King James Bible Dictionary

(Gr. diabolos), a slanderer, the arch-enemy of man's spiritual interest (Job 1:6; Revelation 2:10; Zechariah 3:1). He is called also "the accuser of the brethen" (Revelation 12:10).

In Leviticus 17:7 the word "devil" is the translation of the Hebrew sair, meaning a "goat" or "satyr" (Isaiah 13:21; 34:14), alluding to the wood-daemons, the objects of idolatrous worship among the heathen.

In Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalms 106:37 it is the translation of Hebrew shed, meaning lord, and idol, regarded by the Jews as a "demon," as the word is rendered in the Revised Version.

In the narratives of the Gospels regarding the "casting out of devils" a different Greek word (daimon) is used. In the time of our Lord there were frequent cases of demoniacal possession (Matthew 12:25-30; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 4:35; 10:18, etc.).

See Demon; Satan
Demon; Satan

(slanderer). The name describes Satan as slandering God to man and man to God. The former work is of course, a part of his great work of temptation to evil and is not only exemplified but illustrated as to its general nature and tendency by the narrative of Gen. 3. The other work, the slandering or accusing men before God, is the imputation of selfish motives, (Job 1:9,10) and its refutation is placed in the self-sacrifice of those "who loved not their own lives unto death." [SATAN; DEMON]

DEVIL, noun Devl. [Latin , to calumniate.]

1. In the Christian theology, an evil spirit or being; a fallen angel, expelled from heaven for rebellion against God; the chief of the apostate angels; the implacable enemy and tempter of the human race. In the New Testament, the word is frequently and erroneously used for demon.

2. A very wicked person, and in ludicrous language, an great evil. In profane language, it is an expletive expressing wonder, vexation, etc.

3. An idol, or false god. Leviticus 17:7. 2 Chronicles 11:15.

DEVILING, noun A young devil. [Not in use.]

DEVILISH, adjective

1. Partaking of the qualities of the devil; diabolical; very evil and mischievous; malicious; as a devilish scheme; devilish wickedness.

2. Having communication with the devil; pertaining to the devil.

3. Excessive; enormous; in a vulgar and ludicrous sense; as a devilish cheat.

DEVILISHLY, adverb

1. In a manner suiting the devil; diabolically; wickedly.

2. Greatly; excessively; in a vulgar sense.

DEVILISHNESS, noun The qualities of the devil.

DEVILISM, noun The state of devils. [Not used.]

DEVILIZE, verb transitive To place among devils. [Not used.]

DEVILKIN, noun A little devil.

DEVILSHIP, noun The character of a devil.