δαιμονίζομαι

I am demon-possessed

Definition

The verb δαιμονίζομαι (daimonizomai) means to be under the control or influence of a demon. In the New Testament, it describes a state of demonic possession, where an evil spirit exerts power over a person's body, mind, or speech, often causing physical or mental distress (e.g., Matthew 8:28, 9:32). The term is used exclusively in the Gospels, primarily in Matthew and Mark, to depict the afflicted individuals whom Jesus heals through exorcism. It does not describe a mere temptation or external harassment by a demon, but a more profound state of internal oppression or control.

Biblical Usage

This word is used 13 times, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). It appears most frequently in Matthew (7 times) and Mark (5 times), with one occurrence in Luke. It is consistently used in narratives describing Jesus's healing ministry, specifically his acts of exorcism. The term identifies the condition of the person before Jesus intervenes, as seen in Matthew 4:24, 8:16, 8:28, and Mark 1:32. The pattern shows it is a technical term for the state from which Jesus delivers people.

Etymology

The word is a passive verb derived from δαίμων (daimōn), a Greek term for a lesser divine being or spirit. In the New Testament context and the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), δαίμων and its related forms almost always refer to evil, unclean spirits or idols, not neutral deities. Thus, δαιμονίζομαι specifically means 'to be acted upon by a demon.'

Semantic Range

This word is central to understanding the Gospel presentation of Jesus's authority over the spiritual realm. His power to free people from demonic possession (δαιμονίζομαι) is a key sign of the inbreaking Kingdom of God and his identity as the Messiah (Matthew 12:28). It highlights the reality of spiritual conflict and Jesus's ultimate victory over evil forces. Understanding this Greek term clarifies that the biblical authors saw these encounters as literal confrontations with hostile spiritual powers, not merely as ancient descriptions of mental illness.

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, belief in demons and spirit possession was widespread. The term δαιμονίζομαι would have been readily understood by both audiences as describing a severe form of affliction caused by an evil spirit. This cultural context differs from some modern secular perspectives that might reinterpret these accounts purely as psychological or medical conditions. For the original readers, these stories demonstrated Jesus's supreme authority over the entire spectrum of spiritual forces believed to influence human life.

ἐνεργέω (energeō, G1754) — to be at work; used for the 'working' of Satan or error, a broader term for demonic activity not necessarily implying full possession. πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον (pneuma akatharton, G169 + G167) — 'unclean spirit'; the entity causing the possession, whereas δαιμονίζομαι describes the state of the person.

Word Details

Scripture References