The Bible contains numerous verses that provide insights into the spiritual realm, including the existence and influence of demons. Understanding these scriptures can help Christians and the general public gain deeper insight into the nature of demons, their tactics, and how to combat them. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 33 Bible verses about demons, shedding light on their significance and offering wisdom for spiritual warfare.
Table of Top Verses About Demons:
| Reference | Verse About Demons |
|---|---|
| Matthew 12:22-23 | “Then they brought him a demon-possessed man…” |
| Luke 10:17-20 | “The seventy-two returned with joy and said…” |
| James 2:19 | “You believe that there is one God. Good!…” |
| Revelation 12:7-9 | “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael…” |
What does the Bible say about demons?
The Bible says about demons, portraying them as evil beings who doesn’t support God and seek to harm humanity. Here are some key points about demons according to the Bible:
- Origin of Demons: While the Bible doesn’t explicitly says about the origin of demons, some passages suggest that they are fallen angels who rebelled against God. For example, Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven where Satan and his angels are cast out.
- Activities of Demons: Demons are described as engaging in various evil activities, including possessing individuals (Matthew 8:28-34 verse), causing illness and affliction (Matthew 9:32-33 verse), and tempting people to sin (Matthew 4:1-11 verse).
- Opposition to God: Demons are portrayed as enemies of God and possessor of spiritual darkness. Ephesians 6:12 describes spiritual warfare against “rulers,” “authorities,” and “powers of this dark world,” which likely includes demonic forces.
- Defeat by Jesus: The Bible teaches that Jesus has authority over demons and can cast them out. Numerous accounts in the Gospels depict Jesus exorcising demons and freeing individuals from their influence (Mark 1:21-27, Luke 8:26-39).
- Final Judgment: The Bible teaches that demons, along with Satan, will face final judgment and eternal punishment. Revelation 20:10 describes the devil being thrown into the lake of fire, where he will be tormented forever.
- Protection from Demons: Believers are adviced to resist the influence of demons by putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and relying on the power of prayer and faith (James 4:7-8 verses).
- Avoidance of Occult Practices: The Bible warns not in engaging in occult practices such as witchcraft, divination, and consulting mediums, as these can open doors to demonic influence (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Galatians 5:19-21).
- Discernment of Spirits: Christians are urged to discern between spirits and test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1-3 verse) involving comparing teachings and experiences with the truth revealed in Scripture.
How are demons described in the Bible?
In the Bible, demons are described as evil spiritual beings or fallen angels who rise up against God. They are often linked with causing harm, possessing individuals, and spreading deception. Demons are portrayed as enemies of God and humanity, who seek to attack God’s plans and lead people away from right path.
Some key passages in the Bible that mention demons are:
- Demons in Old Testament:
- Even though the concept of demons is not as much prominent in the Old Testament as it is in the New Testament of Bible, there are several references to evil spirits that oppose God’s desire. For example, in 1 Samuel 16:14-23, an evil spirit angers King Saul, and it is suggested that music played by David soothes the spirit.
- Demons in New Testament:
- In the New Testament of Bible, demons are described more explicitly. Jesus frequently encounters and destroys demons in his space, showing his power over them. For instance, in Mark 5:1-20, Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons, casting them out into a herd of pigs.
- Other passages, such as Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39, also shows Jesus expelling demons from his believers.
- The Apostle Paul also references demonic activity in his letters, such as in Ephesians 6:12, where he speaks of spiritual warfare against “rulers,” “authorities,” and “powers of this dark world.”
Throughout the Bible in both testaments, demons are shown as creatures that oppose God’s desire and want to disrupt the lives of God’s believers.
READ: 50 Bible Verses for New Believers
Demons in the Bible
The Bible describes demons as evil spirits, or angels, who fell from heaven and are currently enemies of God and His plans.
1. Origins: The Bible does not describe exactly how the demons came into being, as they are viewed as fallen angels who rebelled against God, led by Satan (or Lucifer). In Revelation 12:7-9, it depicts a war in the heavenly realm where Satan and his angels are driven out of heaven.
2. Characteristics: Succubus are wicked, misleading, and fully prepared to bring misfortune to any person they come across. They are best known as possessing, afflicting, or tormenting beings. Whenever demons are portrayed in the Gospels, they are portrayed as being aware of Jesus’ divinity and his authority over them.
3. Interactions with Jesus: The New Testament literature is replete with references to encounters between Jesus and demons. In Luke, Jesus constantly frees the tormented people from demons to show dominion over them. These confrontations are an attempt to demonstrate the authority of Jesus as well as the fight between divine forces and evil.
4. Demon Possession: Demon possession is an awful state in which a person is dominated or influenced by demons, as described in the Bible. These spirits, as manifested through the people involved, may show violent manifestations and endure physical, mental, or even spiritual affliction. Divine power is depicted in Jesus and his disciples’ ability to perform deliverance on people possessed by demons.
