What are jinn?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In Arabic and Islamic literature and legend, jinn (singular jinni ; also spelled djinni or genie ) are believed to be spiritual beings. They are found in the Quran, but the concept of jinn has existed in Arabic culture prior to the formation of the Muslim faith. The technical definition of the Arabic word jinn is "to hide." The Encyclopedia Britannica says: "Belief in jinn was common in early Arabia, where they were thought to inspire poets and soothsayers. Even Muhammad originally feared that his revelations might be the work of jinn." According to traditional beliefs, these supernatural beings exist at a level below that of angels and demons but above that of humans. They are supposedly able to spiritually possess or inhabit inanimate objects, and they are able to choose to do good or evil. According to the Quran, jinn are subject to final judgment and will be sent to paradise or hell, depending on their earthly actions. Though there are similarities between jinn within Islam and demons within Christianity, they are not fully equivalent to each other. The Bible does not describe the beings known as jinn.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Demons are fallen angels; at one point some of the angels rebelled like Satan and thereby became demons (Isaiah 14:12–15)
• Among others, the Old Testament mentions the following spiritual forces: angels (Genesis 19; Psalm 91:11; Daniel 6), cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10), seraphim (Isaiah 6:2), nephilim (Genesis 6:1–4), and Satan (Job 1—2; Zechariah 3:1–2).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament records demons as fallen angels (Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 2:4).
• The Bible does not specifically mention jinn, but it does discuss spiritual forces within the heavenly realms (2 Corinthians 10:3–4; Ephesians 6:12).
• Among others, the New Testament mentions the following spiritual forces: angels (Hebrews 1:14; 13:2), demons (Luke 4:41; Jude 1:6), and living creatures (Revelation 4:6–9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God created humans and all the heavenly beings with a singular purpose: to serve and worship Him. We cannot confirm any concrete belief in the existence of jinn. We know that the Quran contradicts the Bible on many points, so we cannot trust that what it says about jinn is truthful (John 17:17). All that we need to know about the supernatural realm and the beings that inhabit it can be found within the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We can trust that God's Word is perfect, just as He is (Psalm 12:6; 19:7; 119:89). We also know that God's "divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). We need not be concerned with jinn but should rather focus on the things of God that He has revealed to us.

UNDERSTAND

• Jinn are supernatural beings in Arabic and Islamic tradition but are not mentioned in the Bible.
• The Bible discusses spiritual forces, but jinn are not included.
• God's Word contains everything we need to know about the supernatural realm, so we should focus on biblical teachings rather than extrabiblical beliefs like jinn.

REFLECT

• How does the reality of the spiritual realm influence the way you view daily decisions and interactions?
• How do you trust the Bible as the primary source for understanding the supernatural world?
• How do you understand other religions’ explanations of spiritual creatures like jinn through the lens of what the Bible says?

ENGAGE

• In Muslim belief, jinn are fully capable of doing both good and evil by choosing to either accept or reject Islam. Muslims believe that angels cannot sin or become corrupted, but the Bible teaches that Satan was an angel who sinned (Isaiah 14:12). Muslims believe that Satan (Shaitan) was a jinni at first, meaning he started at the level below angels.
• According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, there are a few different types of jinn: "Ghūl (treacherous spirits of changing shape), 'ifrīt (diabolic, evil spirits), and si'lā (treacherous spirits of invariable form)." Other classifications of jinn sometimes also include: Jann (considered the father of all jinn, snakelike and primitive) and Marid (the jinn with the greatest amount of power, the strongest).
• What are the differences between the Bible’s portrayal of spiritual beings (angels, demons) and other cultural or religious perspectives? How should this affect our understanding of spiritual warfare?