Devil
Devil. In Jewish scripture, the figure of Satan is that of an adversary (1 Kings 11. 14), allowed by God to engage in his probing work (Job 1–2, Zecheriah 3. 1 f., 1 Chronicles 21.1; cf. 2 Samuel 24. 1). In later Judaism, although Jewish folklore includes stories about Ashmedai, the king of demons and Lilith his queen, the figure of the devil is not significant.
In both Christianity and Islam, the devil and Satan are at times identified, and yet also appear as separate figures.
The devil is named in the Qurʾān Iblīs, perhaps from Gk., diabolos, though Muslims derive the name from Arab., balasa, ‘he despaired’ (sc. of the mercy of God). But he is also al-Shaitān, Satan, and ‘the enemy of God’.
Although Iblīs and (al-)Shaitān are identified, Shaitan also has a distinct existence, perhaps as the leader of the jinn.
See also DEMON for near-equivalent figures in other religions.
In both Christianity and Islam, the devil and Satan are at times identified, and yet also appear as separate figures.
The devil is named in the Qurʾān Iblīs, perhaps from Gk., diabolos, though Muslims derive the name from Arab., balasa, ‘he despaired’ (sc. of the mercy of God). But he is also al-Shaitān, Satan, and ‘the enemy of God’.
Although Iblīs and (al-)Shaitān are identified, Shaitan also has a distinct existence, perhaps as the leader of the jinn.
See also DEMON for near-equivalent figures in other religions.
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Devil