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.
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).
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.
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.
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