Dictionary term
The Devil
Direct answer
The Devil is the Christian title for the chief evil adversary, tempter, accuser, and deceiver opposed to God and human flourishing.
The Devil is the chief adversary figure in Christian demonology.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Also appears in
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use The Devil for theological study of temptation, evil, accusation, spiritual warfare, and Christ victory.
- Do not use it for
- Do not use devil language to dehumanize people or fuel paranoia.
- Reference category
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Related terms
- Demon, Fallen Angel, Spiritual Warfare, Discernment
The story behind The Devil
The Devil developed through Jewish and Christian interpretation, art, literature, and doctrine as the personal adversary of God.
The Devil in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, The Devil asks where lies are being dressed as wisdom.
The Great Almanac frames The Devil with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
The Devil in the Bible
The Greek diabolos means slanderer or accuser and is used for the devil in New Testament texts.
Why The Devil matters
The Devil matters because the word gathers several biblical roles: slanderer, tempter, accuser, deceiver, and enemy.
Example in a reading: The temptation of Jesus presents the devil as twisting desire, scripture, and power.
Interpretive caution: Do not use devil language to dehumanize people or fuel paranoia.
How The Devil is used in a reading
Use The Devil for theological study of temptation, evil, accusation, spiritual warfare, and Christ victory.
Where interpretation stops
Information on The Devil is presented strictly for educational, historical, and devotional purposes. Complex or sensitive spiritual topics are approached with absolute calm and balance, avoiding any ritual instructions, superstitions, or exaggerated claims. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or safety concerns related to these themes, we warmly encourage seeking support from trusted local pastoral, clinical, or counseling resources to ensure your well-being.
Safety note
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Personalized next step
See how The Devil connects to your own birth chart, numerology, spiritual timing, and personal almanac.
Cast your natal chartRelated terms
These related entries help place The Devil inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.

