Terms Used in Scripture for Demons
The Bible uses various terms to refer to demons.
An "evil spirit" is mentioned in Judges 9:23, 1 Samuel 16:14, 23, and Luke 7:21. The term "unclean spirit" appears in Zechariah 13:2, while "lying spirit" is found in 1 Kings 22:22-23. Simply "spirit" is used in 1 Kings 22:21, Job 4:15, and Matthew 8:16.
The phrase "spirit of harlotry" is recorded in Hosea 4:12 and Hosea 5:4. "Evil angels" are referenced in Psalm 78:49. The term "devil" (also translated as "hairy goat devil") is used in Leviticus 17:7. The word "demon" appears in Deuteronomy 32:17, Psalm 106:37, and Matthew 12:28.
In some passages, demons are referred to as "idols," as seen in Psalm 96:5. A "dumb spirit" is mentioned in Mark 9:17, while a "foul spirit" is noted in Mark 9:25. The "spirit of infirmity" is found in Luke 13:11, and the "spirit of divination" is described in Acts 16:16.
The Bible also speaks of a "spirit of error" in 1 John 4:6 and "spirits of demons" in Revelation 16:14. A "spirit of bondage" is referenced in Romans 8:15, and "a different kind of spirit" is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:4. The term "spirit of the world" appears in 1 Corinthians 2:12.
Satan himself is referred to as a "spirit" in Ephesians 2:2. Demonic beings are also called "angels" in Matthew 25:41 and "principalities" in Romans 8:38. He is described as the "angel of Satan" in 2 Corinthians 12:7 and the "angel of the abyss" in Revelation 9:11. In Revelation 12:7, Satan is identified as the "dragon" who has his own angels.
The Origin of Demons
The Bible provides insight into the origin of demons.
Demons are described as the angels who fell with Satan, as recorded in Revelation 12:3-4. They come from the two lower ranks of angels, as stated in Ephesians 6:12. Scripture affirms that all angels are individually created beings (Psalm 148:2, 5) and that they were created before the universe (Job 38:4-7).
The number of angels does not increase or decrease, as shown in Luke 20:36. Their fall is associated with Satan’s fall, as described in Revelation 12:4. The cause of their fall is linked to Satan’s peddling of merchandise before he sinned (Ezekiel 28:16).
Satan sought to be like God, as recorded in Isaiah 14:13-14. The fall of these angels occurred before the creation of humanity (Genesis 1:2). The ultimate judgment for Satan and his angels is the lake of fire, which was prepared for them, as stated in Matthew 25:41.
The Bible uses various terms to refer to demons.
An "evil spirit" is mentioned in Judges 9:23, 1 Samuel 16:14, 23, and Luke 7:21. The term "unclean spirit" appears in Zechariah 13:2, while "lying spirit" is found in 1 Kings 22:22-23. Simply "spirit" is used in 1 Kings 22:21, Job 4:15, and Matthew 8:16.
The phrase "spirit of harlotry" is recorded in Hosea 4:12 and Hosea 5:4. "Evil angels" are referenced in Psalm 78:49. The term "devil" (also translated as "hairy goat devil") is used in Leviticus 17:7. The word "demon" appears in Deuteronomy 32:17, Psalm 106:37, and Matthew 12:28.
In some passages, demons are referred to as "idols," as seen in Psalm 96:5. A "dumb spirit" is mentioned in Mark 9:17, while a "foul spirit" is noted in Mark 9:25. The "spirit of infirmity" is found in Luke 13:11, and the "spirit of divination" is described in Acts 16:16.
The Bible also speaks of a "spirit of error" in 1 John 4:6 and "spirits of demons" in Revelation 16:14. A "spirit of bondage" is referenced in Romans 8:15, and "a different kind of spirit" is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:4. The term "spirit of the world" appears in 1 Corinthians 2:12.
Satan himself is referred to as a "spirit" in Ephesians 2:2. Demonic beings are also called "angels" in Matthew 25:41 and "principalities" in Romans 8:38. He is described as the "angel of Satan" in 2 Corinthians 12:7 and the "angel of the abyss" in Revelation 9:11. In Revelation 12:7, Satan is identified as the "dragon" who has his own angels.
The Origin of Demons
The Bible provides insight into the origin of demons.
Demons are described as the angels who fell with Satan, as recorded in Revelation 12:3-4. They come from the two lower ranks of angels, as stated in Ephesians 6:12. Scripture affirms that all angels are individually created beings (Psalm 148:2, 5) and that they were created before the universe (Job 38:4-7).
The number of angels does not increase or decrease, as shown in Luke 20:36. Their fall is associated with Satan’s fall, as described in Revelation 12:4. The cause of their fall is linked to Satan’s peddling of merchandise before he sinned (Ezekiel 28:16).
Satan sought to be like God, as recorded in Isaiah 14:13-14. The fall of these angels occurred before the creation of humanity (Genesis 1:2). The ultimate judgment for Satan and his angels is the lake of fire, which was prepared for them, as stated in Matthew 25:41.