evil spirits
What does the Bible say about evil spirits? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
13 passages · most helpful first
19Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
1Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
10Concerning the rest, brothers, be strengthened in the Lord, by the power of his virtue. 11Be clothed in the armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the treachery of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the directors of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in high places.
14And no wonder, for even Satan presents himself as if he were an Angel of light.
21Do not allow evil to prevail, instead prevail over evil by means of goodness.
8Whoever commits sin is of the devil. For the devil sins from the beginning. For this reason, the Son of God appeared, so that he might eradicate the works of the devil.
1Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God; 3and every spirit who contradicts Jesus is not of God. And this one is the Antichrist, the one that you have heard is coming, and even now he is in the world.
1The Praise of a Canticle, of David. Whoever dwells with the assistance of the Most High will abide in the protection of the God of heaven. 2He will say to the Lord, “You are my supporter and my refuge.” My God, I will hope in him. 3For he has freed me from the snare of those who go hunting, and from the harsh word. 4He will overshadow you with his shoulders, and you will hope under his wings. 5His truth will surround you with a shield. You will not be afraid: before the terror of the night, 6before the arrow flying in the day, before the troubles that wander in the darkness, nor of invasion and the midday demon.
17Then the seventy-two returned with gladness, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us, in your name.”
10The thief does not come, except so that he may steal and slaughter and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.
28You shall not cut your flesh for the dead, and you shall not make other figures or marks on yourself. I am the Lord.
3But God is faithful. He will strengthen you, and he will guard you from evil.
9And he was thrown out, that great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole world. And he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.