This a deep and fascinating topic — the idea of demons and spirits (Hebrew: shedim, ruḥot, malakhim ra‘im, etc.) develops quite a bit from the Tanakh (Old Testament) to the New Testament, and Jewish interpretations (Orthodox, Karaite, and rabbinic) differ significantly. Let’s break it down clearly:
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🕎 1. Old Testament / Tanakh View
In the Hebrew Bible, “demons” and “spirits” are not a major focus, and what we would call “demons” today are mostly vague or symbolic.
✡ Key Points:
No explicit Satanic kingdom: There’s no figure ruling a realm of demons. Satan (הַשָּׂטָן, ha-satan) is a title, meaning “the accuser” or “adversary,” often acting under God’s permission (see Job 1–2, Zechariah 3:1–2).
Spirits are under divine control: God sends both good and evil spirits.
1 Samuel 16:14–16 — “an evil spirit from the LORD tormented Saul.”
1 Kings 22:19–23 — a “lying spirit” sent by God to deceive Ahab’s prophets.
“Demons” (Shedim) — appear in a few places, mostly in late writings:
Deuteronomy 32:17: “They sacrificed to demons (shedim), not to God.”
Psalm 106:37: “They sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons.”
These passages reflect idolatrous spirits, not independent devils.
Ghosts / spirits of the dead (Ob / Rephaim):
1 Samuel 28: Saul consults the witch of Endor to summon Samuel’s spirit.
Isaiah 8:19: condemns consulting “the dead on behalf of the living.”
📖 In summary: The Hebrew Bible sees “demons” as idolatrous beings or malevolent spirits, but all under God’s authority — no dualistic war between God and Satan exists.
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✝ 2. New Testament View
By the time of the New Testament, Jewish and Greco-Roman ideas about spirits had evolved.
✝ Key Points:
Demonic possession becomes central:
Jesus and the apostles frequently cast out demons (daimonia).
Mark 1:34: “He drove out many demons.”
Luke 8:30: the “Legion” of demons.
Demons as fallen angels or evil spirits opposed to God:
This concept is influenced by Second Temple literature (e.g., Book of Enoch, Jubilees) that developed between the Testaments.
Matthew 12:24: “Beelzebub, the prince of demons.”
Luke 10:18: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Dualism appears: Satan leads a host of rebellious spirits, opposing God’s kingdom and afflicting humans.
Deliverance (exorcism) becomes a sign of divine power.
📖 In summary: The NT sees demons as active evil beings, fallen from God’s service and seeking to corrupt or possess people — a more cosmic conflict between good and evil.
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🕍 3. Orthodox Jewish View (Rabbinic Tradition)
Rabbinic Judaism (Talmudic and later Orthodox thought) expands the concept of spirits but keeps them firmly under God’s sovereignty.
✡ Key Beliefs:
Shedim (demons) exist — created by God, often during the twilight of the sixth day of creation (Pirkei Avot 5:6).
They are incomplete beings: invisible like angels but physical enough to eat and reproduce (Talmud, Chagigah 16a).
Lilith — a female night demon (mentioned in Isaiah 34:14, developed in Talmud and Alphabet of Ben Sira).
Evil spirits can harm people who neglect Torah, blessings, or ritual purity.
Protection: Mezuzah, Torah study, and mitzvot repel them.
Satan / Yetzer Hara: the “evil inclination” is often identified with the same spiritual adversary; he tests rather than destroys.
🕯 Orthodox stance today: Most regard demons as possible but not central — symbolic of temptation or evil forces, while others treat them as real unseen beings.
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📜 4. Karaite Jewish View
Karaite Jews reject rabbinic oral tradition, relying only on the written Tanakh.
🕎 Their position:
No Talmudic mythology: Karaites generally deny the existence of literal demons or spirits outside what is plainly written.
Shedim = idols / false gods: In Deut 32:17, Karaites interpret “shedim” as pagan deities, not supernatural entities.
No Lilith, no fallen angels: These come from extra-biblical and rabbinic texts they reject.
Satan: a role or title (“the accuser”), not an independent enemy of God.
📖 In summary: Karaites see “demons” and “evil spirits” as metaphors for false beliefs, corruption, or divine punishment — not real beings opposing God.
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⚖️ Comparison Summary
View Source Nature of Demons/Spirits Relation to God
Old Testament / Tanakh Hebrew Bible Evil spirits or idols Under God’s control
New Testament Gospels, Acts, Epistles Fallen angels, active evil beings Opposed to God
Orthodox Judaism Talmud, Midrash Real but limited beings; created by God Subordinate to God
Karaite Judaism Scripture only Idols or metaphors, not literal beings No independent existence.
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