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Offline Reader Questions

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Does the Bible mention the Jinn?
« on: March 15, 2012, 04:11:11 AM »
Salam Joseph,

I wanted to know if like the Qur'an, the description of the jinn or a similar concept of the supernatural existed in the previous books revealed to earlier prophets?

If so, are there any references?

Regards.

Offline Joseph Islam

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Re: Does the Bible mention the Jinn?
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2012, 04:16:52 AM »
Salamun Alaikum,

The concept of Jinn as a separate creation is well advanced and explained by the Quran. The Bible does recognise 'demons' and 'evil spirits' and supernatural entities as such but does not offer a concept in the same manner as the Quranic 'Jinn'.

For example, one notes mention of supernatural entities such as 'demons' in both the Old and New Testament.
 
Deuteronomy 32:17 (KJV)
"They sacrificed unto devils (Hebrew shed), not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not"
 
The Hebrew word translated into devils is 'shed'. Another translation (NAS) renders it as 'demons'
 
"They sacrificed to demons who were not God, To gods whom they have not known, New gods who came lately, Whom your fathers did not dread"

In Psalms 106:37, we note:
 
Psalm 106:37 (KJV)
"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils (Hebrew: shed)"
 
The same Hebrew word 'shed' is used which other translators sometimes translate as 'demons'.

In the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark, Prophet Jesus (pbuh) casts out demons.
 
Mark 1:32 (KJV)
"And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils (Greek: daimonizomai)
 
The Greek 'daimonizomai' means to be under the power of / possessed by a demon.
 
Mark 1:34 (KJV)
"And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him"
 
Mark 1:39 (KJV)
"And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils"
 
However one translates the words into English, supernatural entities are recognised by both Testaments.
 
I hope that helps, God willing,

Regards,
Joseph.


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