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What the Bible Says About Demons

Overview

The Bible addresses demons across 28 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Mark, Acts and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Satan, Ephesus, Miracles and Sceva. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Paul.

Key Bible verses about demons

New Testament

Mark

Mark 1:23

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Mark 1:24

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Mark 3:22

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said He hath Beelzebub and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Mark 3:23

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Mark 3:24

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:25

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Mark 3:26

And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

Mark 3:27

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Mark 3:28

Verily I say unto you All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Mark 3:29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Mark 3:30

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Mark 9:29

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

People in the Bible and demons

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying demons for yourself

  • Begin with 1 Kings 22:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Mark, Acts and 1 Kings each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus and Paul and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Satan, Ephesus, Miracles and Sceva.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about demons?

The Bible addresses demons across 28 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Mark, Acts and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Satan, Ephesus, Miracles and Sceva. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Paul.

How many Bible verses are about demons?

The Bible references demons in 28 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention demons?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Kings 22:21: “And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with demons?

Jesus and Paul.

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