The Bible indicates that there are different types of demonic spirits. While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list or taxonomy of demons, it does describe some of their attributes, abilities, and behaviors that allow us to categorize them into different types.
The Devil/Satan
The most well-known demonic figure in the Bible is Satan, also referred to as the Devil. He is described as the chief enemy of God and humans (1 Peter 5:8). Satan incites evil, rebellion, and temptation in humans (Genesis 3; Matthew 4:1-11). Other names and descriptions applied to Satan in the Bible include:
- The serpent (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9)
- The ruler of this world (John 12:31)
- The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)
- The accuser (Revelation 12:10)
- The father of lies (John 8:44)
- The enemy (Matthew 13:39)
- The tempter (Matthew 4:3)
- The thief (John 10:10)
- The dragon (Revelation 12:7)
- The deceiver (Revelation 12:9)
Satan seemingly has abilities and authority exceeding that of other demons, yet he remains subordinate to God and subject to judgment (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
Demons/Evil Spirits
The terms “demons” and “evil spirits” appear to be used interchangeably in the Bible to refer to spirit beings who follow Satan in rebellion against God and alignment with evil. They possess abilities such as:
- Inhabiting and controlling people (Mark 5:2-13)
- Performing signs and wonders (Revelation 16:13-14)
- Oppressing people (Acts 10:38)
- Promoting false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1)
- Influencing masses of people toward evil (Revelation 16:13-14)
Jesus frequently conducted exorcisms, driving demons out from the people they possessed and tormented (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 1:21-28). The book of Revelation describes a future time when demonic influence over humanity will reach an apex before Christ returns and binds Satan (Revelation 16:13-14; 20:1-3).
Angels Who Sinned/Fallen Angels
Jude 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:4 references angels who “sinned” and were cast out of heaven. This likely refers to the account in Revelation 12:7-9 where Satan (the “great dragon”) and his angels (stars) wage war against Michael the archangel in heaven and are defeated and thrown down to earth. This event is likely synonymous with the initial rebellion of Satan described in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 where he is corrupted by pride over his beauty and wisdom and seeks to make himself like God.
Territorial Spirits
Some passages hint at demons being associated with certain geographical areas or having territorial authority. Daniel 10 describes an angel being detained by the “prince of Persia” and needing Michael the archangel’s help to be released. Ephesians 6:12 refers to “rulers…authorities…cosmic powers over this present darkness” which could connect to demons ruling over certain domains.
When 70 disciples return to Jesus from being sent out to preach and heal, they report that “even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17). Jesus confirms he saw Satan “fall like lightning from heaven” and that He has given them authority to “tread on serpents and scorpions” which may symbolize demonic spirits associated with particular regions.
Demons Associated with False Gods/Idols
In several instances, the worship of idols or false gods appears tied to the influence of demons. Leviticus 17:7 describes sacrificing to “goat idols” as offering sacrifices to demons. Psalm 106:36-37 states that Canaanites sacrificed their children to demons through the idols they worshiped. In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Paul states that while pagans sacrifice to “so-called gods,” he implies that these false gods are actually demons behind the idols.
This connection between idolatry and demons persists in the New Testament. In Revelation 9:20, people refuse to repent from worshiping demons through idols. And in Acts 17:16-18, Paul’s spirit was provoked by the idols filling Athens because of the demonic strongholds that perpetuated idol worship in the city.
Demons Associated with Vices
Some passages associate certain demons or evil spirits with particular vices or afflictions:
- Jezebel – sexual immorality (Revelation 2:20)
- Deaf and mute spirit – speechlessness (Mark 9:25)
- Spirit of divination – fortune telling (Acts 16:16)
- Messenger of Satan – afflictions (2 Corinthians 12:7)
This suggests certain demons may specialize in promoting specific sins or maladies they have been allowed to inflict, whether possessed individually or influencing society.
The Beast from the Earth/False Prophet
Revelation depicts a “False Prophet” who will perform miraculous signs and establish an idolatrous system of worship surrounding the “Beast from the Sea” (Revelation 13:11-17). This figure will be endowed with Satan’s authority and will influence the masses toward evil through deception and manipulation. He is later thrown into the lake of fire with the Beast and Satan (Revelation 19:20; 20:10). His activities characterize that of a powerful, high-ranking demonic spirit.
Legion
One exorcism account provides detail into a specific group of demons inhabiting a man called “Legion” – signifying many demons (Luke 8:30). When cast out, the demons requested not to be sent to the abyss but instead into a herd of pigs. This suggests demons can bind together in groups, inhabit animals, and wish to avoid confinement in the abyss – a place of imprisonment alluded to in Luke 8:31 and Revelation 20:3.
Apollyon/Abaddon – The Destroyer
Revelation 9:11 provides the name of a unique demon called “Abaddon” in Hebrew and “Apollyon” in Greek meaning “Destroyer.” He is described as the ruler of the bottomless pit and is likely another high ranking demonic ruler.
Other Characteristics of Demons
Other attributes of demons can be compiled from various passages:
- They vary in power/strength (Mark 9:29; Ephesians 6:12)
- There are large numbers of them (Mark 5:9)
- They oppose and resist God’s plans (Daniel 10:10-14)
- Some react violently when confronted with Christ’s authority (Mark 1:24, Luke 8:28)
- They seek embodiment in people or animals (Luke 8:32-33)
- They seek to deceive people (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
- They can inflict afflictions (Matthew 17:14-18)
- They know Christ’s identity and judgment awaits them (Matthew 8:28-29)
Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive taxonomy of the demonic realm, it provides glimpses into hierarchies, rankings, and realms of authority that point to an organized kingdom of darkness. Satan stands as chief over this evil domain, with legions of demons of varying power carrying out his disruptive plans. Yet Scripture assures that Christ has definitively defeated Satan through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15), and that God’s authority, exercised through believing humans, is greater than any demonic influence (Luke 10:17-10). Until Christ returns, battles will continue in the spiritual realms, but Scripture provides assurance that Satan’s doom is sure and his power limited by God’s sovereign dominion.