Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Satan”
The biblical word “Satan” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (שׂטן (satan) / σατανᾶς (satanas)), where it meant “An adversary, an accuser, one who opposes”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The supreme spirit of evil; the adversary of God; the Devil”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekשׂטן (satan) / σατανᾶς (satanas)An adversary, an accuser, one who opposes
Hebrew satan (H7854) means 'adversary' or 'accuser'. From root meaning 'to oppose' or 'to be hostile'. Greek satanas (G4567) is a transliteration of Aramaic/Hebrew satan.
Medieval Latin / Church
Latin / EcclesiasticalsatanasThe Devil; the chief adversary of God and humanity; evil personified
Via Church Latin satanas from Greek. Medieval theology established Satan as the proper name of the chief demon/fallen angel in Christian doctrine.
Modern English
EnglishsatanThe supreme spirit of evil; the adversary of God; the Devil
From Latin satanas via Old French. Capitalized in English to denote the proper name of the chief demon in Christian theology.