Strong's Lexicon basanistés: Torturer, tormentor Original Word: βασανιστής Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb βασανίζω (basanizō), meaning "to torture" or "to torment." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "basanistés," the concept of torment and judgment can be related to Hebrew terms such as יָסַר (yasar), meaning "to discipline" or "to chastise," and עָנָה (anah), meaning "to afflict" or "to oppress." Usage: The term "basanistés" refers to one who inflicts pain or torment, often in a judicial or punitive context. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral torment. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, a "basanistés" was often associated with the role of an interrogator or executioner who would extract information or confessions through torture. This concept was familiar in the Roman world, where physical punishment was a common method of maintaining order and extracting truth. The term carries a strong connotation of judgment and punishment, reflecting the harsh realities of ancient judicial systems. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 930 basanistḗs (from 928 /basanízō) – a guard in a prison "whose function was to torture prisoners as a phase of judicial examination – prison guard, torturer" (L & N, 1, 37.126). See 928 (basanizō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom basanizó Definition a torturer NASB Translation torturers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 930: βασανιστήςβασανιστής, βασανιστου, ὁ (βασανίζω), one who elicits the truth by the use of the rack, an inquisitor, torturer, ((Antiphon, others); Demosthenes, p. 978, 11; Philo in Flacc. § 11 end; (de concupisc. § 1; quod omn. prob. book 16; Plutarch, an vitios. ad infel. suff. § 2)); used in Matthew 18:34 of a jailer (δεσμοφύλαξ Acts 16:23), doubtless because the business of torturing was also assigned to him. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tormentor. From basanizo; a torturer -- tormentor. see GREEK basanizo Forms and Transliterations βασανισταις βασανισταίς βασανισταῖς basanistais basanistaîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |