his job to accuse people before god of their sins. Then god would judge them and hand out a punishment. Satan was actually an important administrator of justice for god.
2006-10-20 02:06:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Satan \Sa"tan\, n. [Heb. s[=a]t[=a]n an adversary, fr. s[=a]tan to be adverse, to persecute: cf. Gr. ?, ?, L. Satan, Satanas.]
The grand adversary of man; the Devil, or Prince of darkness; the chief of the fallen angels; the archfiend.
I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. --Luke x. 18.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Satan
One entry found for Satan.
Main Entry: Sa·tan
Pronunciation: 'sA-t&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew sAtAn adversary
1 : the angel who in Jewish belief is commanded by God to tempt humans to sin, to accuse the sinners, and to carry out God's punishment
2 : the rebellious angel who in Christian belief is the adversary of God and lord of evil
2006-10-20 02:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by Midnight Butterfly 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where did you find out that Satan meant challenger? I'd like to know what your reference was as I am doing a report on ancient mythology.
2006-10-20 02:05:32 · answer #6 · answered by wombatusium 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
well, in the olden days a name reflected the unceaseing character of the bearer(not like now that we bear meaningless name evrywhere, mayb due to spammers). Satan was because it was his nature to always challenge others.
I know he later graduated to a colleage nickname "devil"- meaning prince (first person to explore) of darkness.
that is why his power lies inwhat you don't know. he would make you scared.
Truth (light) delivers cos you can see clearly......now!
2006-10-20 02:08:27 · answer #7 · answered by D *)sukky 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I"ve always heard it meant resistor or opposer, which is about the same thing as challenger, although that's exactly what he does, he challenged God's right to rule over mankind.
2006-10-20 02:06:28 · answer #8 · answered by jaguarboy 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It also can mean Bu'sh.
2006-10-20 02:04:22 · answer #9 · answered by Gwen 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
......... HE IS ALSO SUPPOSE TO BE EVIL. .... EDIT: ..OH SORRY ,,, THE MEANING OF THE NAME ,,,?? .. I DON"T KNOW... WOULDN"T IT MEAN EVIL...SORRY,,,
2006-10-20 02:06:16 · answer #10 · answered by *Glowing* *Wings* 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