The Greek word basanismós, represented by G929, means torment. Derived from a verb meaning to torture, it appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Revelation. This term denotes a severe and specific type of suffering, often in the context of divine judgment.
In its biblical usage, G929 is exclusively found in apocalyptic visions of judgment. In Revelation 9:5, the pain inflicted by symbolic locusts is described as a torment like that of a scorpion's sting. The word appears twice in this verse to emphasize the nature of the affliction. The eternal consequence for worshipping the beast is described as a torment whose smoke ascends forever, with those afflicted having no rest Revelation 14:11. The term is also used three times to describe the fate of Babylon, whose punishment of torment and sorrow is directly proportional to her self-glorification Revelation 18:7. This torment is so dreadful that onlookers, the merchants and kings, stand far off in fear of it (Revelation 18:10, 15).
Several related words help clarify the scope and context of G929:
- G928 basanízō (to torture): This is the root verb from which basanismós is derived. It describes the action of tormenting, as when the two prophets tormented the dwellers of the earth Revelation 11:10 or when demonic spirits feared being tormented by Jesus before the appointed time Matthew 8:29.
- G5401 phóbos (fear, terror): This is the emotional response to the sight of the judgment associated with basanismós. Merchants stand at a distance out of fear of Babylon's torment Revelation 18:10.
- G3997 pénthos (grief, sorrow): This word is explicitly paired with torment as a component of Babylon's judgment, indicating a state of profound emotional anguish alongside physical or spiritual pain Revelation 18:7.
- G372 anápausis (rest): This term is used in direct contrast to torment. Those who experience the torment of G929 are described as having no rest day or night, highlighting the relentless nature of the suffering Revelation 14:11.
The theological weight of G929 is centered on the concept of divine judgment.
- A Consequence of Pride and Sin: The word is used as a direct response to rebellion and arrogance. Babylon receives torment and sorrow in direct measure to how she glorified herself and lived deliciously Revelation 18:7.
- A Manifestation of Divine Justice: Torment is presented as a component of God's righteous judgment against evil. It is the fate of those who worship the beast Revelation 14:11 and the punishment for the great city Babylon Revelation 18:10.
- An Intense and Feared Experience: The suffering described is not passive but an active torment that evokes fear in all who witness it Revelation 18:15. Its severity is likened to a scorpion's sting, a vivid illustration of its painful reality Revelation 9:5.
In summary, G929 is a powerful and specific term for torment within the New Testament. Confined to the book of Revelation, it is not a general word for hardship but describes the severe, conscious suffering that constitutes divine judgment upon unrepentant sin and rebellion. It is defined by what it is—an affliction as painful as a scorpion's sting—and by what it is not—a state with any possibility of rest.
TRV