βασανισμός (basanismos)
basanismos
torment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun basanismos describes a state of intense suffering or torment, derived from the verb for testing by touchstone. In ancient practice, this involved rubbing metal against a black siliceous stone to check its purity by the color of the streak left behind. The word shifts from this physical act of testing to the severe pain associated with torture.
It appears five times in the New Testament, almost exclusively within Revelation. The text uses it to depict the anguish of those under judgment, such as the torment experienced for five months in Revelation 9:5 or the ceaseless suffering described in Revelation 14:11. This usage emphasizes a condition of being tormented rather than just the act itself.
Translators typically render basanismos as "torment" to capture its heavy, oppressive weight. Unlike words for temporary pain, this term suggests a prolonged and acute distress that defines the state of the person suffering it. The imagery connects the idea of being tested or refined with the reality of severe punishment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a heavy, oppressive state of suffering that goes beyond momentary pain. It comes from an ancient practice of testing metal purity by rubbing it against a stone, but in Scripture it points to intense anguish. When you read about torment here, you are seeing the reality of separation from God's comfort and peace.
For believers, this serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the finality of judgment. It highlights why the gospel is so urgent: we are offered rescue from this fate through Christ's sacrifice. The hope lies not in avoiding trouble, but in finding rest in Him who takes away our sins.
Even when life feels difficult, remember that this word describes eternal separation, not your current struggles. God invites you to find true peace in His presence, where there is no more pain or mourning. Rest in the assurance that He has overcome the world and offers lasting comfort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- torment6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βασανισμοῦ3×
- βασανισμὸς2×
- βασανισμὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 9:5
They were given power, not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a person.
This verse specifies a limited duration for torment, showing that even judgment has boundaries set by God.
-
Revelation of John 14:11
The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.
Here the word emphasizes the ceaseless nature of suffering for those who reject God, with no day or night rest.
-
Revelation of John 18:7
However much she glorified herself and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’
This occurrence contrasts human pride with divine judgment, showing that self-exaltation leads to mourning and torment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does basanismos mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Is torment temporary or eternal?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 5 verses
They were given power, not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a…
Revelation of John 14:11The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and…
Revelation of John 18:7However much she glorified herself and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her…
Revelation of John 18:10standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your…
Revelation of John 18:15The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand far away for the fear of her torment, weeping and…