Who Is Asmodeus in Demonology and the Bible?

Asmodeus is a well-known entity in Judeo-Christian demonology and is considered one of the Seven Princes of Hell. In the Ars Goetia, the first part of the Lesser Key of Solomon, he appears as the 32nd spirit.

He is described as a Great King, known for his strength and power. Asmodeus is mainly linked to spreading lust, breaking up marriages, and teaching different sciences and crafts.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Asmodeus, Ashmedai, Asmoday, Asmodaios, Hasmoday, Chammaday, Sidonay
Title	King of Demons, Prince of Lechery, The Destroyer, Superintendent of the Houses of Gambling
Gender	Male
Role	Tempter of lust, destroyer of marriages, spreader of dissipation, and burner of houses
Rank	King (Ars Goetia), Prince of the Fourth Hierarchy (Binsfeld’s Classification)
Hierarchy	Serves under Amaymon (in some traditions); commands various lesser spirits
Legions	72 Legions of Inferior Spirits
Powers	Induces carnal desire, grants invisibility, teaches geometry and arithmetic, reveals hidden treasures
Associated Figures	King Solomon, Sarah (daughter of Raguel), Tobias, Lilith (as consort in later Cabala)
Weaknesses	The smell of a burning fish liver and heart (as noted in Tobit), the ring of Solomon
Opposing Angel/Saint	Archangel Raphael, Saint John the Baptist
Pantheon	Christian and Jewish (with Zoroastrian roots)
Primary Sources	The Book of Tobit, The Testament of Solomon, Ars Goetia, Dictionnaire Infernal, Malleus Maleficarum

Who or What is Asmodeus?

Asmodeus is an ancient and powerful demon found in Persian, Jewish, and Christian traditions.

In Christian beliefs, he is seen as a fallen angel, once part of the Seraphim or Thrones before rebelling against Heaven. He is best known as the personification of Lust, one of the Seven Deadly Sins. He is said to lead people into sexual immorality and conflict.

In the Solomonic grimoires, Asmodeus is shown as a clever and dangerous King of Hell. Unlike other spirits that are wild or mindless, he is described as knowledgeable in subjects like mathematics, astronomy, and the arts.

Stories about him often show two sides: he can destroy homes and families, but he also teaches forbidden knowledge to those who dare to call on him.

“Asmodeus” Meaning

The name Asmodeus comes from the Avestan language of ancient Persia. It is based on the term Aēšma-daēva. In this language, aēšma means “wrath” or “fury,” and daēva means a “demon” or a harmful spirit.

So, the name Asmodeus literally means “Demon of Wrath.” When this entity became part of Jewish tradition, the name changed to Ashmedai. Some Hebrew scholars suggested it might also come from the word shamad, which means “to destroy.” This fits his role in the Book of Tobit, where he is a deadly force. In Greek texts like the Septuagint, his name appears as Asmodaios.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, his name was spelled differently in various Latin and local texts. The Ars Goetia calls him Asmoday, and the Dictionnaire Infernal uses Asmodée.

Even with these changes, he is still connected to destruction, fury, and obsession. Over time, he went from being a general spirit of wrath to a specific prince of lust, showing how ideas about demons changed through the centuries.

How to Pronounce “Asmodeus” in English

In English, the name is usually pronounced az-mo-DEE-us (/ˌæzməˈdiːəs/). Another common way, especially in academic or church settings, is as-MO-dee-us (/æzˈmoʊdiəs/). Some people say az-mo-DAY-us, which matches the Latin form Asmodaios.

What Does Asmodeus Look Like?

The Ars Goetia and the Dictionnaire Infernal give the clearest descriptions of what Asmodeus looks like. He is said to have three heads: one like a bull, one like a man, and one like a ram. These features stand for strength, intelligence, and stubbornness.

He is also described as having a serpent’s tail and webbed goose feet, which in European folklore are often seen as signs of a demon.

The texts say he breathes fire from his mouth. He is often shown riding a dragon and holding a lance with a banner. In the Testament of Solomon, though, he appears more like a human who tries to stop the King’s workers, but his real angelic form is hidden because he fell from grace.

Origins

The story of Asmodeus has many layers, starting in ancient Indo-Iranian mythology and later becoming part of Judeo-Christian demonology.

Zoroastrian Foundations: Aēšma-daēva

The oldest known origin of Asmodeus is in the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. He comes from Aēšma, a demon who stands for wrath, fury, and bloodlust. In the Gathas, the oldest part of the Avesta, Aēšma is blamed for causing violence against cattle and society.

In the Younger Avesta, he became known as Aēšma-daēva, the demon of the “wounding spear.” He was seen as the main enemy of Sraosha, the spirit of “Obedience” and “Hearing.” This rivalry made him a symbol of how passions can distract people from following divine law.

