δαίμων

an evil-spirit, demon

Definition

The Greek word δαίμων refers to an evil spirit or demon, a malevolent supernatural being opposed to God and hostile to humanity. In the New Testament, it consistently describes unclean spirits that possess individuals, causing physical and mental torment, as seen in the demoniacs of Matthew 8:31 and Luke 8:29. In Revelation, the term broadens to include demonic spirits that perform signs and deceive the nations (Revelation 16:14) and are associated with the utter desolation of fallen Babylon (Revelation 18:2). Unlike the neutral or sometimes positive sense of 'divine spirit' in broader Greek literature, the biblical usage is exclusively negative.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δαίμων is used five times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels' narratives of Jesus's exorcisms. It appears in contexts where demons recognize Jesus's authority, beg not to be tormented, and request entry into a herd of pigs (Matthew 8:31, Mark 5:12, Luke 8:29). The two occurrences in Revelation shift to an apocalyptic context, describing demonic spirits emanating from the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet to gather kings for battle (Revelation 16:14) and inhabiting a ruined city (Revelation 18:2).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb δαίω (daiō, 'to distribute' or 'to allot'), δαίμων originally meant a 'divider' or 'distributor' of destinies—a lesser deity or guiding spirit. In classical Greek, it could denote any divine power, sometimes neutrally or even positively (as in Socrates's 'daimonion'). However, by the New Testament era, especially in Jewish and Christian thought influenced by monotheism and the conflict with evil, the term had taken on a uniformly negative connotation, specifically identifying malevolent, unclean spirits.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the New Testament's understanding of spiritual conflict and Christ's authority. Demons (δαίμονες) represent the forces of Satan actively opposing God's kingdom. Jesus's encounters with them demonstrate His supreme power over all evil spirits, a key sign of the inbreaking kingdom of God (Luke 11:20). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the cosmic battle between good and evil and affirming Jesus's identity as the Son of God who has come to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

In the Greco-Roman world, 'daimones' were often viewed as intermediary spirits between gods and humans, capable of being either benevolent or malicious. However, within Second Temple Jewish and early Christian context—shaped by monotheism and the struggle against idolatry—these beings were redefined exclusively as evil, unclean spirits in rebellion against the one true God. This represents a significant theological shift from the ambient pagan culture, framing them not as neutral forces but as enemies in a spiritual war.

πνεῦμα πονηρόν (pneuma ponēron, G4151/G4190) — a more general term for 'evil spirit,' often used interchangeably with δαίμων in narrative contexts. δαιμόνιον (daimonion, G1140) — a diminutive form used far more frequently (over 60 times) in the NT, essentially synonymous but perhaps emphasizing the spirit's nature or activity.

Word Details

Scripture References