In the Hebrew Bible, Satan appears as a heavenly prosecutor subordinate to God who tests human loyalty.

The earliest biblical references portray Satan not as an embodiment of evil, but as a figure who acts under God’s authority to test the faith and righteousness of humans. In the Book of Job, Satan challenges Job’s loyalty, suggesting that his piety depends solely on his blessings. This role as an accuser or adversary ('ha-satan' meaning 'the adversary') is quite different from later Christian conceptions of Satan as the Devil. It reflects a more nuanced understanding where Satan operates within divine boundaries rather than opposing God outright.