Asmodaeus
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Asmodaeus in the Bible?
Asmodaeus is a malevolent spirit referenced in Tobit 3:8, linked to Zoroastrianism and corresponding to the Persian Aeshma-Deva, the embodiment of destructive passion. The narrative describes his defeat by Tobias, who acts under the guidance of the angel Raphael.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Asmodaeus clarifies the syncretic nature of Second Temple Jewish demonology, showing how biblical authors incorporated foreign mythological concepts to explain spiritual forces opposing human virtue.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Asmodaeus. 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 Asmodaeus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Asmodaeus clarify?
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
"Asmodaeus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/asmodaeus/