Every Christian uses the Bible as a daily guide of how they should live as God expects them to live. Interestingly, the Bible implies that even Satan quoted the scripture to Jesus. Many believers are normally shocked by this biblical story. Therefore, to further understand the intention of Satan in our lives, these believers try to find out, does Satan know the Bible?
According to the scriptures, Satan quoted a verse to the Son of Man while he was trying to tempt him. Religious scholars imply that Satan knows the Bible very well to the extent that he can use it to trick Christians. The devil is a liar, as is suggested in John 8:44, and because he understands the Word, he uses it to manipulate Christians.
Can the devil quote scripture? How much scripture does he know, and why does he need to know the Bible? These questions will be answered with biblical evidence and detailed research by religious scholars.
Can the devil quote the scripture?
After the baptism of Jesus, the devil drove him into the wilderness to test him. The Bible implies in Matthew 4:5-6 that, Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ This verse suggests that the devil can cite the scriptures.
Where in the Bible does it say Satan knows the Bible?
Christians believe that Satan confronted Jesus by stating, ‘For it is written.’ The book of Matthew 4:6/ Luke 4:10-11 implies that he tempted the Son of Man by quoting the scripture. He quoted the book of Psalms 91:11, which says, ‘For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.’ With all these instances, it is clear Satan knows the Bible.
Why does Satan need to know the Bible?
Satan is aware that Christians follow the Bible. Staunch Christians would rather die than stop reading their bibles. And the devil knows this. So, he devised better strategies to trick people and make them follow his evil path. He uses the tool that believers use; the Bible. Religious scholars suggest that Satan manipulates scripture to his advantage. This is what he tried doing to Jesus in the desert.
The devil is aware that Christians cleave to the Word of God, so he tries to study it and distort it to his advantage. In such circumstances, Christians are expected to outdo the devil by understanding the scripture better than him. Luke 4:12 implies that Jesus answered the devil by saying, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
How much scripture does Satan know?
The Bible insinuates that Satan was an angel who fell and turned against God. Isaiah 14:12-15 reveals, How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.
The implication that Satan was an angel shows that he knew the Word and God’s ways. The Bible implies that the devil had engaged with God at a personal level and knew a lot of scripture. This is why he tried using it to trick the Son of God.
Does the devil know the Bible to use it against Christians?
Satan knows the Bible and uses it to trick Christians. Believers understand that this is his wicked strategy. He knows Christians dwell on the Word to make decisions. So, he uses the Bible and turns it against believers. As a Christian, if you are weak in your faith and knowledge of the Word, then he is likely to trick and manipulate you.
The Word urges Christians to meditate on his Word every time. Psalms 1:1-3 implies that Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Because Jesus knew the Word, he outdid the devil and was not manipulated.
Does Satan understand God’s divine plan?
The Bible implies that God is responsible for everyone’s actions, including those of Satan. This means that Satan is well acquainted with God’s divine plan and does whatever possible to trick people away from it. This is why in the book of Job, Satan had to ask God for permission before tempting his servant. The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man, himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord (Job 1:14).
Biblical scholars insist that Satan is a created being; hence his actions and abilities are limited. Satan is indeed powerful. In Revelation 12:7-9, we see how Satan convinced several angels to join him, and they fought against other angels. Though the devil lost, it is clear that he is powerful. Still, he is not powerful enough to understand God’s plan.
While Jesus was giving his teachings, the Bible implies that his disciples asked him why he always used parables. Matthew 13:11 says he answered them and said, Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. In the same sense, only those that God gives the ability to understand scripture will understand the future. The others, including Satan, will not understand a thing.
References
- Satan’s Bible Knowledge
- Satan
- Don Stewart: What Is the Extent of Satan’s Power?
- Does Satan understand God’s divine plan?
- How Can the Believer Have Victory over the Devil?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
