### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **baskaínō**, represented by `{{G940}}`, means to malign or, by extension, to fascinate by false representations, and is translated as **bewitch**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, highlighting a specific and powerful form of spiritual deception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G940}}` is found in a pointed question to the churches in Galatia. Paul asks, "O foolish Galatians, who hath **bewitched** you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" [[Galatians 3:1]]. The context reveals that this "bewitching" is a turning away from the clear and simple truth of the gospel, which had been plainly presented to them, toward a fascination with misleading teachings.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context help clarify the meaning of being bewitched:
* `{{G453}}` **anóētos** (foolish): This describes the state of the Galatians who allowed themselves to be bewitched, indicating that turning from the truth is an act of spiritual foolishness [[Galatians 3:1]].
* `{{G225}}` **alḗtheia** (truth): This is the objective reality of the gospel that the Galatians were turning away from. Their bewitchment caused them to disobey the **truth** [[Galatians 3:1]].
* `{{G4270}}` **prográphō** (evidently set forth): This verb emphasizes how clearly and publicly Jesus Christ had been presented to them, making their distraction by false representations all the more baffling.
* `{{G3982}}` **peíthō** (obey, persuade): The effect of being bewitched was a failure to **obey** or be persuaded by the truth they had already received [[Galatians 3:1]].
* `{{G4717}}` **stauróō** (crucify): The central truth that was so clearly set forth was that of a **crucified** Christ. The bewitching was an attack on this foundational doctrine [[Galatians 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G940}}` is concentrated in its single, impactful use. It warns against specific spiritual dangers:
* **Fascination with Falsehood:** To be bewitched is to be fascinated and led astray by false representations, turning believers away from the core message of the gospel.
* **The Antidote of Truth:** The bewitching is directly contrasted with the clear presentation of Jesus Christ **crucified** `{{G4717}}`. The remedy for such deception is a firm focus on the truth of the gospel.
* **Spiritual Vulnerability:** Paul’s question, "who hath **bewitched** you," implies that believers can be susceptible to malicious spiritual influence if they lose sight of the truth that was **evidently set forth** `{{G4270}}` before them.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G940}}` **baskaínō**, though rare, provides a critical warning. It describes a potent spiritual deception that fascinates and misleads believers away from the foundational truth of Christ's crucifixion. Its use in [[Galatians 3:1]] serves as a timeless caution against abandoning the clarity of the gospel for teachings that obscure or distort it.
TRV