Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "adversary" is often used to describe an opponent or enemy, both in human and spiritual realms. The concept of an adversary is woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the ongoing conflict between good and evil, righteousness and sin, and the people of God against their enemies.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "satan" (שָׂטָן) is frequently translated as "adversary." This term can refer to human opponents, as seen in
1 Samuel 29:4, where the Philistine commanders fear that David might become an adversary to them in battle. Similarly, in
1 Kings 11:14, the Lord raises up Hadad the Edomite as an adversary against Solomon.
The term also takes on a spiritual dimension, most notably in the Book of Job. Here, "Satan" appears as a heavenly being who acts as an accuser or adversary, challenging Job's righteousness before God (
Job 1:6-12). This portrayal underscores the role of the adversary as one who opposes God's people and purposes.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "antidikos" (ἀντίδικος) is used to describe an adversary, often in a legal sense. Jesus warns His followers to reconcile with their adversary quickly, lest they face judgment (
Matthew 5:25). This usage emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining righteousness.
The New Testament also expands on the spiritual aspect of the adversary. The Apostle Peter warns believers to be vigilant against their adversary, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (
1 Peter 5:8). This vivid imagery highlights the devil's role as the ultimate adversary of Christians, constantly seeking to undermine their faith and lead them astray.
The Adversary in Spiritual WarfareThe concept of the adversary is central to the theme of spiritual warfare in the Bible.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This passage calls Christians to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, the ultimate adversary.
Role in EschatologyIn eschatological contexts, the adversary is often associated with the end times and the final battle between good and evil.
Revelation 12:9 describes the great dragon, the ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. This adversary is ultimately defeated by Christ, symbolizing the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposition.
Practical Implications for BelieversUnderstanding the role of the adversary in Scripture encourages believers to remain vigilant, prayerful, and reliant on God's strength.
James 4:7 exhorts Christians to submit to God and resist the devil, promising that he will flee from them. This resistance is not passive but involves active engagement in spiritual disciplines, community support, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
In summary, the concept of the adversary in the Bible encompasses both human and spiritual opposition, with a particular emphasis on the devil as the ultimate adversary of God's people. Believers are called to recognize this opposition and to stand firm in their faith, equipped with the spiritual resources provided by God.
Library
In what Manner theAdversary's Cavils must be Refuted.
... Book II. Chapter 10 [IV.]"In What Manner theAdversary's Cavils Must Be
Refuted. Let us now look at the rest of what he has joined...
After This
... Section 4. After this. Section 4. After this, fearing to extend his reply to great
length, he passes by most of hisadversary's statements as already refuted....
These Testimonies of the Soul are Simple as True...
... Even fallen as it is, the victim of the greatadversary's machinations, it does
not forget its Creator, His goodness and law, and the final end both of itself...
To Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP ,
... It is not even with me as it is with certain learned friends of mine, who, admitting
theadversary's premium, content themselves with denying the validity of...
Of Patience under Personal violence and Malediction.
... Then you not only go unhurt away, which even alone is enough for you; but gratified,
into the bargain, by youradversary's disappointment, and revenged by his...
Dedication: to Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP
... It is not even with me as it is with certain learned friends of mine, who, admitting
theadversary's premisses, content themselves with denying the validity of...
Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries...
... To this treatise Origen, who came about fifty years after him, published an answer,
in which he frequently recites hisadversary's words and arguments....
The Judges Said: we Need not Inquire as to the Manner in which...
... Archelaus said: Notwithstanding, theadversary's intent is replete with
gross audacity and blasphemy. Manes said: Hear, O judges...
The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries...
... in silence, but rather brought prominently forward; so that even by the great abundance
of our declarations on the subject ouradversary's manifold craftiness...
True Greatness
... The fairest action of our human life Is scorning to revenge an injury: For who forgives
without a further strife Hisadversary's heart to him doth tie: And...
Thesaurus
Adversary's (2 Occurrences)...Adversary's (2 Occurrences). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from the
adversary's hand?'
or,'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' (WEB JPS ASV RSV).
...Check (9 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A word of warning denoting that the king is in danger; such a menace of
a player's king by anadversary's move as would, if it were any other piece...
Adverse (6 Occurrences)
Oppressor (28 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from theadversary's hand?' or,'Redeem me from
the hand of the oppressors?' (Root in WEB JPS ASV DBY RSV)....
Oppressors (31 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from theadversary's hand?' or,'Redeem
me from the hand of the oppressors?' (WEB JPS ASV RSV)....
Foe (23 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) One who opposes on principle; an opponent; anadversary; an ill-wisher;
as, a foe to religion.... Psalms 44:10 You make us turn back from theadversary....
Tyrants (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tyrants (4 Occurrences). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from
theadversary's hand?' or,'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NAS)...
Ruthless (21 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from theadversary's hand?' or,'Redeem
me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NIV). Job 15:20...
Clutches (5 Occurrences)
... mighty. (See NIV). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from theadversary's hand?'
or,'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NIV). Job...
Splendor (87 Occurrences)
... the day. (See NIV). Psalms 78:61 and delivered his strength into captivity,
his glory into theadversary's hand. (See NIV). Psalms...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
