Greek word · Strong's G1228

διάβολος

diábolos · word · “devil, slanderer”

In a sentence

Diabolos means slanderer, accuser — the New Testament word for the devil, "the accuser of the brothers." Jesus calls him "the father of lies."

Diabolos is built on dia + ballō — literally "one who throws across," who tosses false charges and divides. It pictures a courtroom adversary.

Revelation calls Satan diabolos and slanderer who accuses believers day and night before God; but his accusations are silenced by the blood of the Lamb.

Strong's reference

Definition: a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854)

KJV usage: false accuser, devil, slanderer

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Revelation 12:10 “And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.