### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **basanízō**, represented by `{{G928}}`, is defined as to torture, with a range of meanings including to **pain**, **toil**, **torment**, **toss**, and **vex**. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating its use in describing various forms of severe affliction, from physical struggle to eschatological punishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G928}}` is applied to several distinct types of suffering. It describes the physical hardship of being **tossed** by waves [[Matthew 14:24]] or **toiling** in rowing against the wind [[Mark 6:48]]. It also depicts acute physical pain, such as the suffering of a man with palsy who was "grievously **tormented**" [[Matthew 8:6]] and a woman "**pained** to be delivered" in childbirth [[Revelation 12:2]]. In a spiritual context, demons fear being **tormented** by Jesus before the appointed time ([[Matthew 8:29]], [[Mark 5:7]]). The word also signifies the mental anguish of a righteous person, as Lot "**vexed** his righteous soul" over the lawless deeds he witnessed [[2 Peter 2:8]]. Finally, it describes the ultimate divine judgment, where the devil and those who worship the beast will be **tormented** with fire and brimstone ([[Revelation 20:10]], [[Revelation 14:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G928}}` is used:
* `{{G929}}` **basanismós** (torment): This noun form, derived directly from `{{G928}}`, means torture. It is used to describe the nature of the affliction inflicted, such as the five-month **torment** like that of a scorpion's sting [[Revelation 9:5]].
* `{{G5605}}` **ōdínō** (travail in birth): This word, meaning to experience the pains of parturition, is used in direct parallel with `{{G928}}` to describe the woman in Revelation who was "**travailing in birth**" and "**pained** to be delivered" [[Revelation 12:2]].
* `{{G2896}}` **krázō** (to cry out): This verb, meaning to scream or shriek, often depicts the vocal reaction to being tormented. Demons **cried** out, begging Jesus not to torment them [[Mark 5:7]], and the woman in childbirth **cried** out while pained [[Revelation 12:2]].
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word for **fire** is frequently mentioned as the instrument of eschatological torment. Those who worship the beast will be tormented with **fire** and brimstone [[Revelation 14:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G928}}` is demonstrated across its various applications:
* **Hardship in a Fallen World:** The word is used for natural struggles, such as being **tossed** by a storm [[Matthew 14:24]] or the pain of childbirth [[Revelation 12:2]], reflecting the toil and suffering inherent in the human condition.
* **Spiritual Conflict and Authority:** The fear of being **tormented** expressed by demons highlights the absolute authority of Christ over evil spiritual forces [[Matthew 8:29]]. Their plea shows they recognize His power to inflict judgment.
* **The Anguish of Righteousness:** The use of `{{G928}}` to describe how Lot's soul was **vexed** illustrates the deep pain a righteous person can feel when surrounded by sin [[2 Peter 2:8]]. Similarly, the two prophets are said to have **tormented** the inhabitants of the earth, likely through the conviction of their testimony [[Revelation 11:10]].
* **Final Divine Judgment:** The most severe use of `{{G928}}` relates to eschatological punishment. It describes the eternal **torment** of the devil in the lake of fire and brimstone [[Revelation 20:10]], serving as a stark depiction of final justice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G928}}` is a powerful word that conveys intense suffering. Its meaning shifts with context, spanning from the physical **toil** of sailors and the **pain** of disease to the spiritual **vexation** of the righteous and the ultimate, unending **torment** of divine judgment. It consistently signifies a severe and trying ordeal, whether endured in the natural world, in spiritual warfare, or in the final judgment to come.
TRV