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 Usage

In 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 Usage

In 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 Warfare

The 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 Eschatology

In 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 Believers

Understanding 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.

In what Manner the Adversary's Cavils must be Refuted.
... Book II. Chapter 10 [IV.]"In What Manner the Adversary's Cavils Must Be
Refuted. Let us now look at the rest of what he has joined ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 iv in what manner.htm

After This
... Section 4. After this. Section 4. After this, fearing to extend his reply to great
length, he passes by most of his adversary's statements as already refuted. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 after this.htm

These Testimonies of the Soul are Simple as True...
... Even fallen as it is, the victim of the great adversary's machinations, it does
not forget its Creator, His goodness and law, and the final end both of itself ...
/.../tertullian/the souls testimony/chapter v these testimonies of.htm

To Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP ,
... It is not even with me as it is with certain learned friends of mine, who, admitting
the adversary's premium, content themselves with denying the validity of ...
/.../to sir roundell palmer q c.htm

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 your adversary's disappointment, and revenged by his ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter viii of patience under personal.htm

Dedication: to Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP
... It is not even with me as it is with certain learned friends of mine, who, admitting
the adversary's premisses, content themselves with denying the validity of ...
/.../dedication to sir roundell palmer.htm

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 his adversary's words and arguments. ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section ix our historical scriptures.htm

The Judges Said: we Need not Inquire as to the Manner in which ...
... Archelaus said: Notwithstanding, the adversary's intent is replete with
gross audacity and blasphemy. Manes said: Hear, O judges ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/15 the judges said we.htm

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 our adversary's manifold craftiness ...
/.../24 the judges said tell.htm

True Greatness
... The fairest action of our human life Is scorning to revenge an injury: For who forgives
without a further strife His adversary's heart to him doth tie: And ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/true greatness.htm

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). ...
/a/adversary's.htm - 6k

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 an adversary's move as would, if it were any other piece ...
/c/check.htm - 11k

Adverse (6 Occurrences)

/a/adverse.htm - 8k

Oppressor (28 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or,'Redeem me from
the hand of the oppressors?' (Root in WEB JPS ASV DBY RSV). ...
/o/oppressor.htm - 15k

Oppressors (31 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or,'Redeem
me from the hand of the oppressors?' (WEB JPS ASV RSV). ...
/o/oppressors.htm - 15k

Foe (23 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) One who opposes on principle; an opponent; an adversary; an ill-wisher;
as, a foe to religion. ... Psalms 44:10 You make us turn back from the adversary. ...
/f/foe.htm - 12k

Tyrants (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tyrants (4 Occurrences). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from
the adversary's hand?' or,'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NAS) ...
/t/tyrants.htm - 7k

Ruthless (21 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or,'Redeem
me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NIV). Job 15:20 ...
/r/ruthless.htm - 12k

Clutches (5 Occurrences)
... mighty. (See NIV). Job 6:23 or,'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?'
or,'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' (See NIV). Job ...
/c/clutches.htm - 7k

Splendor (87 Occurrences)
... the day. (See NIV). Psalms 78:61 and delivered his strength into captivity,
his glory into the adversary's hand. (See NIV). Psalms ...
/s/splendor.htm - 29k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus