Bible Encyclopedias

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Adversary

in Heb. properly שָׂטָן, satan’ (i.e. Satan, as it signifies, when with the article), an opponent, e.g. in war, a foe (1 Kings 5:18; 1 Kings 11:14; 23:25; 1 Samuel 29:4), in the forum, a plaintiff (Psalms 109:6; comp. Zechariah 3:1-2), or generally a resister (2 Samuel 19:23), as one that blocks the way (Numbers 22:23; comp. Numbers 22:32). In Greek properly ἀντίδικος, one who speaks against us, e.g. in a suit, the complainant (Matthew 5:25; Luke 12:50); or, generally, an enemy (Luke 18:3), specially, the Devil (1 Peter 5:8). (See ACCUSER).