Is Satan omnipresent?

TL;DR:

Satan is not omnipresent. Unlike God, who fills heaven and earth, Satan is a created being who moves from place to place and operates within a limited domain.

Satan is a created being (Ezekiel 28:12–17) and, like all created beings, is limited. One such limit is his inability to be everywhere at once (omnipresent). He is, instead, described as moving from place to place (Job 1:7b, 2:2b; 1 Peter 5:8), seeking out people to tempt. He also leaves a place when he is finished to move to another (Luke 4:13). Additionally, he is not in both heaven and earth simultaneously (Job 1:6–7; Revelation 12:9) and is described as ruling within a particular sphere (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Omnipresence is a characteristic unique to divinity, so only God is everywhere at once. Of Him we learn that He is in both heaven and Earth at the same time (Psalm 139:7–10) and that He fills all of creation at once (Jeremiah 23:23–24). Conversely, Satan is limited and must delegate work to the other fallen angels to circle the Earth (Matthew 12:24–26; 25:41; Ephesians 6:12).

from the old testament

Satan is a created being, meaning he is inherently limited. Ezekiel 28:12–17, understood by many conservative interpreters to describe Satan’s fall, states, “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15). Being created implies that he cannot share divine qualities, like omnipresence.
Only God can be everywhere at once. David rhetorically asks of God, "Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?", noting that God is everywhere (Psalm 139:7–12).
In contrast, Satan is described as moving from place to place. For example, in Job, he has to present himself to God. When he does, the text says that he was previously “going to and fro on the earth, and … walking up and down on it” (Job 1:7b; cf. 2:2b). Having to move from one place to another (both to search out for someone and to report to God) shows that Satan has a localized presence.

from the new testament

Satan operates within a specific domain, so his authority is limited to a particular region rather than universal. He is referred to as the “prince of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). While God will eventually confine him in hell (Revelation 20:10), for now, He allows Satan to move around the Earth.
Even within the Earth, Satan is limited to being in one location at a time. For example, after he tempted Jesus, he “departed from him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13b), suggesting that he moves around to carry out his plans.
Satan's limitations means he must delegate his work to his subordinates. Jesus describes Satan and his demons as a “kingdom” (Matthew 12:24–26) collectively destined for hell (Matthew 25:41). Some interpret Ephesians 6:12 to mean that Satan’s kingdom contains a hierarchy of rulers. Satan needs help because he can’t be everywhere at once.

implications for today

Movies depict Satan as an almost unstoppable force, one whose power is so potent that we're powerless against him. But like much in Hollywood, that depiction is false. Satan is a created being just as we are. He doesn't have any "omnis"—he isn't omnipotent, omniscient, nor omnipresent. While he is a fierce adversary, He can't overtake us if we resist him (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7).

Speaking of movies, if Scripture were a film, Satan wouldn't even have the starring role, maybe not even a supporting one. Instead, Scripture focuses on our sin and God's unfolding plan of redemption in Christ. We can't even blame our sin on Satan directly. While he tempts us, sin comes from our own sinful desires which give birth to rebellious acts (James 1:14–15).

God, unlike Satan, is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–10), and when Jesus returns, every sin we thought was hidden will be made public (Ecclesiastes 12:14). We will all be judged. God will hold Satan accountable, but it will be for his sin, not ours. For our sin, God will hold us accountable—-unless we're covered in Christ's righteousness.

If you have repented and trusted in Jesus’ death as payment for your sin, then God has already punished Jesus and there will be no future punishment for you (Romans 8:1). But if you haven't, you will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15). Turn to Christ today and be secure for now and eternity. He is your only escape from God’s coming wrath (Romans 5:9)!

understand

Satan is a created being, so he does not share God's omnipresence.
Only God fills heaven and earth; Satan moves from place to place and operates within a limited sphere.
Satan's use of demons to carry out his actions implies the limits of his finite nature.

reflect

How does remembering that Satan is not everywhere reshape the way you think about spiritual warfare?
In what ways are you tempted to attribute power to Satan that properly belongs to God alone?
How might trusting God's omnipresence bring peace in moments of fear or temptation?

engage

In what ways do cultural portrayals of Satan exaggerate his power, and how can Scripture correct those misconceptions?
How does understanding that Satan is created and limited reshape the way we talk about spiritual warfare?
How should a proper understanding of Satan's limitations guard against both spiritual paranoia and spiritual complacency?