Word Study for G1139 (δαιμονίζομαι)

daimonízomai /dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee/ Ask about this word

Meaningmiddle voice from δαίμων; to be exercised by a dæmon

KJV usagehave a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil(-s).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of daimonízomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word daimonízomai, represented by G1139, means to be exercised by a dæmon or to be possessed with a devil. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in the Gospels to describe a state of being under the severe influence or control of a demonic spirit, an affliction from which individuals were brought to Jesus to be healed.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1139 is used to describe a range of conditions. It is associated with physical ailments, as in the case of a man who was brought to Jesus who was possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb Matthew 12:22. The condition could also manifest in behavior, such as the two "exceeding fierce" men coming out of the tombs Matthew 8:28. The state is described as a source of great suffering, as when a Canaanite woman cries out that her daughter is "grievously vexed with a devil" Matthew 15:22. Deliverance from this state is marked by a return to normalcy and sanity, as seen in the man with the legion who, after being healed, was found "clothed, and in his right mind" Mark 5:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the context of demonic influence and divine healing:

G1140 daimónion (a dæmonic being): This noun refers to the spirit itself, while G1139 describes the state of being possessed. The distinction is made in John 10:21, where some question if the words spoken are from one that hath a devil G1139, asking, "Can a devil G1140 open the eyes of the blind?"
G2323 therapeúō (to heal, cure): This word is frequently used to describe Jesus' response to those afflicted. In a summary of His ministry, it is noted that people brought Him all who were sick, including those possessed with devils G1139, and He "healed G2323 them" Matthew 4:24.
G4982 sṓzō (to save, heal, make whole): This term highlights the deliverance aspect of the healing. Witnesses reported how the man who was possessed of the devils G1139 "was healed G4982" Luke 8:36, connecting the act to salvation and restoration.
G4993 sōphronéō (to be of sound mind): This word describes the result of being freed from demonic possession. The man who was formerly possessed with the devil G1139 was later seen "in his right mind G4993," showing a restoration of sanity and self-control Mark 5:15.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1139 is significant in the Gospels, as it serves to illustrate key truths about Christ's ministry.

Reality of Spiritual Conflict: The use of daimonízomai establishes the existence of hostile spiritual forces that can directly affect humanity, causing torment Matthew 4:24 and destructive behavior Matthew 8:28.
Demonstration of Christ's Authority: The encounters with individuals who are possessed with devils consistently provide the context for Jesus to demonstrate His absolute power and authority. He casts out spirits effortlessly, often with just a word Matthew 8:16, proving His dominion over the spiritual realm.
The Nature of True Healing: The healing of those possessed with a devil shows that Christ's work goes beyond physical cures. It is a complete restoration that includes spiritual deliverance and a return to a "right mind" Mark 5:15, signifying the wholeness that comes from His power.

Summary

In summary, G1139 is a specific and powerful term that describes the condition of being demonized. While appearing only a few times, its use is critical in the Gospel accounts. It provides the backdrop for some of Jesus' most profound miracles, revealing the reality of spiritual opposition and, more importantly, showcasing the unrivaled authority of Jesus Christ to heal, save, and restore those who are in bondage.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 3×
Aorist Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 2×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent: Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (7 verses); never once in the other 23.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.