Devil facts for kids
The devil is a powerful evil spirit in some religions. People sometimes call this spirit "the Devil" or "Satan". The word "devil" comes from an old Greek word, "diabolos". This word means "someone who tells lies to hurt you". In the New Testament part of the Bible, "diabolos" became a name for Satan. This is why "The Devil" is another name for Satan in English.
In the Old Testament part of the Bible, there is a serpent and a "shaitan". These might be two different characters. "Shaitan" in Hebrew means "adversary". An adversary is an enemy or opponent. "Shaitan" is also the word used for the devil in the Quran. In the Quran, the shaitan often looks like an animal. It tries to make people do wrong things.
Contents
What is the Devil?
In some religions, the devil is seen as a very bad spirit. This spirit tries to cause problems for people. It wants to lead them away from good things.
Where Does the Word "Devil" Come From?
The word "devil" has a long history. It comes from the Greek word "diabolos". This word means "slanderer" or "accuser". It refers to someone who spreads lies to harm others. Over time, this word became linked to the main evil spirit in some beliefs.
How Different Religions See the Devil
Different religions have different ideas about the devil. Not all religions believe in a devil. For example, Buddhists do not believe in a devil.
The Devil in Christianity
In Christianity, the Devil was once a beautiful angel in heaven. His name was Lucifer. But Lucifer wanted to be more powerful than God. So, he started a fight against God. After a big battle, Lucifer and the angels who helped him were defeated. They were all thrown out of heaven.
After being thrown out, the Devil started doing bad things on Earth. He wants people to worship him instead of God. Sometimes, he tries to trick people. He might make false promises to get them to do what he wants.
The other angels who were thrown out of heaven became evil spirits. These spirits are called demons. They listen to the Devil and help him do bad things. The Book of Revelation in the Bible says that God will punish the Devil and his demons in the future. They will be thrown into a "Lake of Fire" in Hell.
The Devil in Other Religions
In the Old Testament, the "shaitan" is an "adversary" or opponent. This figure tests people. In the Quran, "Shaitan" is also the devil. He often appears as an animal. He tries to tempt people to do wrong.
What Does the Devil Look Like?
Artists often draw pictures of the Devil. They usually show him as ugly and evil. But no one really knows what he looks like. He is usually a spirit that people cannot see. However, some stories say he can make himself look like a real person. He does this to trick people. Many modern pictures show the devil as a red, human-like being. He often has horns and a pointed tail. Sometimes, he carries a red pitchfork.
Images for kids
-
A lion-faced deity found on a Gnostic gem in Bernard de Montfaucon's L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures may be a depiction of the Demiurge.
-
Engraving of Immanuel Kant
_(2).jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Diablo para niños
