Satan

Satan is a figure found in several religious traditions, especially Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name derives from Hebrew ha-Satan, meaning "the adversary" or "the accuser." In early scripture the term often functions as a title rather than a proper name, referring to an obstacle or opponent in a divine plan.

In Judaism, Satan is not initially a single evil being but a role within the heavenly court that tests or challenges humans and acts as an accuser before God. In the Book of Job, Satan appears as a member of the divine council who questions human righteousness. Later Jewish writings sometimes expand the figure into a broader adversary of God.

In Christian tradition, Satan becomes a personal being—often a fallen angel who rebels against God and tempts humanity. The New Testament uses Satan and the devil to denote this foe, who opposes Jesus, opposes God's purposes, and represents general evil. Revelation links Satan with the dragon and the accuser.

In Islam, the figure corresponds to Iblis (Shaytan). According to the Qur'an, Iblis refused to bow to Adam and was cast out; he seeks to lead people astray. Islamic theology treats Satan as a disobedient being and an agent of temptation, not an autonomous deity.

Across traditions, Satan has influenced theology, art, and literature, with meanings ranging from a prosecuting adversary to a personified embodiment of evil. Scholarly discussion emphasizes the evolution from a scriptural title to a developed figure in later theology.