5. Spiritual Warfare: The Bible is full of warfare information in terms of spiritual warfare, where the believer is encouraged to be alert and strong in prayer to combat the devil’s aggression. Ephesians 6:Twelve states, ‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand, Stand therefore taking unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Ephesians 6:10–13.
READ: Are Cats Evil in the Bible?
6. Judgment: Even so, the scriptures record the definitive judgment and vanquishing of the forces of darkness. John in Revelation sees Satan and his followers as thrown into the ‘lake of fire’—their final condemnation, which also asserts the victory of God’s kingdom.
In conclusion, the demons are shown in the Bible as examples of spiritual beings and the fight against them, Jesus’ authority over them, and the necessity of having faith and obeying God.
List of 33 Bible Verses Among Demons:
1. Matthew 12:22-23 – Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
2. Luke 10:17-20 – The Authority over Demons
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
3. James 2:19 – The Demons Believe and Tremble
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
4. Revelation 12:7-9 – The Great Battle in Heaven
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
5. Mark 5:1-20 – Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.
6. Ephesians 6:11-12 – The Armor of God
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
7. 1 Peter 5:8 – Be Alert and of Sober Mind
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
8. Matthew 8:16 – Jesus Drives Out Spirits
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.
9. Acts 16:16-18 – Paul Casts Out a Spirit
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
10. Matthew 17:18 – Jesus Rebukes a Demon
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
11. Mark 1:34 – Jesus Heals Many
And Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
12. Luke 4:41 – Demons Know Jesus
Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
13. Mark 3:11 – Demons Recognize Jesus
Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”
14. Acts 19:13-16 – Seven Sons of Sceva
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
15. Luke 11:24-26 – The Return of an Unclean Spirit
When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.
16. 1 John 4:4 – Overcoming Spirits
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
17. Jude 1:6 – The Fallen Angels
And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.
18. 2 Corinthians 11:14 – Satan Masquerades as an Angel of Light
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
19. Matthew 25:41 – Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
20. 2 Peter 2:4 – God Did Not Spare Angels
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment.
21. Revelation 20:10 – The Devil’s Final Defeat
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
22. Luke 8:30 – Legion of Demons
Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
23. Mark 1:23-27 – Jesus Casts Out an Impure Spirit
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
24. Matthew 4:24 – News About Jesus Spreads
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
25. Mark 9:17-29 – Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit
A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
26. Matthew 9:32-33 – Jesus Heals a Mute Man
*While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
*
27. Luke 13:32 – Jesus Drives Out Demons and Heals People
He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’”
28. Matthew 10:1 – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
29. Mark 16:17 – Signs Will Accompany Believers
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
30. Luke 4:33-35 – Jesus Drives Out a Demon in Capernaum
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
31. Mark 7:25-30 – Jesus Heals a Greek Woman’s Daughter
In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
32. Luke 9:42 – Jesus Rebukes an Unclean Spirit
Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.
33. 1 Timothy 4:1 – Deceiving Spirits and Doctrines of Demons
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Conclusion:
The Bible offers a wealth of knowledge about demons, their nature, and their impact on human life. By understanding these verses, Christians and the general public can gain valuable insights into spiritual warfare and the power of God to overcome evil. Reflect on these scriptures, and let them guide you in your spiritual journey.
FAQs
What are the 8 demons?
Binsfeld’s classification
Lucifer: pride.
Mammon: greed.
Asmodeus: lust.
Leviathan: envy.
Beelzebub: gluttony.
Satan: wrath.
Belphegor: sloth.
How many demons are mentioned in the Bible?
According to Dr. Jerry Robison in his book, “Strongman’s his name… What’s his game?” Says that there are 16 biblically named demonic spirits.
How are demons described in the Bible?
In Christian tradition, demons are fallen angels and have the same characteristics as their good angel counterparts: spirituality, immutability and immortality. Demons are not omniscient, but each one has a specific knowledge (sometimes on more than one subject).
What are the 3 demons?
The Demons Three is the name attributed to three demonic brothers, Abnegazar, Rath and Ghast. The Demons Three ruled the Earth a billion years ago before being banished by beings known as the Timeless Ones.
Who is the king of demons in the Bible?
Asmodeus is portrayed differently in different sources but is commonly known as the king of demons. Some scholars have connected his name to the Hebrew word shamad (שמד; “exterminate, annihilate”); others have noted its similarity to the Persian demon, Aeshma Devas (Aēšma daēva) who is associated with wrath.
How does the Bible describe the devil?
The Epistle to the Hebrews speaks of the devil as the one who has the power of death but is defeated through the death of Jesus (Hebrews 2:14). In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul the Apostle warns that Satan is often disguised as an angel of light.
What Bible verse protects you from evil?
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, because you are with me; your rod and your staff, they protect me.” The Good News: God protects the members of his flock. If you are among them then there is nothing otherworldly to fear.
What did Jesus say about the demons?
If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe.