What does the Bible say about demons?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that demons are real evil spiritual powers opposed to God, seeking idolatry, deception, and worship, yet they remain under Christ’s sovereign authority and face certain judgment. Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, 2 Chronicles 11:15, and Psalm 106:37 warn that idolatrous sacrifices are offered to demons rather than to God. Satan’s temptations in Matthew 4:9 and Luke 4:7 reveal his desire to receive worship. Paul therefore forbids fellowship with idolatry in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, while 1 Timothy 4:1 warns of deceitful teachings. Revelation 13:4 shows demonic evil behind rebellion against God, calling believers to faithful worship of Christ alone.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Worship of Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Psalms 106:37; Matthew 4:9; Luke 4:7; 1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4
- Worship of, forbidden Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20
- Possession by, instances of
- Saul 1 Samuel 16:14-23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 18:11; 1 Samuel 19:9; 1 Samuel 19:10
- Two men of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes, Gerasenes) Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:2-20
- The deaf man Matthew 9:32; Matthew 9:33
- The deaf and blind man Matthew 12:22; Luke 11:14
- The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman Matthew 15:22-29; Mark 7:25-30
- The epileptic boy Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:17-27; Luke 9:37-42
- The man in the synagogue Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4:33-35
- Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; Luke 8:3
- The herd of swine Matthew 8:30-32
- Cast out by Jesus Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:16; Mark 3:22; Luke 4:41
- Power over, given the disciples Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7; Mark 16:17
- Cast out
- By the disciples Mark 9:38; Luke 10:17
- By Peter Acts 5:16
- By Paul Acts 16:16-18; Acts 19:12
- By Philip Acts 8:7
- Disciples could not expel Mark 9:18; Mark 9:28; Mark 9:29
- Sceva’s sons exorcise Acts 19:13-16
- Parable of the man repossessed by unclean spirits Matthew 12:43-45
- Jesus falsely accused of being possessed of Mark 3:22-30; John 7:20; John 8:48; John 10:20
- Testify to the divinity of Jesus Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:23; Mark 1:24; Mark 3:11; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28; Acts 19:15
- Adversaries of men Matthew 12:45
- Sent to foment trouble between Abimelech and the Shechemites Judges 9:23
- Messages given false prophets by 1 Kings 22:21-23
- Believe and tremble James 2:19
- To be judged at the general judgment Matthew 8:29; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6
- Punishment of Matthew 8:29; Matthew 25:41; Luke 8:28; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; Revelation 12:7-9
- See SATAN
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