Saint vs. Devil: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
A saint is a virtuous, morally exemplary person, often canonized; a devil is a symbol or embodiment of evil, often represented as a supernatural being.
Key Differences
The terms saint and devil represent polar opposites in moral and spiritual contexts. A saint is generally considered a person of exceptional holiness, virtue, and benevolence, often recognized and canonized by certain Christian churches. Saints are often venerated for their extraordinary faith, compassion, and contributions to humanity, reflecting the embodiment of divine goodness and purity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Conversely, the term devil is widely used to symbolize evil, malice, and temptation. In many religious and cultural narratives, the devil is depicted as a supernatural entity opposed to goodness and divinity, seeking to spread corruption, deceit, and suffering. The devil is often portrayed as the antagonist of the divine, representing moral depravity and wickedness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
A saint is typically associated with acts of kindness, charity, and self-sacrifice, emphasizing a life dedicated to the service and well-being of others. The image of a saint evokes notions of love, peace, and altruism, embodying the ideals of moral excellence and spiritual enlightenment. Saints are often revered as models of ethical conduct and righteous living, inspiring others to pursue virtue and goodness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
In contrast, the devil is synonymous with darkness, chaos, and malevolence, symbolizing the destructive and immoral forces in the universe. The concept of the devil is linked to sin, vice, and transgression, illustrating the perpetual struggle between right and wrong, virtue and vice. The devil is seen as a constant threat to the soul, luring individuals away from the path of righteousness with promises of power, pleasure, and fulfilment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
In essence, while saints epitomize the highest moral and spiritual ideals, the devil embodies the essence of moral corruption and spiritual degradation. The dichotomy between saint and devil underscores the universal themes of good versus evil, morality versus immorality, and redemption versus damnation, reflecting the human quest for meaning, purpose, and transcendence in the face of existential challenges.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Moral Alignment
Represents virtue, goodness, and moral excellence.
Represents evil, malice, and moral corruption.
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Sep 23, 2023
Spiritual Role
Model of righteousness and divine favor.
Antagonist of the divine, tempter of souls.
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Sep 23, 2023
Impact on Humanity
Inspires moral and spiritual growth.
Represents the struggle between right and wrong.
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Sep 23, 2023
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Saint and Devil Definitions
Saint
A person who has died and gone to heaven in Christian belief.
The faithful believe they will join the saints in heaven.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Devil
A supernatural being symbolizing evil.
The devil is often depicted with horns and a pitchfork.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Saint
A person acknowledged as holy or virtuous.
Mother Teresa is regarded as a saint due to her charitable work.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Devil
A wicked or naughty person.
The child was acting like a little devil at the party.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Saint
A founder or patron of a particular tradition or group.
The saint of the movement inspired many followers.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
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Devil
A person with energy, daring, or cleverness.
He is a devil behind the wheel, driving very fast.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Saint
Abbr. St. or S. A person officially recognized, especially by canonization, as being entitled to public veneration and capable of interceding for people on earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A severe and demanding difficulty or condition.
The exam was a devil, very hard to pass.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Devil
A mischievous or self-willed person.
He is a devil, always playing pranks.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Saint
Saint A member of any of various Christian groups, especially a Latter-Day Saint.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
Often Devil In many religions, the major personified spirit of evil, ruler of Hell, and foe of God. Used with the.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A person who is venerated for holiness in a non-Christian religious tradition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A person whom a church or another religious group has officially recognised as especially holy or godly; one eminent for piety and virtue.
Kateri Tekakwitha was proclaimed a saint.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A person with positive qualities; one who does good.
Dorothy Day was a living saint.
Thanks for looking after the house while I'm away. You're a saint!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A device or machine, especially one having teeth or spikes and used for tearing.
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
An outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad
Has a devil of a temper.
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A severe reprimand or expression of anger
Gave me the devil for cutting class.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
(transitive) To canonize, to formally recognize someone as a saint.
Many wish to see Pope John Paul II sainted immediately.
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Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue; any true Christian, as being redeemed and consecrated to God.
Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
One of the blessed in heaven.
Then shall thy saints, unmixed, and from the impureFar separate, circling thy holy mount,Unfeigned hallelujahs to thee sing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
To make a saint of; to enroll among the saints by an offical act, as of the pope; to canonize; to give the title or reputation of a saint to (some one).
A large hospital, erected by a shoemaker who has been beatified, though never sainted.
