Possession Never Meant Ownership

Published by Steve Dabbs (c) 2026

Satan’s #1 tactic is deception! Therefore, one of his strategies is to keep you confused about biblical terms. It effectively creates uncertainty and division in the Church. Today, let's clarify terms to remove ambiguity as it relates to demonization.

First, demon “possession” never meant “ownership” from earliest biblical understanding. Here's a breakdown of the related ancient languages:

1. Latin Origin:

a. Early-Latin—“possess” meant “to occupy” without regards to ownership.

b. Latin greatly influenced Old English.

c. The 1611 King James Version (KJV) utilized renderings from the Latin Vulgate.

d. CORRECTION:  Modern use “own” is wrongly applied to the ancient meaning.

2. Hebrew Teaching:

a. God claims, “All souls are mine” (Ezekiel 18:4a).

b. Thus, Satan can't own anybody—so “own” can't apply to a believer nor an unbeliever!

c. CORRECTION:  Nobody can sell their soul to Satan--but only grant him allegiance.

3. Greek Original:

a. New Testament uses only 1 Greek word "daimonizomai" (demonized).

b. Biblical meaning is to “experience inward control by a hostile spirit.”

c. Usually accompanied by "ekballō" meaning to “expel or cast out.”

d. Substitute phrase “having a…” demon, evil or unclean spirit).

e. CORRECTION:  Demonically “inhabited or occupied” is accurate in English.

Second and last, since Modern Christians are confused on the issue of demonization, I recommend we avoid using these 2 terms:

1. Demonically-Influenced, because the Bible already uses "deceived."

2. Demonically-Oppressed, because the Bible already uses "tested" and "attacked."

RECOMMENDED READING: "When Demons Surface" chapter 6 "15 Points of Clarity..."

Again, I recommend we avoid using the non-biblical terms "demonically-influenced" and "demonically-oppressed," because Christians are still left confused about what they mean. Also, God expects us not to be “ignorant of the devil’s schemes” (2Co 2:11), and demonization is one of Satan’s schemes.

Download my FREE handout with endnotes for the above references by reading my previous blog "Can Christians Be Demonized?"  (https://www.stevedabbs.org/post/can-christians-be-demonized). Additionally, you can watch or listen to my 3rd interview with Dr. Sean McDowell (Biola University) on the subject.

---

SIGN-UP for my Short-Blogs:

stevedabbs.org/blog-sign-up

ORDER "When Demons Surface"

Book: https://a.co/d/0gojMkHe

Audiobook: https://a.co/d/0cmAkTAY