Lexical Summary basanos: Torment, Torture Original Word: βάσανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance torment. Perhaps remotely from the same as basis (through the notion of going to the bottom); a touch-stone, i.e. (by analogy) torture -- torment. see GREEK basis HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 931 básanos – originally, a black, silicon-based stone used as "a touchstone" to test the purity of precious metals (like silver and gold). See 928 (basanízō). [In the papyri, basanos also means, "touchstone," "test" (so P Oxy I. 58.25, 931 (basanois) was "originally (from oriental origin) a touchstone; a 'Lydian stone' used for testing gold because pure gold rubbed on it left a peculiar mark. Then it was used for examination by torture. Sickness was often regarded as 'torture' " (WP, 1, 37).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Oriental origin Definition a touchstone (a dark stone used in testing metals), hence examination by torture, torture NASB Translation pains (1), torment (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 931: βάσανοςβάσανος, βασάνου, ἡ (Curtius, p. 439); a. the touchstone (called also basanite, LatinlapisLydius), by which gold and other metals are tested. b. the rack or instrument of torture by which one is forced to divulge the truth. c. torture, torment, acute pains: used of the pains of disease, Matthew 4:24; of the torments of the wicked after death, ἐν βασάνοις ὑπάρχειν, Luke 16:23 (Wis. 3:1; 4 Macc. 13:14); hence, ὁ τόπος τῆς βασάνου is used of Gehenna, Luke 16:28. (In Greek writings from (Theognis), Pindar down.) Strong’s Greek number 931, basanos, denotes intense distress used to test or reveal reality, ranging from judicial interrogation by torture to the final anguish of the unrepentant. The noun is related to the verb basanizō (Strong’s 928), “to torment.” In Scripture the word group shifts from its forensic roots to an eschatological setting, depicting conscious, personal suffering under divine judgment. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 4:24 links “torments” with demonic oppression and severe sicknesses brought to Jesus for deliverance, underscoring His absolute authority over every form of agony. Luke 16:23 and Luke 16:28 place basanos in the after-death experience of the rich man, portraying sustained, self-aware anguish in Hades while awaiting final judgment. Together, these three texts show (1) present earthly misery overruled by Christ’s healing power and (2) irreversible post-mortem suffering for the unrepentant. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Although basanos itself is Greek, the Septuagint applies the verb basanizō to the afflictions of Egypt (Exodus 7:11) and Job’s sufferings (Job 19:2), introducing the notion of severe divine testing. Intertestamental literature (e.g., Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9; 2 Maccabees 7) develops a two-stage afterlife in which the righteous anticipate reward and the wicked endure torment, concepts reflected in Luke 16. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of the human heart: Torment exposes the truth about a person’s spiritual condition (cf. Luke 16:25). Eschatological Dimensions Basanos anticipates the final sentence pronounced at the great white throne. The experience in Luke 16 is not annihilation but ongoing pain: “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24). This anticipates Revelation’s portrayal of eternal, conscious punishment, affirming continuity between the intermediate state and the final fate of the wicked. Pastoral and Homiletical Implications • Evangelistic urgency: The reality of post-mortem torment calls hearers to repentance “today” (Hebrews 3:13). Applications for Ministry Today 1. Counseling the afflicted: Direct the tormented to the compassionate authority of Jesus, encouraging faith for deliverance and endurance. Summary Basanos underscores the stark reality of torment in both temporal affliction and eternal judgment. It magnifies Christ’s present power to heal and His future role as Judge, compelling the church to proclaim the full counsel of God with compassion and urgency. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:24 N-DFPGRK: νόσοις καὶ βασάνοις συνεχομένους καὶ NAS: diseases and pains, demoniacs, KJV: and torments, and INT: diseases and pains oppressed and Luke 16:23 N-DFP Luke 16:28 N-GFS Strong's Greek 931 |
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