Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "daemon" is often associated with spiritual entities that are considered malevolent or unclean. The concept of daemons, or demons, is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where they are depicted as adversaries to God and His people. These entities are understood to be fallen angels, having rebelled against God and subsequently cast out of heaven.Old Testament Context While the Old Testament does not frequently use the term "daemon" explicitly, the concept is present in various forms. The Hebrew word "shedim" is sometimes translated as "demons" and is mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:17: "They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear." This passage highlights the Israelites' idolatry and their turning away from the one true God to worship false deities, which are equated with demons. Another reference can be found in Psalm 106:37: "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons." Here, the psalmist condemns the Israelites for engaging in pagan practices, including child sacrifice, which is attributed to the influence of demonic forces. New Testament Context The New Testament provides a more detailed account of daemons, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus Christ frequently encounters and exorcises them. The Greek term "daimonion" is used to describe these entities. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' authority over demons is evident: "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick" (Matthew 8:16). The Apostle Paul also addresses the reality of demonic forces in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 10:20, he warns the believers: "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons." This passage underscores the spiritual danger of idolatry and the reality of demonic influence in pagan worship. Characteristics and Activities Daemons are depicted as unclean spirits that seek to possess and torment individuals. They are often associated with physical and mental afflictions, as seen in the accounts of demoniacs in the Gospels. For instance, in Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons, who is described as living among the tombs and exhibiting violent behavior. Jesus commands the demons to leave the man, demonstrating His divine authority over the spiritual realm. The New Testament also portrays daemons as deceptive beings that can masquerade as agents of light. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul warns that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light," suggesting that demonic forces can appear benevolent to deceive believers. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, daemons are understood to be part of the spiritual warfare that exists between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 emphasizes this struggle: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to put on the full armor of God to stand against these spiritual adversaries. The ultimate victory over daemons is assured through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over all powers and principalities through His death and resurrection. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Greek form, rendered "devil" in the Authorized Version of the New Testament. Daemons are spoken of as spiritual beings (Matthew 8:16; 10:1; 12:43-45) at enmity with God, and as having a certain power over man (James 2:19; Revelation 16:14). They recognize our Lord as the Son of God (Matthew 8:20; Luke 4:41). They belong to the number of those angels that "kept not their first estate," "unclean spirits," "fallen angels," the angels of the devil (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7-9). They are the "principalities and powers" against which we must "wrestle" (Ephesians 6:12). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Daemonic.Library To Simplicianus Then I Went, the Father of Ambrose a Bishop Now in ... Were not Love the Darling of God Of the Kind of Knowledge which Puffs up the Demons. Whether Angels Know Secret Thoughts? Whether Local Distance Impedes the Knowledge in the Separated Soul ... Whether it be Unlawful to Practice the Observances of the Magic ... Appendix. Thesaurus Daemon/d/daemon.htm - 7k Daddeus Daemoniac Demon (26 Occurrences) Resources Daemon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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