The Greek word básanos, represented by G931, refers to torment. Derived from a term meaning touch-stone, it is used by analogy for torture. The word appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, signifying specific forms of intense suffering.
The use of G931 occurs in two distinct contexts. In the Gospel of Matthew, torments are listed among a group of severe physical and mental afflictions that people suffered. These are presented alongside diseases G3554, being possessed with devils G1139, and paralysis, all of which Jesus healed Matthew 4:24. In Luke's Gospel, the word describes the state of the rich man after death, who is "in torments" G931 while in hell G86 Luke 16:23. He later refers to this realm as a "place of torment" from which he wishes to warn his brothers Luke 16:28.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which básanos is used:
- G3554 nósos: This word for disease, defined as a malady or sickness, appears with G931 in a list of afflictions Jesus healed Matthew 4:24.
- G1139 daimonízomai: Meaning to be exercised by a dæmon, this term is used for those possessed with devils and is listed alongside those in torments in the catalog of ailments brought to Jesus Matthew 4:24.
- G86 háidēs: Defined as "the place (state) of departed souls," this is the location where the rich man experiences torments G931, linking the term directly to a state of suffering after death Luke 16:23.
The theological weight of G931 is tied to its distinct uses:
- Christ's Authority Over Suffering: In Matthew, torments are presented as a category of profound human affliction that Christ has the power to heal. This demonstrates his authority over every form of suffering people experienced, from sickness to demonic oppression Matthew 4:24.
- Conscious State After Death: In Luke, the word provides a depiction of the afterlife. It describes torment as a conscious experience of suffering in hell G86, serving as a stark warning within the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:23, Luke 16:28).
In summary, G931 is a specific term for severe suffering. While it can describe extreme earthly afflictions that are subject to Christ's healing power, its most prominent theological use is to define the conscious state of torment experienced after death in hell (Hades). The word thus highlights both the scope of Jesus' earthly ministry and the reality of suffering in the afterlife.
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