Adversary
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Adversary in the Bible?
The term adversary refers to an opponent or foe, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments to describe political rivals, legal opponents, and supernatural entities such as Satan.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the varied applications of this term clarifies the literary and theological structures of conflict and divine justice within the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Adversary. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adversary in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adversary clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adversary." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adversary/