The Hebrew word "satan" means "an adversary or one who resists". There word does not indicate whether the opposition is morally good or bad.

The theme page Satan - Bible facts gives us the following information:

  • Satans can be:
    • An Angel of God
    • People
    • God Himself
    • Motives and intents opposed to God
  • A satan influenced God and was given God's power
  • A satan tempted Jesus Christ
  • Successful preaching is said by Jesus Christ to be "satan falling from heaven
  • Satan was in Judas Iscariot when he betrayed Jesus
  • Satan would be crushed under the feet of the Roman believers
  • A satan stopped Paul from coming to the Thessalonian believers

Conclusion

Satan refers to powers, people, motives or influences that oppose.

Category: 
Human nature