Definition and Context
Tormenting, in a biblical context, refers to the infliction of severe physical or mental suffering. It is often associated with punishment, spiritual warfare, and the consequences of sin. The concept of torment is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both temporal and eternal dimensions of suffering.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, torment is often depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God. The Israelites experienced torment through various plagues and oppressions when they turned away from God’s commandments. For example, in Deuteronomy 28:28-29, God warns of mental torment as a curse for disobedience: "The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, and at midday you will grope around like a blind man in the dark."

New Testament References
The New Testament expands on the theme of torment, particularly in the context of spiritual warfare and eternal judgment. In the Gospels, Jesus encounters individuals tormented by evil spirits. In Matthew 8:29, the demons recognize Jesus and cry out, "What do You want with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the appointed time?" This passage highlights the authority of Christ over demonic forces and their fear of impending judgment.

The concept of eternal torment is vividly described in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 14:10-11 speaks of the fate of those who worship the beast: "He too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever." This passage underscores the severity and permanence of divine judgment for unrepentant sin.

Spiritual Warfare
Torment is also a significant aspect of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to resist the devil and his schemes, which can include various forms of torment. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This spiritual battle can involve mental and emotional torment as believers strive to stand firm in their faith.

Deliverance and Hope
Despite the reality of torment, the Bible offers hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." This proclamation includes deliverance from spiritual torment and the promise of peace for those who trust in Him.

Practical Implications
For believers, understanding the biblical perspective on torment encourages vigilance in spiritual matters and reliance on God’s power for deliverance. Prayer, faith, and adherence to God’s Word are essential tools in overcoming torment and experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Torment.

2. (a.) Causing torment; as, a tormenting dream.

928. basanizo -- to torture
... buffet, as of waves. 928 (from 931 , "a tormenting trial") -- properly,
to examine (literally by using ). Word Origin from basanos ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/928.htm - 7k

2851. kolasis -- correction
... Trench); from living in the from one's (cf. at 1 Jn 4:18). Perfected love casts
out tormenting fear (2851 ). 1 Jn 4:17,18: " 17 By this ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2851.htm - 7k

Of the Man Out of whom the Unclean Spirit that was Tormenting Him ...
... Chapter II."Of the Man Out of Whom the Unclean Spirit that Was Tormenting Him Was
Cast, and of the Question Whether Mark's Version is Quite Consistent with ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter ii of the man out.htm

The Torment of Fear
... you watch such people, and still more if you watch yourselves, that if you do not
love your neighbours in spirit and in truth, then those tormenting fears soon ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxii the torment of.htm

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
... It is a possessing spirit, and according as we obey or disobey, it is a
guardian angel, or a tormenting fiend. We have disobeyed ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the original and the actual.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... But he specially describes the fear that will be gotten rid of as tormenting fear,
and this fear he declares that "perfect love casteth out." Now we can ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm

Hell on Earth
... No doubt there was a terrible confusion in the poor madman's mind about these evil
spirits, who were tormenting him, making him miserable, foul, and savage, in ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon ix hell on earth.htm

The True Nonconformist.
... A man has no business to waste time pondering over the details of his sacrifice
for Christ's sake, tormenting himself with deciding between what is right and ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the true nonconformist.htm

The Fourth Season,
... Now let us inquire how a Christian may keep his heart from distracting and
tormenting fears in times of great and threatening dangers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

I am Thine, oh save me.
... And what a solemn and awful revelation that is, we shall see more clearly, the more
we think of it. It may be a very dreadful and tormenting thought. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xv i.htm

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... world to come? Therefore, to show them that this loss of heaven will then be
most tormenting, let them now consider,. 1. The understanding ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

Entire Sanctification
... the strong man armed "take away the armor in which he trusted, wash the polluted
heart, destroy every foul and abominable desire, all tormenting and unholy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

Tormenting (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Torment. 2. (a.) Causing torment; as, a tormenting
dream. Multi-Version Concordance Tormenting (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/tormenting.htm - 7k

Tormented (17 Occurrences)

/t/tormented.htm - 11k

Tormentor (1 Occurrence)

/t/tormentor.htm - 7k

What are evil spirits? | GotQuestions.org

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Tormenting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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