The English word "satyr" (or its plural) in the King Jame Bible is derived from the Hebrew word saiyr (Strong's Concordance #H8163). Saiyr is recorded 59 times in 57 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in the book of Numbers (27 times) followed by Leviticus (21). It is only translated as "satyr" in Isaiah 13:21 and 34:14.
But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs (saiyr) shall dance there. (Isaiah 13:21, KJV throughout).
The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr (saiyr) shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. (Isaiah 34:14).
Saiyr, other than "satyr" in Isaiah, is variously translated twice as "hairy" (Genesis 27:11, 23), a "kid" of the goats 28 times (Genesis 37:31, Leviticus 4:23, etc.) and a "goat" 24 times (Leviticus 4:24, 9:15, etc.). It is also surprisingly translated as "devils" in two other places in the Bible.
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils (saiyr), after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. (Leviticus 17:7).
And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils (saiyr), and for the calves which he had made. (2Chronicles 11:15).
Characteristics
The only characteristics of satyrs mentioned in Scripture is their ability to dance (Isaiah 13:21) and cry out (34:14). Some Biblical commentaries, based on the use of saiyr in other parts of God's word, believe these two verses refer either to mythological beasts or to wild or shaggy goats.
In mythology satyrs are creatures of the wild, depicted as part man and part beast. They are often described as having the face, torso, and arms of a man, but with pointy ears and a tail of a goat. They may sometimes also have small horns and usually possess goatlike legs and hooves.
What Was It?
The Biblical Basis for Modern Science writes the following concerning what the word "satyr" may be referencing in Isaiah.
"The same is true for the "satyr" (Hebrew sair). This word most frequently means simply "he-goat" or "kid," but also occasionally may refer to demons.
"In Greek and Roman mythology, the satyr (or "faun") was said to be a creature that was half-man / half-goat, but there is no hint that any such meaning is attached to its Old Testament usage.
"In certain instances, it may possibly refer to wild goats that were demon possessed (like the swine of Gadara in Matthew 8:30 - 32) and thus to demons worshiped in the form of goat idols (2 Chronicles 11:15)." (chapter 12).
Symbolism in the Bible
The focus of Isaiah 34 is God's warning to the world that his day of vengeance is approaching (verses 1 - 2, 8). Known as the Day of the Lord, it is an end time period where God will punish all those on earth (especially Edom) for following the world system known as Babylon the Great (Revelation 14:8, 18:10, etc.). Satyrs symbolize the punishment and destruction humans will experience for refusing to repent of their sins.
Demons and Destruction
Bible evidence links saiyr, translated as "satyr" in the KJV version of Isaiah, to a far darker topic than it appears.
The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl (Hebrew liyliyth, Strong's #H3917) also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. (Isaiah 34:14).
The Hebrew liyliyth in Isaiah 34:14 is referencing Lilith, the name of a female goddess known as a night demon who haunts the desolate places of Edom (Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Definitions). Lilith was thought to be the mother of demons (1913 Catholic Encyclopedia) who, according to Jewish folklore, was a vampire-like child-killer (Infoplease).
The destruction of Edom will be such that it will only be fit for wild animals and devils. This fact is further confirmed when, in Revelation, an angel is sent to herald the destruction of Babylon the Great.
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become THE HABITATION OF DEVILS, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (Revelation 18:2).
Other Fascinating Facts
Satyrs were believed to be companions of the Greek pagan god Dionysus who was the deity of wine, theater, and celebration.
The pagan god Pan had goat legs and horns and was sometimes confused with a satyr.
Satyrs, in mythology, were known for their playful, sometimes boisterous, and often amorous nature, frequently depicted pursuing nymphs. They were fond of wine and parties and often appear as mischievous.
Satyrs played a significant role in ancient art and drama, notably in the Satyr plays that followed tragedies in Athenian festivals, offering a lighter, more boisterous counterpoint.
The 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica states the following about these mythical creatures.
"In some districts of modern Greece the spirits known as Calicantsars offer points of resemblance to the ancient satyrs; they have goats’ ears and the feet of asses or goats, are covered with hair, and love women and the dance. The herdsmen of Parnassus believe in a demon of the mountain who is lord of hares and goats."