βασανίζω

I torment, torture, buffet

Definition

The verb βασανίζω primarily means 'to torment' or 'to torture,' often involving severe physical or mental suffering. In its literal sense, it describes the torment of demon-possessed individuals (Matthew 8:29, Mark 5:7) and the physical torture of the wicked in Revelation (Revelation 9:5, 11:10). It also carries a metaphorical sense of being 'harassed' or 'buffeted,' as seen when disciples' boats are battered by waves (Matthew 14:24, Mark 6:48). A derived, more technical meaning from its etymology is 'to examine by testing,' as with a touchstone, though this sense is less prominent in the New Testament.

Biblical Usage

βασανίζω is used 12 times across the Gospels, one Epistle, and Revelation. In the Gospels, it describes the torment feared by demons (Matthew 8:29, Luke 8:28) and the distress of physical illness (Matthew 8:6) or storms (Matthew 14:24). In 2 Peter 2:8, it describes Lot's torment over the sin of Sodom. In Revelation, it is used repeatedly for the literal, eschatological torment of the unrighteous (Revelation 9:5, 12:2).

Etymology

Derived from the noun βάσανος (basanos, G931), which originally referred to a 'touchstone' used to test the purity of metals. This gave rise to the sense of 'testing' or 'examination,' which then developed into the more severe meanings of 'torture' (as a means of examination) and general 'torment.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays the reality of spiritual conflict and divine judgment. It highlights the torment experienced by those under demonic influence and, most starkly, the final, just punishment of the wicked in Revelation. Understanding its range—from harassment to severe torture—deepens the gravity of passages on suffering, evil, and eschatological justice.

In the Greco-Roman world, βασανίζω was strongly associated with judicial torture used to extract testimony or confessions from slaves and lower-class persons. This cultural backdrop of state-sanctioned brutality informs its New Testament usage, adding a layer of severity and legal/punitive connotation, especially in Revelation's imagery of judgment.

κολάζω (kolazō, G2849) — emphasizes punishment, often with a corrective intent. θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — means to press, oppress, or afflict, generally less severe than torture. ὀδυνάω (odynaō, G3600) — focuses on inner pain, grief, or mental anguish.

Word Details

Scripture References