Satan
The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Pieter Paul Rubens, c. 1615, depicting Eve reaching for the forbidden fruit beside the Devil portrayed as a serpent
Meaning and Origin
The name 'Satan' originates from the Hebrew word śāṭān (שָׂטָן), which translates to adversary or accuser. It derives from a root verb meaning 'to obstruct' or 'to oppose.' In its earliest usage, the term was a generic noun applied to both human and supernatural adversaries. Over time, particularly in the context of the Hebrew Bible and later Christian theology, it evolved into a proper name referring to a specific being: the great adversary of God and humanity. The Greek translation of this term, diabolos (from which the English 'devil' is derived), emphasizes the role of Satan as a slanderer or accuser, further solidifying his identity as the personification of opposition and deceit.
The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Pieter Paul Rubens, c. 1615, depicting Eve reaching for the forbidden fruit beside the Devil portrayed as a serpent
Name Satan in languages of the Bible
Hover or touch to magnify
Popularity Analysis
The name 'Satan' transcends its biblical origins, appearing in the religious texts and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Islam, Satan is known as Iblis or Shaitan, a jinn who defied God's command to bow to Adam (Quran 7:11–18). In Judaism, the term ha-satan ('the adversary') is often interpreted metaphorically, representing the yetzer hara, or evil inclination, rather than a literal being. Across cultures, Satan has become a symbol of rebellion, temptation, and moral failure.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Satana | 2623 |
| Poland | Szatan | 3100 |
| Mali | Satan | 3303 |
| Slovakia | Satan | 3872 |
| Brunei Darussalam | Setan | 3975 |
| Myanmar | Saytan | 4047 |
| Estonia | Satan | 4808 |
| Puerto Rico | Tza | 5135 |
| Slovenia | Tza | 6025 |
| India | Satan | 6629 |
| Czechia | Sotona | 9607 |
| Indonesia | Setan | 11616 |
| Nepal | Satan | 12160 |
| Romania | Tza | 14669 |
| Hungary | Satan | 16119 |
Showing top 15 of 38 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
Satan holds an unparalleled position in biblical literature as the ultimate adversary of God and all that is good. His Divine Proximity Index of 98.5/100 underscores his frequent association with God in Scripture, particularly as an accuser in the heavenly court (e.g., Job 1:6–12). Similarly, his Jesus Circle Score of 99.4/100 highlights his prominent role in the life and mission of Jesus, particularly in the temptation narrative (Matthew 4:1–11). Satan is not merely a character but a symbol of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, truth and deception.
Biblical Context
The name Satan first appears in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Job, where he is depicted as a member of the divine council who challenges Job's righteousness (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7). Here, Satan acts as a prosecutor, testing the faith and integrity of God's people. In the New Testament, his role expands significantly. Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), enters Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3), and is described as the 'god of this age' who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 6.18 | Percentile: 98.55
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 11.01 | Percentile: 99.44
Biblical References
- Matthew 4:3
- Luke 10:18
- Matthew 12:26
- Matthew 25:41
- Revelation 12:16