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The devil

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(from Greek: slanderer, seducer) — evil angels are called devils on account of their cunning and their effort to seduce people and instill in them false thoughts and evil desires. “Ye are of your father the devil,” the Lord said to the unbelieving Jews, “and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Sometimes people, too, on account of the evil qualities of their souls, are called “devil,” “children of the devil,” and likewise “Satan” (John 6:70; 8:44; 1 John 3:10).

Scripture cited

John 8:44John 6:701 John 3:10

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