By Ndeni Mwangi Waite a Student of the Word, Church of Elohim
๐งญ Abstract
This study explores the identity of “Satan” strictly from the King James Version (KJV), supported by traditional, allegorical, and theological sources. Contrary to popular belief, Scripture NEVER defines Satan as a fallen angel named Lucifer. Instead, “Satan” consistently refers to disobedience, an adversarial condition, or a legal accuser. This study surveys scriptural usage, symbolism, traditional teachings, and spiritual application—concluding with practical steps to overcome the adversary through obedience to Elohim and faith in Yahshua.
1. Introduction: Why This Study Matters
Understanding who or what "Satan" is according to Scripture is essential for every believer. Many have accepted traditions that lack Biblical foundation. The aim here is to let Scripture define Satan without assumptions or theological speculation.
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20, KJV)
Many believe Satan is a rebellious angel or a literal fallen spirit, based on centuries of tradition.
Misunderstanding Satan can distort how we view obedience, sin, and spiritual warfare.
2. Origin and Meaning of the Name "Satan"
The Hebrew term "satan" (ืฉָׂืָื – ลฤแนญฤn) means "adversary" or "accuser" and is used both as a title and a description, not a proper name.
"And Elohim's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of Elohim stood in the way for an adversary against him." (Numbers 22:22, KJV)
"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Elohim, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him." (Zechariah 3:1, KJV)
"Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Elohim, and Satan came also among them." (Job 1:6, KJV)
These verses show that Satan is used as a descriptive role — not a personal name.
๐ Hebrew (Masoretic Text – Numbers 22:22):
ืַืִּืַืจ־ืַืฃ ืֱืֹืִืื ืִּื־ืืֹืֵืְ ืืּื, ืַืִּืชְืַืฆֵּื ืַืְืַืְ ืֱืֹืִืื ืַּืֶּืจֶืְ ืְืฉָׂืָื ืืֹ, ืְืืּื ืจֹืֵื ืขַื־ืֲืชֹื ืֹ ืּืฉְׁื ֵื ื ְืขָืจָืื ืขִืּืֹ׃
Transliteration: Vayichar-af Elohim ki-holech hu, vayityatzev mal’ach Elohim baderekh lesatan lo; vehu rochev al-atonรฒ, ushenรฉ ne’arav imo.
๐ Adjusted KJV-style Translation:
"And Elohim’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of Elohim stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
3. Satan in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
In the Hebrew Scriptures, Satan functions as an accuser or opposer, sometimes permitted by Elohim.
"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." (1 Chronicles 21:1, KJV)
"And again the anger of Elohim was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah." (2 Samuel 24:1, KJV)
These parallel verses show that Satan as an adversary could be used by Elohim to fulfill judgment.
"And Elohim came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them... And Elohim's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of Elohim stood in the way for an adversary [satan] against him." (Numbers 22:20-22, KJV)
4. Satan in the Writings of the Disciples (New Testament)
The New Testament continues the pattern of referring to Satan as a force of opposition.
"But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me." (Matthew 16:23, KJV)
"Then saith Yahshua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship Elohim, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10, KJV)
"And the Master said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31, KJV)
These references show Satan as a symbol or spirit of opposition — even appearing in righteous contexts to test or try.
๐ What Did Yahshua Mean When He Said, "he Was a Murderer from the Beginning"?
In speaking to the religious leaders who opposed Him, Yahshua Messiah made a striking declaration:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
— John 8:44 (KJV)
This statement unveils a deep truth about the adversary — known in Hebrew as satan, meaning "adversary" or "accuser." The Messiah identifies him as both a murderer and a liar from the beginning. But what does this mean?
๐ How Was He a Murderer “from the Beginning”?
The term "from the beginning" refers to the devil’s first involvement with mankind in the Garden of Eden. He did not physically kill Adam and Eve, but he instigated their disoรบbedience, leading to spiritual and physical death.
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For Elohim doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened...”
— Genesis 3:4–5 (KJV)
Here, the devil directly contradicted Elohim’s Word, deceiving Eve into sin. That single lie plunged all humanity into sin and death.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
— Romans 5:12 (KJV)
Thus, Satan became a murderer — not with a sword, but with a lie. His weapon was deception; his result was death.
๐ The Witness of Other Scriptures in New Testament
Yahshua's words in John 8:44 are confirmed by other passages:
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Elohim was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
— 1 John 3:8 (KJV)
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”
— 1 John 3:12 (KJV)
The same spirit that worked in Eden worked through Cain, who murdered Abel. Both acts stemmed from the same adversarial source — the devil, who has always stood in opposition to Elohim's truth and righteousness.
✨ A Spiritual Warning
Yahshua warned that those who reject the truth and follow lies are doing the will of the devil, even if outwardly religious. The devil’s children are not merely atheists or criminals — they are any who love lies, despise truth, and walk in rebellion.
The Messiah calls His followers to walk in truth, for:
“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
— John 6:63 (KJV
5. What About "Devil," "Dragon," and "Serpent"
These are symbolic representations often misunderstood as names.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." (Revelation 12:9, KJV)
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning." (John 8:44, KJV)
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which Elohim had made." (Genesis 3:1, KJV)
These symbols relate to deception, lies, and opposition — traits of sin, not of a fallen angel.
6. Satan During the Reign of Yahshua the Messiah
The Scriptures predict that during the Messianic reign, this adversary will be restrained.
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit... And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:1-2, KJV)
"That he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled." (Revelation 20:3, KJV)
This signifies that the power or influence of disobedience will be restrained.
7. Does Elohim Use an Adversary?
Yes. Elohim allows adversaries to bring judgment, correction, or testing.
"Shall there be evil in a city, and Elohim hath not done it?" (Amos 3:6, KJV)
"Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when Elohim commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good?" (Lamentations 3:37–38, KJV)
"Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Yahshua." (1 Corinthians 5:5, KJV)
8. Personal Reflection: Disobedience as the Real Enemy
Disobedience is the true adversary — not a named spirit.
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." (James 1:14, KJV)
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts... All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mark 7:21-23, KJV)
"By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." (Matthew 12:37, KJV)
9. Allegories, Traditions, and Misapplied Passages
Some popular interpretations are not supported by direct context.
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!" (Isaiah 14:12, KJV) — Addressed to the King of Babylon, not Satan.
"Thou hast been in Eden the garden of Elohim... thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created." (Ezekiel 28:13-15, KJV) — Addressed to the King of Tyre.
These are allegories or poetic judgments on human kings.
10. How Believers Resist Satan: A Lesson From the Church of Elohim
Believers overcome the adversary by submitting to Elohim and walking in obedience.
"Submit yourselves therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, KJV)
"Put on the whole armour of Elohim, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11, KJV)
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of Elohim, and the faith of Yahshua." (Revelation 14:12, KJV)
11. Conclusion: Overcoming the Adversary
The adversary is disobedience and rebellion. Through the Spirit and truth of Yahshua, we overcome by keeping Elohim's commandments.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11, KJV)
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life." (Revelation 22:14, KJV)
12. Glossary
Satan – Opposer, adversary
Devil – False accuser, slanderer
Lucifer – Title for the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:12)
Dragon – Symbol of kingdoms resisting Elohim (Revelation)
Serpent – Deceiver, symbolic of cunning falsehood
13. Scripture References
All verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV).
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