Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Devil”
The biblical word “Devil” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (Satan (Hebrew), diabolos (Greek)), where it meant “Satan; the chief adversary of God and humanity; the father of lies”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Satan; the supreme evil spirit in Christian theology”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / GreekSatan (Hebrew), diabolos (Greek)Satan; the chief adversary of God and humanity; the father of lies
Hebrew Satan (H7854, 'adversary, accuser') from satan ('to oppose'). Greek diabolos (διάβολος, G1228) from dia- ('through') + ballo ('to throw'); literally 'slanderer.' Used in NT for Satan as the Devil (Matthew 4:1, John 8:44).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatindiabolusSatan, the supreme evil spirit and enemy of God and mankind
Latin diabolus from Greek diabolus. Medieval theology depicted the Devil with elaborate hierarchy of demons beneath him. Thomas Aquinas and Dante systematized demonic rebellion and punishment.
Modern English
EnglishdevilSatan; the supreme evil spirit in Christian theology
From Old French deable/diable, from Latin diabolus. English devil (c. 900). Maintains theological meaning ('the Devil') and is secularized idiomatically ('devil-may-care,' 'devilish', 'between the devil and the deep blue sea').