Top 20 Bible Verses About Satan (With Commentary)

Satan, the adversary, is a prominent figure in biblical teachings. The Bible warns us about his schemes and encourages us to stand firm in our faith. In this blog post, we will delve into a selection of Bible verses that shed light on Satan’s nature, his tactics, and how we can overcome his influence through the power of Christ.

Bible Verses About Satan

Isaiah 14:12-15

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”

This passage prophesies the downfall of Satan, who is referred to as Lucifer. It highlights Satan’s pride and desire to exalt himself above God, ultimately leading to his demise.

Ephesians 6:12

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

This verse reminds us that our struggle is not against human beings, but against the schemes and deceptions of Satan and his demonic forces. It serves as a call to put on the full armor of God to resist Satan’s attacks.

Revelation 12:9

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

This verse describes Satan’s banishment from heaven, as well as his aliases: the Great Dragon, the Serpent of Old, the Devil, and Satan. It also emphasizes his role as the deceiver of the entire world.

1 Peter 5:8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Peter warns us to be alert and watchful, recognizing that Satan is like a lion looking for prey. He reminds us to resist Satan by standing firm in our faith.

Matthew 4:10

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

This verse is from Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. It demonstrates Jesus’ authority over Satan and his determination to worship God alone.

2 Corinthians 11:14

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

Paul warns that Satan often disguises himself as something good or attractive in order to deceive us. He encourages us to be discerning and not be fooled by Satan’s tactics.

John 8:44

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who are opposing Him and identifies them as children of the devil. He exposes Satan’s nature as a murderer and liar, and emphasizes that Satan has no truth in him.

Job 1:6-7

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

This passage describes Satan’s appearance before God and his claim to be roaming the earth. It suggests that Satan is constantly seeking to cause chaos and destruction in the world.

James 4:7

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

James exhorts us to submit to God and resist Satan’s temptations. He reminds us that Satan will flee from us if we resist him and draw near to God.

Luke 10:18

And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

Jesus’ statement suggests that he had seen Satan’s fall from heaven, confirming the reality of Satan’s rebellion against God.

Genesis 3:1-6

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

This passage describes Satan’s temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden, ultimately leading to the fall of humanity into sin.

2 Timothy 2:26

“And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Paul describes Satan’s attempts to trap and ensnare people in sin, prompting them to do his will. He encourages us to help those who are caught in Satan’s snare to come to their senses and turn to God.

1 John 4:4

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

John affirms that as believers, we have already overcome Satan and his demonic forces because the Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. He emphasizes our identity as children of God.

Mark 8:33

But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Jesus’ rebuke of Peter shows how easy it is for Satan to use our human perspectives and desires to influence our thoughts and actions.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”

This verse highlights Satan’s motivation to lead people to lie and cheat, even in the church. It serves as a reminder to always be truthful and honest in all our dealings.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

This passage warns of the coming of the Antichrist, who will be empowered by Satan and will deceive many with false miracles and wonders.

Revelation 2:9-10

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Jesus encourages the church in Smyrna to be faithful in the face of persecution and tribulation, reminding them that Satan will test them but they will ultimately receive the crown of life.

1 Timothy 4:1

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.

Paul warns that in the end times, people will abandon their faith and give in to the lies and deceptions of Satan and his demonic forces.

What does the Bible say about Satan?

In the Bible, Satan is portrayed as a powerful and cunning spiritual being, often referred to as the adversary or the enemy of God and humanity. He is depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven along with a group of angels who followed him. The main aspects of Satan’s character and actions are:

1. Origin and Fall: According to some biblical passages (e.g., Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17), Satan was once a beautiful and exalted angel named Lucifer, but his pride and desire for God’s authority led to his rebellion and subsequent fall from grace.
2. Deception and Temptation: Satan is frequently described as the “father of lies” (John 8:44) and is known for deceiving and tempting individuals to sin. The most famous example of this is his temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
3. Accuser: Another role attributed to Satan is that of an accuser who brings charges against God’s followers (Revelation 12:10). He seeks to undermine the faith of believers and create doubt in their relationship with God.
4. Ruler of the World: The Bible also presents Satan as the ruler of this world’s system, a realm marked by sin and rebellion against God (John 12:31, 1 John 5:19).
5. Adversary of God’s People: Satan is depicted as constantly opposing God’s people and trying to hinder their spiritual progress (1 Peter 5:8). He is likened to a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
6. Final Defeat: The Bible prophesies that Satan’s ultimate destiny is destruction and eternal punishment. In the book of Revelation, it describes the final battle between good and evil, with Satan being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Throughout the Bible, there are warnings about Satan’s cunning schemes and the importance of staying vigilant against his tactics. However, it also emphasizes the victory of Christ over Satan, providing hope and assurance for believers in their spiritual battles (Colossians 2:15, 1 John 4:4).