Whether the charmer sinner it or saint it.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
(theology) An evil creature, the objectification of a hostile and destructive force.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
(folklore) A fictional image of a man, usually red or orange in skin color; with a set of horns on his head, a pointed goatee and a long tail and carrying a pitchfork; that represents evil and portrayed to children in an effort to discourage bad behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
The bad part of the conscience; the opposite to the angel.
The devil in me wants to let him suffer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A wicked or naughty person, or one who harbors reckless, spirited energy, especially in a mischievous way; usually said of a young child.
Those two kids are devils in a toy store.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A thing that is awkward or difficult to understand or do.
That math problem was a devil.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
In the Catholic church; declare (a dead person) to be a saint;
After he was shown to have performed a miracle, the priest was canonized
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
Hell.
What in the devil is that?
What the devil is that?
She is having a devil of a time fixing it.
You can go to the devil for all I care.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A virtuous, kind, and patient person.
He was a saint for tolerating such obnoxious behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Devil
A person, especially a man; used to express a particular opinion of him, usually in the phrases poor devil and lucky devil.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Saint
A person canonized by the Christian church.
Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Devil
(cookery) A dish, as a bone with the meat, broiled and excessively peppered; a grill with Cayenne pepper.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
An endurance event where riders who fall behind are periodically eliminated.
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
To work as a ‘devil’; to work for a lawyer or writer without fee or recognition.
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
To grill with cayenne pepper; to season highly in cooking, as with pepper.
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
To prepare a sidedish of shelled halved boiled eggs to whose extracted yolks are added condiments and spices, which mixture then is placed into the halved whites to be served.
She's going to devil four dozen eggs for the picnic.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
The Evil One; Satan, represented as the tempter and spiritual of mankind.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A very wicked person; hence, any great evil.
Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
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Apr 21, 2023
Devil
An expletive of surprise, vexation, or emphasis, or, ironically, of negation.
The devil a puritan that he is, . . . but a timepleaser.
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,But wonder how the devil they got there.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A dish, as a bone with the meat, broiled and excessively peppered; a grill with Cayenne pepper.
Men and women busy in baking, broiling, roasting oysters, and preparing devils on the gridiron.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
To grill with Cayenne pepper; to season highly in cooking, as with pepper.
A deviled leg of turkey.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A word used in exclamations of confusion;
What the devil
The deuce with it
The dickens you say
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
A rowdy or mischievous person (usually a young man);
He chased the young hellions out of his yard
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Devil
Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations;
Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me
It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
FAQs
Is the devil considered a real entity in all religions?
Different religions have varying interpretations, and not all view the devil as a real, sentient entity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a living person be called a saint?
Yes, the term "saint" can be used metaphorically to describe a living person's virtuous behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Are all saints canonized?
No, while many saints are canonized, the term can also refer to virtuous individuals not officially recognized by a church.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Is the devil always associated with fear?
Typically, yes. The devil symbolizes evil and is often associated with fear and aversion in various cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Are saints only from Christianity?
While the concept is prominent in Christianity, analogous figures exist in other religions, recognized for their holiness and virtue.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Are all saints perfect?
No, saints are human and fallible, but they are recognized for their outstanding virtue and moral excellence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Can the concept of the devil represent human vices?
Yes, the devil often symbolizes human vices and moral failings, serving as a metaphor for our inner struggles.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Are there different categories of saints?
Yes, there are categories like martyr saints, confessor saints, and more, each recognized for different virtues and deeds.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Can the term devil be used light-heartedly?
Yes, "devil" can be used in a playful or informal manner to describe mischievous or naughty behavior.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
Can the devil represent challenges or difficulties?
Yes, "devil" can metaphorically represent severe challenges, difficulties, or troublesome conditions.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Can the term devil imply cleverness or cunning?
Yes, "devil" can colloquially refer to someone clever, daring, or mischievous.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can anyone become a saint?
In a religious context, sainthood requires fulfillment of specific criteria, but metaphorically, anyone exhibiting exceptional virtue can be called a saint.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
Does every culture have a concept of the devil?
Most cultures have some concept of evil, but the characteristics, names, and narratives about the devil vary widely.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Can the concept of a saint exist outside religious contexts?
Yes, "saint" can be used more broadly to describe anyone who is exceptionally virtuous, kind, or patient, regardless of religious context.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Is sainthood permanent?
In religious contexts, sainthood is typically considered permanent, reflecting enduring recognition of virtue.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
