The name Mastema is probable derived from the Hebrew, “Mastim”, the Hiphil participle of “Satam”, and it means ‘one who is adverse’ or ‘inimical.’ The word is equivalent to Satan (adversary). For they are meant for (the purposes of) destroying and misleading before my punishment because the evil of mankind is great.’ Then he said that a tenth of them should be left before him, while he would make nine parts descend to the place of judgment.” “When Mastema, the leader of the spirits, came, he said: ‘Lord creator, leave some of them before me let them listen to me and do everything that I tell them, because if none of them is left for me I shall not be able to exercise the authority of my will among mankind. He has no concern that he will be bound with the others.
He seems to be of a different nature than those evil spirits he is pleading for. God granted his request and allowed one tenth of the spirits to remain with Mastema, while the other nine parts would be condemned. He asked the Lord that some of the spirits might be allowed to remain with him to do his will. In the Book of Jubilees, Mastema seems to be identified with Satan.