Integration into Jewish Apocrypha

While the Jews were in Babylon, their beliefs were influenced by Persian ideas. The demon became part of Jewish stories as Ashmedai. His most important appearance from this time is in the Book of Tobit (around 200 BCE).

In this story, the demon’s role changed from general anger to causing sexual jealousy and breaking up families. He is the “evil demon” who stops Sarah’s marriages from being completed. At this time, legends also said he could be driven away by the smell of fish, which was similar to old rituals meant to keep away evil spirits.

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Rabbinic and Talmudic Evolution

In the Talmud (Gittin 68a-b), Ashmedai is shown as a more complicated character. He is not just evil but is called the King of the Shedim (demons). Stories say Benaiah ben Jehoiada caught him with a chain marked with the Holy Name to help King Solomon.

In these stories, Ashmedai is shown as wise, studying the Torah in both the “Academy of the Sky” and the “Academy of the Earth” every day. This period also brought the legend of him briefly taking over Solomon’s throne, showing his skills in trickery and metamorphosis.

Medieval Christian Systematization

As Christian beliefs changed in the Middle Ages, Asmodeus was seen as one of the fallen angels. Some scholars, like Sebastian Michaelis, said he was once a Seraphim, the highest group of angels, who fell with Lucifer. Others thought he belonged to the Order of Thrones.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, demonologists such as Peter Binsfeld and the authors of the Malleus Maleficarum included him among the Seven Deadly Sins.

He was officially called the Prince of Lust. This idea was finalized in Renaissance books such as the Ars Goetia, which described his appearance, his 72 legions, and his role as one of the four main kings of Hell.

Was Asmodeus Ever Mentioned in the Bible?

Asmodeus does not appear in the main books of the Protestant Bible or the Hebrew Masoretic Text. However, he is an important character in the Book of Tobit, which is part of the Deuterocanon in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles.

Source	Quote
Tobit 3:8	Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with her.
Tobit 3:17	And Raphael was sent to heal them both… and to bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance.

Asmodeus in Grimoires and Other Texts

Asmodeus often appears in occult books and is known as one of the hardest spirits to control.

Source	Quote
Ars Goetia	The 32nd Spirit is Asmoday, a strong and powerful King. He appeareth with three heads, whereof the first is like a Bull, the second like a Man, and the third like a Ram; he hath also the tail of a Serpent, and from his mouth issue Flames of Fire.
Testament of Solomon	I am called Asmodeus among mortals, and my business is to plot against the newly wedded, so that they may not know one another. And I sever them utterly by many calamities.
Dictionnaire Infernal	Asmodée: Ancient demon, superintendent of the houses of gambling. He sows dissipation and error.

Powers and Abilities

Asmodeus has powers that affect both people’s minds and the physical world. His main ability is to control human desire. He doesn’t just cause attraction; he turns it into obsessive lust and cheating, trying to break the bonds of marriage. He does this by confusing people’s judgment and stirring up the “animal” instincts shown by his bull and ram heads.

Asmodeus is also known for his knowledge of the “liberal arts.” He is said to give those who summon him perfect understanding of arithmetic, astronomy, and geometry. He can also show where hidden treasures are, but these are often protected by tricky traps or come with moral risks.

Asmodeus can also grant invisibility. This doesn’t mean becoming physically invisible, but rather making others unable to notice the demon or the person working with him. Controlling 72 legions, he can cause minor problems, such as setting houses on fire or creating trouble in communities.

Asmodeus Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Torment of Sarah in the Book of Tobit

In the Book of Tobit, Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, is haunted by Asmodeus. She marries seven men, but each time, Asmodeus kills her husband on the wedding night before the marriage can be completed. After this happens seven times, people think Sarah is cursed or to blame for the deaths.

Sarah thinks about ending her life but chooses to pray to God for help. God sends the Archangel Raphael, disguised as a human, to help Tobias, Tobit’s son. Raphael tells Tobias to burn a fish’s heart and liver on incense in the bridal room. When Tobias does this, the smell drives Asmodeus away. The demon runs to Egypt, where Raphael catches and binds him, breaking the curse.

The Binding of Asmodeus in the Testament of Solomon

In the Testament of Solomon, King Solomon uses a magic ring from the Archangel Michael to call and control demons to help build the Temple of Jerusalem. When Asmodeus is brought to him, the demon is proud and angry. He tells Solomon that his parents were a human mother and an angel.

Asmodeus admits that he ruins the beauty of virgins and causes marriages to fail. Solomon makes him do hard work, like making clay for the temple. Asmodeus is also forced to predict the kingdom’s future, saying that Solomon’s kingdom will one day be divided.

To control the demon, Solomon hangs his keys above Asmodeus. He uses the threat of the Archangel Raphael to keep Asmodeus in check.

