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A Devil is an evil spirit in Abrahamic religion. In Judaism and Christianity the term devil is synonymous with both demon and fiend.[1][2][3] In Christianity, when the word devil is capitalized it can be used as a title for Satan.[1][3][4] In Islam the word devil used for shaitan,[5] which are described as unbelieving jinn.[6] Devil can also be a title for Satan in Islam.[5][6]

In Buddhism, the Mara is usually translated as the Devil.

Etymology[]

The word devil began as a title or term for Satan by Greek speaking Christians and Jews.[7] The term satan in Hebrew means "the accuser,[8]" so Greek speaking Jews and Christians would use the word διαβάλλω (diabállō), derived from the word διαβάλλειν (diaballein), meaning "to slander, to attack, or to throw across, to scatter," to describe Satan.[7]

In early Christian bibles the term διαβάλλω (diabállō) was specifically used to describe Satan while, δαίμων (daimōn) was used to describe demons.[7][9] In English and German bibles the terms were merged, creating the meaning most commonly used today.[7]

Modern Depictions[]

  • In DnD and Pathfinder, devils are lawful evil,[10] but demons are chaotic evil.[11]
  • The football club Manchester United is nicknamed as Red Devils.
  • In Dragon Ball demon is the generic term for all infernal species alongside bad youkai, oni, and majin, but devils are just evil incarnations.

List of individuals who bear Devil title[]

References[]

External links[]

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