During my last Bible study, my friends and I decided to dig deeper into the topic of the seven devils, which we found intriguing. The only thing we were aware of is that the seven devils are believed to be demons or fallen angels that are associated with specific sins.
Therefore, we wanted to discover more about these demons and the sins. The first question we had was, “What are the names of the 7 devils?”
Many theologians have listed the names of the seven devils, also known as the seven princes of Hell, as Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Belphegor, Asmodeus, Satan, and Mammon. It’s crucial to know that the specific concept of the seven devils or princes of Hell is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept has been discussed in notable Christian studies like works of theology, demonology, and eschatology.
I invite you to delve into this fascinating discussion and discover everything about the seven Princes of Hell, their names, what they represent, and how they operate.
So, if you’re interested in learning more, read along.
Before you proceed, below is a video on the same topic covered on our Youtube channel:
Table of Contents
What are the names of the 7 devils, and what do they represent?
Here are the names of the seven demons and what they represent;
Lucifer (Pride): Lucifer, also known as Satan or the Devil, is considered to be the embodiment of pride. This sin is associated with an excessive sense of self-importance, arrogance, and vanity.
Lucifer is mentioned in the Bible as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
Mammon (Greed): Mammon is the demon associated with greed, a sin that is characterized by an insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions.
Jesus warns his followers against serving both God and Mammon, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral corruption, as implied in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Asmodeus (Lust): Asmodeus is the demon of lust, characterized by an intense desire for sexual gratification. Lust is viewed as a sin that leads individuals away from their spiritual or moral obligations, as implied in Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” and Galatians 5:16, “So I say, walk by the Spirit,and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Leviathan (Envy): Leviathan is the demon associated with envy, characterized by resentment towards others for their possessions or successes.
Envy is seen as a sin that can lead to feelings of bitterness, malice, and even violence. Leviathan is mentioned in the Bible, in Job chapter 41, as a sea monster or dragon that also symbolizes chaos and destruction.
Beelzebub (Gluttony): Beelzebub is the demon associated with gluttony, characterized by overindulgence in foods or drinks.
Gluttony is a sin that can lead to physical and spiritual harm, as suggested in Proverbs 23:20-21, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
Belphegor (Sloth): Belphegor is the demon associated with sloth, characterized by laziness, apathy, and a lack of motivation.
Sloth is a sin that can lead to spiritual decay and a failure to fulfill one’s duties, as implied in Proverbs 24:30-34 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Aamon (Wrath): Aamon, also known as Amon or Amaymon, is the demon associated with wrath, characterized by anger, rage, and a desire for revenge.
Wrath is a sin that can lead to violence and harm toward oneself and others, as speculated in James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers and sisters,take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speakand slow to become angry,because human angerdoes not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
While the Seven Deadly Sins and their associated demons are well-known in the Christian tradition, it is important to note that some of the specific names and attributes of these demons are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible.
Rather, the association between the Seven Deadly Sins and demons is a later development that can be traced back to various works of literature and theology, such as Dante’s “Divine Comedy” and John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.”
In these works, the sins are personified as individual demons with their names and characteristics.
Do the 7 devils work independently, or do they work together?
The question of whether these demons work independently or together is a matter of interpretation, as there is no definitive answer. Some interpretations suggest that the seven demons work together in a coordinated effort to lead individuals astray.
These interpretations often view the demons as a collective force that unites to lure individuals into committing sinful acts. The demons are seen as collaborating to create a cohesive strategy to lead individuals away from God.
Other interpretations suggest that the seven demons work independently of one another, each focusing on their specific sin.
These interpretations view the demons as distinct entities that tempt individuals to commit different sins. In this view, the demons are seen as competing against each other to lead individuals toward their specific sins and having their distinct agenda, with the overall effect being the temptation towards multiple sins.
Regardless of the interpretation, the concept of the seven deadly sins and the associated demons serves as a reminder of the importance of resisting temptation and striving toward moral and spiritual purity.
When were the 7 devils first associated with the 7 deadly sins?
The association of the seven devils with the seven deadly sins can be traced back to the early Christian church. The seven deadly sins were first identified by the monk Evagrius Ponticus in the fourth century and were later refined by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century.
This tradition was influenced by several sources, including biblical texts, such as the Book of Revelation, which mentions seven angels who stand before God, and apocryphal texts, such as the Testament of Solomon, which lists the names of various demons and the sins they are associated with.
The specific names of the seven demons associated with the seven deadly sins have varied over time and across different Christian traditions. This association of specific demons with specific sins has been a popular theme in art and literature throughout history.
For example, Dante’s Divine Comedy, written in the early 14th century, includes depictions of various demons associated with specific sins in his portrayal of Hell.
References
Joseph M. Jordan
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