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The Theft of the Ring in Haggadic Legend

In later Jewish stories (Haggadah), the connection between Solomon and Asmodeus (Ashmedai) is more complicated. Solomon catches the demon by getting him to drink wine instead of water, then tying him up with a chain marked with the Holy Name. Ashmedai serves Solomon for many years.

One day, Ashmedai tells Solomon that if he takes off his ring and chain, the demon will show him real greatness. Solomon, feeling proud, agrees. As soon as he is free, Ashmedai swallows the ring, becomes huge, and throws Solomon four hundred miles away.

The demon then takes on Solomon’s appearance and rules in his place for years. Meanwhile, the real Solomon wanders as a beggar until he finally gets his ring back from inside a fish.

Asmodeus vs Other Christian Demons

Demon Name	Associated Sin	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Lucifer	Pride	Emperor / Fallen Seraph	Command over the hierarchy of Hell
Mammon	Greed	Prince / Biblical	Influence over wealth and materialism
Beelzebub	Gluttony	Prince / Philistine	Lord of the Flies; spreading of pestilence
Leviathan	Envy	Grand Admiral / Biblical	Monstrous sea serpent; gatekeeper of Hell
Belphegor	Sloth	Prince / Moabite	Discovery of inventions; inciting laziness
Satan	Wrath	Prince / Biblical	Accuser of humanity; personification of evil
Astaroth	Laziness/Vanity	Grand Duke / Ars Goetia	Teaches liberal sciences; knows past/future
Belial	Lawlessness	Prince / Dead Sea Scrolls	Hostility toward God; grants titles
Paimon	Obedience to Evil	King / Ars Goetia	Bound to Lucifer; teaches all arts
Bael	Deceit	King / Ars Goetia	Ability to make men invisible
Beherit	Blasphemy	Duke / Syrian	Associated with the moon and black magic
Moloch	Child Sacrifice	Prince / Canaanite	God of fire and sacrifice
Abaddon	Destruction	King / Revelation	Lord of the locust plague
Azazel	Corruption	Prince / Book of Enoch	Introduced weapons and cosmetics to man

Rank in the Hierarchy of Hell

Asmodeus has a top position in the ranks of Hell. In the Binsfeld system, he is one of the seven main princes, just below Lucifer and Beelzebub. He often competes with other demons. For example, both he and Astaroth are said to be experts in the liberal sciences. Still, Asmodeus is seen as more aggressive and focused on corrupting the body.

In the Lesser Key of Solomon, he is clearly called a King, meaning he only answers to the four Great Kings of the cardinal directions, especially Amaymon, who rules the East.

In later Cabalistic writings, he is often shown with Lilith as his queen or partner, forming an unholy pair that mirrors the holy couple in the Sephirot. Together, they lead the “Other Side” (Sitra Achra), where he commands demons that tempt people away from spiritual purity.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Sun (in Ars Goetia) or Mars
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Element	Air
Direction	East
Color	Yellow or Gold
Number	9
Crystal/Mineral	Heliotrope (Bloodstone)
Metal	Gold
Herb/Plant	Wormwood
Animal	Spider or Serpent

In the Ars Goetia, Asmodeus is often connected to the Sun, showing his rank as a King and the use of gold in rituals. This link to the Sun is seen as a twisted form of divine light, symbolizing intense passion and pride. His zodiac sign is Aquarius, which points to his intelligence and his power to influence people’s minds and groups through the “air.”

His link to the Air element helps him move freely and whisper temptations to unsuspecting people. In numerology, the number 9 is often tied to him, symbolizing the end of a cycle or the “completion” of a fall.

These connections make his evil seem more real in the physical world and give people in the past specific times and materials to use when trying to contact his powerful energy.

Asmodeus’s Sigil

The sigil of Asmodeus is a detailed geometric symbol from the Ars Goetia. It is seen as his spiritual signature. In old occult practices, the sigil was carved onto a “Lamen” (a breastplate or pendant) made of gold to show his royal status.

The sigil is important because people believed it connected the physical world to the demon’s spirit. Without it, a summoner had no control or protection and could be harmed by the demon. The sigil was used to bind and protect, making sure the demon knew the summoner’s purpose.

Summoning and Rituals

In the past, people tried to summon Asmodeus using rituals found in books like the Lemegeton and the Grimorium Verum. Sorcerers, magicians, or occultists did these rituals to gain secret knowledge or affect people’s love lives. They were very careful, since Asmodeus was known to be rebellious and tricky.

These books say the person doing the ritual had to stand the whole time and wear a cap or headdress for respect and protection. If the magician sat down or uncovered his head, Asmodeus was said to be able to trick him.

People often used incense like sulfur or strong-smelling resins to create the right atmosphere for the spirit’s heavy energy. These practices gave warlocks and witches a bad reputation during the witch-hunt era, as they were accused of making deals with Asmodeus to cause problems such as impotence or marital trouble.

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Frequently Asked Questions